NAME: Laura Funk
NEW JOB TITLE: Dallas-based partner, data privacy and cybersecurity practice, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
PREVIOUS POSITION: Frisco, Texas-based senior director, compliance and privacy, Conifer Health Solutions
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Data privacy and cybersecurity professionals, not just in legal practice, are a necessity in todays technology-driven society. At home and abroad, many jurisdictions have enacted or are in the process of developing data privacy regulations and having the appropriate experts on your side to ensure compliance is an absolute must.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My goal is simple to build upon what is already an amazing and robust team of data privacy and cybersecurity attorneys so that we can be the best advocates for our clients.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: In many spaces, regulatory changes occur at a snails pace. But that is not the case in data privacy. Ensuring that you are providing the best guidance based on the most recent regulatory interpretations adds that extra level of complexity to an already fast-paced and multifaceted matter.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first exposure to data privacy was while working in the compliance group at Conifer Health Solutions. From day one, I completed investigations into potential HIPAA-related incidents. During my time at Conifer, my responsibilities in privacy grew, and I became the privacy officer for the organization.
ADVICE: It is as interesting and exciting as you think it will be, if not more so. No two days are the same. Embrace the chaos and enjoy.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I love dogs. I honestly would love to have a dog resort where they can come and play while their families are working or away. Or maybe even run a rescue (all of our family dogs are rescues). But definitely something with dogs.
COLLEGE MAJOR: I have a B.A. in economics.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: As someone who has been focused primarily on HIPAA-related privacy matters, I am excited to learn alongside a team that has such a broad range of expertise in data privacy and cybersecurity. I am also really looking forward to practicing law again. I took a hiatus from it while working in corporate compliance, but I knew I would also find my way back.
FAVOURITE MEAL: A classic good steak, loaded baked potato and a salad.
BOOK: The Harry Potter books are amazing.
HOBBIES: My husband and I have two kids, so a lot of our activities involve them. We love to cook, bake, play video games and board games, and we try to keep every Friday night to our pizza and a movie night.
TV SHOW: I cant say that I have one favorite show, but I do have a favorite genre. I love anything with a funny, sarcastic edge, like The Office, Parks & Recreation, The Good Place and Schitts Creek.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: If it is football season, then watching my Wolverines. Otherwise, just getting outside and enjoying a relaxing day with my family or going to the kids practices/games.
