Lawyer Recognized for Cybersecurity Litigation Expertise

News Summary

Samuel E. ‘Gene’ Fishel has been recognized as one of Virginia’s top lawyers in cybersecurity litigation. His inclusion in the ‘Go To Lawyers’ list highlights his extensive expertise and experience in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity law. Meanwhile, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP announces significant promotions within their firm, emphasizing their commitment to cybersecurity legal needs. Other recent incidents include a major cyberattack on Pinehurst Radiology Associates and a class action lawsuit against Richmond University Medical Center over a data breach, highlighting the ongoing threats to data privacy and security.

Prominent Lawyer Recognized for Cybersecurity Litigation Expertise

In a significant accolade for the legal community, Samuel E. “Gene” Fishel, a key member of Troutman Pepper Locke’s Regulatory Investigations, Strategy and Enforcement (RISE) Practice, has been named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly’s prestigious “Go To Lawyers” 2025 list for cybersecurity litigation. This recognition is not merely an honor; it positions Fishel as a beacon of knowledge and expertise in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity law. His inclusion in this distinguished list emphasizes his profound capabilities and the respect he commands within the industry.

The “Go To Lawyers” program shines a light on elite attorneys based on a rigorous selection process involving nominations and independent evaluation within their respective practice areas. Fishel stands out as an expert well-versed in case law, statutes, and regulations pertinent to cybersecurity. With over two decades of experience as a former regulator overseeing state privacy and cybersecurity regulation enforcement, Fishel is adept at navigating the complexities of this field.

His impressive background includes leading national and multistate attorneys general privacy investigations and prosecuting computer crimes at both state and federal levels. Fishel’s seasoned experience and strategic insights significantly enhance his ability to represent client interests efficiently in cybersecurity matters.

Troutman Pepper Locke’s RISE Practice Group, of which Fishel is a part, provides robust counsel on a plethora of legal and public policy matters, including compliance, reporting, litigation, and administrative appeals across heavily regulated sectors such as financial services, health care, and advertising. Boasting over 1,600 attorneys in more than 30 offices, the firm is well-equipped to serve diverse clients across major industry sectors like energy and healthcare.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Announces Major Promotions

In noteworthy developments, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP has announced the promotion of eight accomplished lawyers, effective April 1, 2025. This move reflects the firm’s commitment to recognizing talent and fostering client service. Among the notable promotions is Latosha M. Ellis, a litigation specialist from Washington, who focuses on insurance coverage counsel and claims resolution, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity issues.

Other prominent promotions include Ashley Kahn, who will leverage her experience in complex commercial litigation, and Maeve Malik, who enhances the firm’s privacy and cybersecurity law capabilities through her advisory role on compliance and incident response strategies. These promotions highlight the firm’s ongoing dedication to addressing the urgent legal needs related to cybersecurity and privacy compliance across various sectors.

Cyberattack Disrupts Operations at Pinehurst Radiology Associates

In a troubling incident underscoring the vulnerabilities in healthcare technology, Pinehurst Radiology Associates has been forced to close operations following a severe cyberattack. The practice detected suspicious network activity and promptly initiated an investigation, resulting in all systems being taken offline. This disruption has significantly affected patient services, notably the scheduling of mammography and ultrasound appointments.

The organization is actively collaborating with legal counsel and cybersecurity specialists to manage the aftermath of the attack. Furthermore, notifications have been dispatched to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies regarding the incident. To alleviate the impact on their patients, partner hospital FirstHealth has increased operational hours to accommodate those affected during this troubling interruption.

Class Action Lawsuit Filed Following Richmond University Medical Center Data Breach

Adding to the ongoing concerns surrounding data privacy, a class action lawsuit has emerged against Richmond University Medical Center following a significant data breach that occurred in May 2023. Plaintiffs Matthew Counts and Kaitia Charitable allege that the hospital failed to maintain adequate security measures, leading to a compromise of their personally identifiable and protected health information.

The lawsuit reveals that the plaintiffs were not informed of the breach until 19 months post-incident. While Richmond University Medical Center maintains that electronic health records were not affected, the lack of timely notification and transparency has raised serious concerns among patients. The plaintiffs claim emotional distress and potential financial harm from the breach and are seeking compensation through a jury trial.

Hanover County Public Schools Victimized by Data Breach

In another alarming breach, Hanover County Public Schools has confirmed that student data was stolen from PowerSchool, a technology provider widely used by K-12 districts across the nation. Approximately 17,000 students have been notified about this breach, raising serious questions about data protection measures in educational institutions.

Fortunately, neighboring Richmond and Chesterfield schools were not impacted, as they do not utilize PowerSchool’s services. The provider has stated that the threat was contained and any stolen data has been deleted, but the extent of compromised data in Virginia remains uncertain. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for robust cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive information.

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Additional Resources

• Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Promotions 2025
• Pilot Online: Pinehurst Radiology Associates Closure
• Staten Island Advance: Richmond University Medical Center Data Breach Lawsuit
• Axios: Hanover County Public Schools Data Breach
• Wikipedia: Cybersecurity