Nicole J. Harrell

Nicole J. Harrell is a member in the firm’s Norfolk office and Chair of the Data Privacy and Security Practice Group. Nicole regularly assists clients with cyber preparedness and breach response. Her data privacy and security practice includes preparation of incident response plans and counseling clients on preparing for a cyber incident.

Nicole helps clients understand their risks and plan accordingly. Once a cyber incident occurs, Nicole coordinates forensic analysis, media announcements, response plans and notifications. In addition, she works with clients on cyber insurance coverage and claims. Nicole regularly reviews and negotiates third-party vendor contracts for data security and privacy concerns.

Nicole’s intellectual property practice includes federal and state trademark registration, copyright registration and assignment, negotiation of software development and licensing agreements, and licensing of intellectual property. Her commercial practice includes entity formation, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and general contract negotiation.

She also has experience in negotiating supply and distribution agreements. She regularly assists clients with alcoholic beverage licensing and regulatory matters in Virginia, including representation before the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Nicole also represents franchisors in regulatory matters, including preparation of franchise disclosure documents, franchise agreements and related ancillary documents, registration and compliance. In addition, she represents franchisees in review of franchise disclosure documents, negotiation of franchise agreements and termination of franchise agreements and relationships.

Education:

• Hollins College; B.A., 1996
• University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business; M.B.A., magna cum laude, 2001
• University of Baltimore School of Law; J.D., 2001

Representative Matters:

• Represented clients in response to cyber attacks and business email compromise events
• Represented clients in negotiation of vendor agreements which impact data privacy and security
• Represented national clients with all alcoholic beveraging licensing matters in Virginia
• Advised a leading business outsourcing organization providing document management, critical customer communications, business form manufacturing, promotional products programs and logistics services on customer and vendor contracts, intellectual property matters, and various acquisitions and divestitures
• Represented software developer in several venture arrangements involving software development and licensing, structure and ownership of the joint venture, and loans to the joint venture