Today Secretariat, the preeminent litigation consulting, economic advisory, and expert witness firm, announces the creation of a new Data Solutions practice with the additions of industry veterans Jim Vint and Rebecca Patterson as new Managing Directors. Vint and Patterson join following the recent addition of eDiscovery and digital forensics expert Jon Fowler. Together, the new leaders and Data Solutions team add significant depth to the firm’s industry-leading disputes and regulatory advisory capabilities.

“Every legal and regulatory matter in today’s world involves a complex set of data, privacy, and security issues that must be addressed. To help our clients succeed in this environment requires a depth and breadth of technical expertise attuned to these ever-changing challenges. That is why I am excited to welcome Jim and Rebecca to our team of experts,” said Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. “Adding their knowledge and capabilities to the Secretariat team now is an important and natural next step in our growth strategy. Additionally, many of our people have worked with Jim and Rebecca, so we know their skills will add value to our global team and our clients right away.”

Secretariat’s new Data Solutions practice expands the firm’s expert-led capabilities with the addition of global experience in data-driven disputes and investigations; data analytics and automation; data security and privacy compliance; and data risk advisory. Collectively, Vint and Patterson have significant experience working with leading law firms and corporate clients to aggregate and analyze disparate sources of information, design data-driven workflows, and develop advanced analytics- and machine learning-based solutions in response to disputes, investigations, and litigation. Additionally, they work with clients to address existing and emerging data privacy and security compliance obligations and create customized solutions that address an organization’s unique data landscape and data risk profile.

Earlier in January, Secretariat welcomed Jon Fowler, a London-based expert in eDiscovery, digital forensics, and unstructured data analytics. He is experienced in leading and delivering on large, multi-jurisdictional disclosure exercises, with particular focus on financial regulatory investigations and large-scale complex litigation.

“We are extremely excited to join the experts at Secretariat. The Secretariat platform will facilitate our ability to engage with clients on their most critical data issues and address complexities around data risk,” said Vint. Patterson added, “Data risks are dynamic and evolving, particularly in the dispute and litigation portfolios managed by companies and law firms. Clarity and defensibility through data-driven solutions are more important than ever.”