Profile: Alan Charles Raul

Internet and e-Commerce

Biography: Internet & e-Commerce

Alan Charles Raul, a partner in Sidley's Washington, DC office, has a broad litigation and counselling practice. He chairs Sidley's information law and privacy practice, and is a member of the firm's government and internal investigations group and appellate group.

Mr Raul's information law practice involves federal, state and international privacy issues, including global data protection programmes, information security and representation in connection with data breaches. He also represents clients with respect to internet law, e-commerce and the First Amendment, as well as marketing, advertising and trademark and consumer protection issues. Mr Raul coordinates the firm's CyberLaw website at www.sidley.com/cyberlaw.

Mr Raul's practice also involves advocacy in court and before federal and state agencies as well as business counselling. Building on his experience as general counsel of two cabinet agencies and as associate White House counsel, Mr Raul has handled significant matters involving food and drugs, agriculture, international trade, securities law, environmental and financial regulations and enforcement, as well as related executive and congressional investigations. He represents clients across the full spectrum of government decision-making, from administrative proceedings through to the US Supreme Court. Mr Raul has served as a member of the governing councils of both the American Bar Association's section of administrative law and regulatory practice and its section of international law and practice.

Mr Raul currently serves as vice chairman of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, a panel established by the legislation implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Mr Raul was appointed to this position by President George W Bush, following confirmation by the US Senate.