R. David Whitaker Joins DLA Piper’s IP and Tech Practice in Chicago
DLA Piper announced that R. David Whitaker has joined the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice as a partner in the Chicago office. His arrival follows that of his colleague, Margo H.K. Tank, who recently joined the firm as a partner in the Washington, DC, office.
In a release, the firm said Whitaker and Tank, both of whom who will be in the Technology, Data and Commercial subgroup of the firm’s IPT practice, employ a team approach to advising traditional and emerging financial services companies and commercial enterprises, in transactional, legal and regulatory matters, particularly those related to digital financial services, contracting, and records management, including electronic signatures, records and payments. Whitaker also has experience with the practical application of laws governing electronic banking, letters of credit, payment systems and commercial and consumer financing.
“As the demand for legal and consulting services focused on online and mobile transactions continues to grow, the addition of David to our team will enable us to better meet the needs of clients who require legal, regulatory, operational and technical business solutions focused on digital transactions,” said Ann Ford, co-chair of the firm’s US Intellectual Property and Technology practice. “David’s vast experience in the financial and FinTech sectors will also significantly enhance our capabilities in that arena.”
“We are thrilled to welcome David to the firm, where our global platform will be a tremendous advantage to his clients,” added Brendan Head, co-managing partner of the Chicago office. “David’s experience leading consulting teams and his deep understanding of changes in the financial services industry and their potential implications for clients makes him a valuable addition to our team.”
Whitaker joins DLA Piper from Buckley Sandler LLP. He received his J.D. from the University of Illinois School of Law and his B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
Whitaker is the latest addition to DLA Piper’s IPT practice, which in addition to Tank has recently added partners John Beahn in Washington, DC, and partners Michael Garfinkel and Miles Cooley in Los Angeles.
