Biography: Internet & e-Commerce

Alan Charles Raul is a partner in the Washington, DC, office of the international law firm Sidley Austin LLP. Mr Raul has a broad litigation and counselling practice that covers government regulation, enforcement and administrative law, corporate compliance, privacy and information law. Mr Raul focuses his practice on information law and privacy, government and internal investigations and appellate litigation.

Mr Raul is the lead global coordinator for Sidley's privacy, data security and information law practice. Mr Raul's practice in this area involves federal, state and international privacy issues, including global data protection programmes, information security, cyber security and representation in connection with data breaches. He also represents clients with respect to internet law, e-commerce, marketing, advertising and consumer protection issues.

A significant portion of Mr Raul's practice involves government regulation and administrative law and litigation. Mr Raul's practice in this area includes advocacy in court, before federal and state agencies, and congressional committees. Building on his experience as general counsel of two cabinet agencies, and as associate White House counsel, Mr Raul has handled significant regulatory and enforcement matters across a spectrum of federal and state agencies and program areas. Mr Raul frequently represents clients in the defence, telecommunications, financial, professional services, consumer product, pharmaceutical, food and agriculture industries. Mr Raul maintains active security clearances.

Mr Raul served as vice chairman of the White House 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.

Mr Raul received his JD from Yale Law School in 1980, his MPA from Harvard University in 1977 and his AB (magna cum laude) from Harvard University in 1975. He is admitted in Washington, DC and New York.