Shardul Desai

Shardul Desai is a Partner at Holland & Knight LLP, based in their Washington, D.C. office. He specializes in cybersecurity, data privacy, and white-collar defense and government investigations. Desai has a robust background in handling complex issues related to cyber intrusions, data breaches, trade secret thefts, and more.

Professional Background

• Legal Experience: Before joining Holland & Knight, Desai served as a federal prosecutor in the Cyber and National Security Section and the Economic Crimes Section at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He led significant cybercrime investigations, including the landmark GameOver Zeus prosecution, which targeted a botnet that caused substantial financial losses to the U.S. financial sector.
• Awards: He received the Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to high-profile cybercrime cases.
• Trial Experience: Desai has tried nine criminal jury trials covering various fraud cases, including tax fraud and securities fraud.

Educational Background

Desai holds a law degree from Duke University School of Law and has a strong foundation in science and engineering, having worked as a defense contractor analyzing weapons systems and data from the Hubble Space Telescope.

Certifications

He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), underscoring his expertise in data privacy matters.

Technical Expertise

Desai's technical skills are enhanced by his background in computer science and physics, allowing him to navigate the intersection of law and emerging technologies effectively. His understanding extends to areas like artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.

Overall, Shardul Desai's combination of legal acumen, technical knowledge, and prosecutorial experience positions him as a leading figure in cybersecurity and data privacy law.