Mayer Brown Secures Five Spots on Cybersecurity Docket's 2026 Incident Response Elite

Context Navigating a cybersecurity incident demands more than just technical recovery; it requires expert legal counsel to manage regulatory compliance, potential litigation, and reputational risks. The Incident Response Elite list identifies top legal professionals specializing in guiding organizations through the aftermath of data breaches. This expertise becomes increasingly vital as incident complexity and regulatory scrutiny escalate.

Key Facts Cybersecurity Docket's 2026 Incident Response Elite list includes five partners from Mayer Brown: Marcus Christian, Raj De, Justin Herring, Adam Hickey, and Stephen Lilley. Marcus Christian's recognition marks his third inclusion on the Incident Response 30 list and a prior selection for the Incident Response 40 list, underscoring his consistent presence among leading practitioners. Christian's work spans data security planning, board governance for cybersecurity, cyber fraud, and data breach response.

Raj De, who leads Mayer Brown's Cybersecurity & Data Privacy and National Security practices, also serves on the firm's global Management Committee. His practice addresses legal and policy challenges at the intersection of technology, national security, law enforcement, and privacy. Justin Herring brings experience as the former Executive Deputy Superintendent of the Cybersecurity Division at the New York Department of Financial Services, advising financial services, crypto, and fintech sectors on global incident response and enforcement actions.

Adam Hickey contributes extensive experience in cybersecurity, sanctions, and national security authorities, drawing on his background as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice. Stephen Lilley focuses on developing strategies for navigating intricate litigation, regulatory, and policy challenges linked to data and technology, assisting clients with risk identification, incident response, and vulnerability disclosures.

What It Means For organizations and their security teams, access to proven legal expertise in incident response is a strategic advantage. These recognized attorneys provide guidance on critical decisions post-breach, from forensic investigation scope and notification requirements to managing stakeholder communications and regulatory inquiries. Their deep understanding of legal frameworks, such as GDPR, CCPA, and sector-specific regulations, helps organizations minimize financial penalties and legal exposure. This recognition signals the firm's robust capacity to support entities facing sophisticated cyber threats, ensuring a comprehensive response beyond technical remediation.

Outlook The increasing regulatory landscape around data security demands continuous attention. Organizations should monitor evolving legal precedents and new compliance mandates, as specialized legal counsel remains indispensable for effective incident preparedness and response.