Dechert LLP has strengthened its global cyber, privacy, and artificial intelligence practice with the appointment of J.J. Jones as a partner. Based in the firm’s San Francisco office, Jones will focus on cybersecurity incident response, AI regulatory counseling, and complex litigation matters. Her arrival reflects Dechert’s ongoing investment in critical areas such as cybersecurity governance, data privacy, and AI-related risk management as organizations face an increasingly complex digital threat landscape.
The addition of Jones comes during a period of significant growth for the firm. As cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny around artificial intelligence continue to intensify, organizations require legal advisors who understand both the technological and legal dimensions of emerging risks. Therefore, Dechert is expanding its leadership in these areas to better support clients navigating high-stakes cybersecurity incidents, regulatory investigations, and privacy disputes.
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“We are experiencing significant momentum across the firm, and J.J.’s arrival reflects our continued investment in areas critical to our clients’ futures,” said Dave Forti, co-chair of Dechert. “A sophisticated understanding of cybersecurity, privacy and AI is central to successfully navigating today’s risk landscape, and J.J.’s capabilities further advance our strategic growth in this sphere.”
Jones brings deep experience in cybersecurity and privacy law, having most recently served as Assistant General Counsel for Cybersecurity at Microsoft. In that role, she advised the company’s Global Chief Information Security Officer along with its security operations and threat intelligence teams. Her responsibilities included providing legal guidance during high-risk cybersecurity incidents, supporting enterprise-wide security initiatives, and managing complex regulatory, privacy, and customer trust considerations. As a result, she gained significant experience operating at the intersection of security operations, regulatory compliance, and crisis response.
“J.J.’s deep expertise and experience at Microsoft handling the most sophisticated legal issues related to cybersecurity and AI makes her an excellent addition to our top ranked, global team,” said Brenda Sharton, chair of Dechert’s cyber, privacy and AI practice. “She will further enhance our bench strength and reinforce our ability to guide clients through the most complex, high-stakes situations.”
Before joining Microsoft, Jones held several influential legal roles across both public and private sectors. She litigated high-profile cases in private practice and served as in-house strategy counsel and advisor at Google. Additionally, she worked as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. These experiences have provided her with extensive knowledge of regulatory enforcement, litigation strategy, and corporate cybersecurity governance. At Dechert, she will focus on advising clients on cybersecurity incident response, AI regulatory risk management, and defensive litigation in matters involving complex technology issues.
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“Dechert has built one of the premier cybersecurity, AI and privacy practices in the world, and the sophistication and cutting-edge nature of their work, as well as my exemplary personal experiences as their client, made the decision an easy one,” said Ms. Jones. “I wanted to be part of a team at the forefront of some of the most consequential and high-stakes matters in this space, and Dechert is exactly that. The Bay Area remains the epicenter of the technology sector, and I look forward to helping clients here and globally navigate the risks that come with rapid innovation and big data.”
The appointment also aligns with Dechert’s broader growth strategy in 2026. The firm has already welcomed more than 25 lateral partners this year across multiple practice areas, including investment management, finance and restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, and litigation. In addition, the firm recently announced plans to expand its geographic presence by opening new offices in Chicago, Dallas, and Houston.
Dechert’s global cyber, privacy, and AI practice has established itself as one of the leading legal teams in the field. Its lawyers have handled landmark technology and privacy litigation, including the first major big tech privacy case to proceed to trial. The group regularly advises clients on global data security strategies, AI governance frameworks, and regulatory investigations, while also defending organizations in complex data breach and class-action litigation matters.
The practice continues to receive strong industry recognition. In 2025, it earned top rankings in both The Legal 500 and Chambers USA, and it was named Law360’s Cybersecurity & Privacy Group of the Year for the third time. With the addition of J.J. Jones, Dechert further strengthens its ability to guide organizations through the evolving legal challenges surrounding cybersecurity, privacy, and artificial intelligence.
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