Brian McGinnis

Brian J. McGinnis is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he serves as a co-chair of the firm's Data Security and Privacy Law practice group and is a member of the Intellectual Property Department and Internet & Technology practice. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, he is also the firm’s Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) and a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).123

Professional Expertise

Brian's practice focuses on the intersection of law and technology, offering nearly 20 years of experience in areas such as:

• Data Privacy & Cybersecurity: Advising on compliance with U.S. state privacy laws (e.g., CCPA, CPRA), international regulations (e.g., GDPR), HIPAA, and more.
• Intellectual Property Law: Managing trademark portfolios, brand protection, copyrights, and software-related IP.
• Emerging Technologies: Addressing legal implications of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and biometrics.
• Data Breach Response: Acting as a "data breach coach" to guide clients through investigations, regulatory compliance, and litigation following cybersecurity incidents.124

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.): Valparaiso University School of Law, with a concentration in Intellectual Property Law.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Indiana University Bloomington.
• CIPP/US Certification: Awarded by IAPP for expertise in U.S. privacy laws.12

Leadership and Recognition

Brian has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Privacy and Data Security Law and Trademark Law since 2021. He is actively involved in professional organizations such as IAPP, the American Bar Association (ABA), and the Indianapolis Bar Association. Additionally, he serves on several boards related to technology innovation and small business development.235

Brian is also a frequent speaker on topics like data privacy, cybersecurity law, intellectual property, and AI, contributing to continuing education for legal professionals.12