Foley & Lardner LLP: Joseph McClendon

For businesses and innovators across Illinois, the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy presents both immense opportunities and complex legal challenges. From structuring technology transactions to ensuring compliance with stringent data protection regulations like GDPR, having a knowledgeable and technically astute legal partner is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. In the vibrant legal hub of Chicago, one attorney stands out for his unique blend of legal expertise and hands-on technological background: Joseph McClendon, a partner at the distinguished firm, Foley & Lardner LLP.

This article is designed to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Joseph McClendon's practice, highlighting his areas of specialization, the unique features that define his approach, and why his legal representation is exceptionally well-suited for local users in the Illinois region. We will explore how his deep understanding of both the legal and technical aspects of technology and data can provide invaluable support for your business's critical digital initiatives.

Joseph McClendon helps clients navigate the intricate world of technology transactions, privacy and data security, and intellectual property matters. What truly sets him apart is his decade of experience as an IT project manager, where he managed enterprise support and technology initiatives in the higher education and software industries. This practical, real-world understanding of technology, coupled with his legal prowess, allows him to grasp clients' technology-driven business objectives deeply and effectively resolve the challenges that stand in their way. He guides companies in developing comprehensive information security and data privacy policies and procedures, as well as robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Furthermore, he counsels companies to achieve and maintain compliance with complex U.S. and international data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and HIPAA.

Joseph McClendon’s recent move to Foley & Lardner LLP further strengthens his capabilities and the firm's robust offerings in the technology sector. Foley & Lardner LLP is a leading firm with a strong national presence, particularly in sectors driven by innovation and technology. This affiliation provides Joseph McClendon and his clients with access to extensive resources, a collaborative environment, and a deep bench of legal talent committed to addressing the cutting-edge legal issues in the technology and data space. For businesses in Illinois, this means having a local point of contact with the backing of a firm that is at the forefront of digital infrastructure and innovative technology sectors.

Joseph McClendon practices from the conveniently located Chicago office of Foley & Lardner LLP, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout Illinois. The office is situated at:

321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

This prime location in downtown Chicago ensures easy access for clients utilizing public transportation, including CTA L trains and buses, as well as those traveling by car from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. The building's presence in a well-known commercial district signifies its professional standing and ease of navigation. Its central positioning in the heart of Chicago’s business and legal community makes it an ideal meeting point for technology firms, startups, and established businesses from across Illinois seeking specialized legal guidance in this rapidly evolving sector. The accessibility of the office underscores Foley & Lardner's commitment to serving the local Illinois market with top-tier legal services.

Joseph McClendon's legal practice is singularly focused on the intersection of technology, data, and law, providing critical services for businesses operating in today's digital economy. His key service areas include:

• Technology Transactions: Advising on the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex technology agreements, including licensing, development, outsourcing, and cloud computing contracts. He helps clients navigate the legal intricacies of acquiring, developing, and deploying technology solutions.

• Cybersecurity & Data Privacy: Guiding companies in developing comprehensive information security programs, data privacy policies, and procedures. This includes advising on incident response planning, data breach preparedness, and compliance with data protection regulations.

• Data Protection Regulations Compliance: Counseling clients on achieving and maintaining compliance with a myriad of U.S. and international data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

• Intellectual Property: Providing legal support for intellectual property matters as they relate to technology and data, including licensing, enforcement, and protection of digital assets.

• Information Governance: Assisting clients with strategies for managing and governing their organizational data effectively, ensuring legal compliance and operational efficiency.

• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Developing and reviewing plans to ensure business resilience in the face of data breaches, system failures, or other disruptive events.

• Digital Infrastructure: Advising on legal aspects related to data center operations, fiber networks, and other critical digital infrastructure components, leveraging his background in IT project management.

Joseph McClendon's practice is distinguished by several key features and significant highlights that underscore his unique expertise and value to clients:

• Unique Blend of Legal and Technical Expertise: His decade of experience as an IT project manager provides him with an invaluable "insider's" perspective on technology, allowing him to offer practical and business-savvy legal advice that truly understands clients' operational realities.

• Focus on Proactive Compliance: Joseph emphasizes helping clients develop robust, proactive information security and data privacy programs, aiming to prevent legal issues before they arise rather than reacting to them.

• Comprehensive Data Protection Knowledge: He possesses a deep understanding of both U.S. and international data protection regulations, including the highly complex GDPR and HIPAA, enabling him to guide clients through multi-jurisdictional compliance challenges.

• "Leading Global Cyber Lawyers" Recognition: Joseph McClendon was recognized in Lawdragon 500 as one of the "Leading Global Cyber Lawyers" in 2024, highlighting his prominence and expertise in the cybersecurity field.

• Certified Professional: Holding certifications such as Microsoft Certified Professional and CompTIA Certified Professional further validates his technical proficiency, which is rare for a legal professional.

• Strategic Addition to Foley & Lardner: His recent addition to Foley & Lardner LLP as a partner underscores his significant standing in the legal community and his alignment with the firm's strategic focus on innovative technology and digital infrastructure sectors.

As a highly specialized attorney at a leading global law firm, Joseph McClendon's practice, consistent with other premier legal services, does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer marketing sense. His value proposition is built upon his unique blend of legal and technical expertise, the sophisticated nature of the services he provides, and his commitment to helping clients navigate complex, high-stakes technology and data-related legal challenges. Engaging his services is an investment in comprehensive, forward-thinking, and highly effective legal counsel.

However, prospective clients considering his representation can anticipate the following in their engagement:

• Strategic Consultations: While specific policies vary by firm, initial consultations are standard practice, allowing potential clients to discuss their specific technology and data law needs and learn how Joseph McClendon's specialized expertise can be applied to their situation.

• Risk Mitigation and Cost Savings: By helping clients develop robust compliance programs and providing strategic advice on technology transactions, Joseph's proactive approach can lead to significant long-term cost savings by preventing costly data breaches, regulatory fines, or litigious disputes.

• Access to Thought Leadership: Joseph McClendon and Foley & Lardner LLP frequently publish articles, legal alerts, and analyses on emerging trends in technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy. These resources offer valuable insights into their knowledge and approach, often available to the public, demonstrating their expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of these fields.

For businesses and organizations in Illinois seeking expert legal counsel in technology transactions, cybersecurity, and data privacy from Joseph McClendon, here is the direct contact information:

Address: 321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 832-4951

Mobile Phone: +1 312-832-4951

For more comprehensive information about his professional background, specific case experience, and the full range of services offered by Foley & Lardner LLP, prospective clients are encouraged to visit the firm's official website.

For businesses, tech companies, and organizations across Illinois grappling with the intricate and constantly evolving demands of technology, cybersecurity, and data privacy law, Joseph McClendon offers an exceptionally suitable and highly effective legal solution right here in Chicago. His unique background, combining deep legal expertise with extensive practical experience as an IT project manager, allows him to provide insights and solutions that few other attorneys can match. This blend of technical understanding and legal acumen is precisely what Illinois businesses need to navigate digital transformations, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect their valuable data assets.

His office's central location in Chicago ensures practical accessibility, making it convenient for Illinois-based clients to engage directly with his top-tier expertise. By choosing Joseph McClendon, locals gain a legal partner who is not only recognized as a "Leading Global Cyber Lawyer" but also profoundly understands the operational realities of technology. For any significant legal challenge in Illinois involving digital innovation, data security, or tech transactions, Joseph McClendon provides an outstanding choice, offering the confidence and strategic advantage that comes from working with a true expert in the field.