NEW YORK, June 17, 2008 – The strength and depth of Morrison & Foerster’s Global Privacy and Data Security practice has been recognized by Chambers USA which granted the firm its award for excellence in the field of “Privacy & Data Security” at a ceremony in New York last week.

Miriam Wugmeister, who heads the firm’s global privacy practice, said, “We are very proud to have received this honor that recognizes our ability to translate complex regulations into practical and commercial advice for clients in a wide range of industries in all jurisdictions.”

Keith Wetmore, chair of the firm, said, “Privacy and data security have become fundamental service offerings to business clients.  We are pleased that the work and expertise of our 60 attorneys worldwide has been recognized formally through our receipt of the prestigious Chambers Award for Excellence.”

Chambers and Partners have been publishing their world-famous guides to the legal profession since 1990. In addition, they host major award ceremonies in London and New York to honor the achievements of the world’s leading lawyers.  Their directories and awards are distinguished by the in-depth, unbiased research that underpins them.

This year, the Global Privacy and Data Security Group at Morrison & Foerster was awarded a Tier One rating by Chambers USA. The directory notes that “Morrison & Foerster fields one of the ‘oldest, most established and proficient’ privacy and data security practices, offering ‘genuine international capability’”.  Miriam Wugmeister is “extolled for her international privacy expertise, particularly in cross-border data transfers and related issues such as Safe Harbor and model contracts.”  Rick Fischer is hailed as “the best thinker in the USA on the FCRA" and Joan Warrington is “particularly rated for her expertise in financial and consumer-related privacy, especially with regard to payment card industry matters.”