Foley & Lardner LLP announced yesterday that the firm has bolstered its Innovative Technology capabilities and Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Practice with the addition of partner Joe Swanson in Tampa.
Swanson advises clients on a variety of issues related to cybersecurity and privacy. He brings significant experience investigating, responding to, and handling litigation and regulatory inquiries related to data breaches, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, business email compromises, wire diversion schemes, and similar cyber incidents. Swanson also provides guidance on state and federal privacy laws and regulations to help clients safeguard sensitive information and maintain legal compliance.
Drawing from his experience as a former federal prosecutor, Swanson also represents clients in government and criminal investigations and conducts internal investigations. His experience in this area encompasses a range of issues, such as False Claims Act matters, cybercrime, government contracting, theft of government property, health care, securities, public company accounting, and compliance with professional standards of conduct. Additionally, Swanson defends companies, executives, and directors in shareholder and high-stakes commercial litigation and class actions. These matters have included securities claims, trade secret disputes, claims for breach of fiduciary duty, and claims for fraud and unfair trade practices.
“Joe’s skillset and first-hand government experience enhances our team’s capabilities as our clients face increasing threats from cybersecurity and data privacy incidents,” said Lisa Noller, chair of Foley’s Litigation Department and its Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Practice. “He further deepens our bench of interdisciplinary litigators and former U.S. federal prosecutors and will be a valuable resource for our clients.”
“Joe is a well-regarded attorney in Tampa with an impressive background in key growth areas for the firm,” said Randy Wolfe, managing partner of Foley’s Tampa office. “He’s a great addition to our team, both in Tampa and nationally, and we are delighted to welcome him on board.”
Swanson joins Foley from Carlton Fields in Tampa. Before that, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. In that role, Swanson prosecuted offenses involving cybercrimes, obstruction of justice, tax fraud, and money laundering. He tried multiple cases to verdict and handled hundreds of hearings and other proceedings on behalf of the government. Swanson also served as the Tampa office’s computer hacking and intellectual property coordinator.
“Foley’s impressive depth and strength in cybersecurity and government enforcement attracted me as I continue to focus on building my practice in these areas,” said Swanson. “Additionally, the firm’s national platform, resources, and innovative culture offer many growth opportunities. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to working alongside my new colleagues.”
