Leading independent Australian law firm Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) has appointed Phillip Magness as a Special Counsel in its national Cybersecurity, Privacy & Technology team. Phillip is based in Melbourne and joins JWS from Herbert Smith Freehills.
Phillip is a senior technology lawyer with more than 20 years of combined experience in cyber law, cybercrime, digital forensics and cybersecurity. He has advised some of Australia’s and the world’s largest companies on data protection, cyber resilience, privacy, contractual and regulatory compliance, critical infrastructure and telecommunications law, and technology-related transactions.
Phillip has a unique combination of legal, cyber, regulatory and investigative expertise, having worked as an Australian Federal Police officer for 18 years before becoming a lawyer. During this time, he specialised in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation. He was also an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University’s Centre for Cyber Security and Innovation.
Phillip will be part of the firm’s Cybersecurity, Privacy & Technology practice, and will also work with the JWS Board Advisory & Governance team to help clients and their boards manage cyber risk.
Managing Partner Jeremy Davis said, “We look forward to having Phillip on board at JWS. His appointment is part of the firm’s continued focus on strengthening our cybersecurity and broader technology capability.”
Technology Partner Helen Clarke said, “Phillip’s expertise is a valuable asset for our clients given the increasing sophistication and frequency of cybersecurity threats, and the significant need for sound cybersecurity strategy, advice on cyber and data security risks, and guidance on cyber incidents and data breaches as and when they arise.”
Phillip said, “I am excited to join JWS, a firm renowned for its expertise in technology law and tech-related transactions. I look forward to working with Helen Clarke and the broader team to strengthen our clients’ cyber resilience, navigate cyber incidents, and deliver leading privacy and technology law advice.”
About Johnson Winter Slattery
JWS is a leading independent Australian law firm of more than 450 people, including 85+ partners. The firm is engaged by major corporates and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes.
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