DLA Piper announced that Michael Hazzard has joined the firm's Litigation practice as a partner in Washington, DC.

Hazzard's litigation practice focuses on defending companies in consumer class action matters, primarily regarding technology, data privacy and communications marketing. He also defends companies in government-plaintiff actions, state attorney general actions, and federal and state agency investigations, including investigations initiated by the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and state public service and consumer protection agencies.In addition to his litigation work, Hazzard counsels technology and consumer-oriented companies on global consumer protection, privacy and communications regulatory matters.

""Mike's litigation practice will complement and expand our ability to represent companies in a variety of matters, strengthening our existing platform for the benefit of a wide range of clients,"" said James Brogan, co-chair of DLA Piper's US Litigation practice. ""His skillset and significant experience with major privacy and consumer protection statutes involving data sharing, storage and usage will deepen our bench in a number of crucial areas.""
 
""Mike brings an impressive track record serving as lead litigation counsel in matters involving a wide range of data security, competition, privacy and technology issues,"" said Jeff Lehrer, managing partner of the firm’s Washington, DC, office. ""I have known Mike for many years, and he will be a valuable addition to our global platform.""
 
Hazzard, who joins from Jones Day, received his J.D. from the George Mason University Antonin Scalia School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.