Left to right: Ryan Ball, Richard Grabowski, and John Vogt.
Goodwin, a recognized leader in the legal field, is expanding its footprint into Southern California with the launch of a new office in Newport Beach. This expansion is marked by the arrival of a powerhouse team of three partners—Richard Grabowski, John Vogt, and Ryan Ball—all of whom bring exceptional expertise in cybersecurity, privacy, and technology litigation.
The trio of partners joins Goodwin with a shared mission: to bolster and refine the firm’s already distinguished practice in cybersecurity, privacy, and technology litigation. According to Anthony McCusker, Chair of Goodwin, their combined skills in trial advocacy, investigations, and litigation create a formidable advantage for clients navigating the complexities of these increasingly critical legal areas.
Each member of this team comes with a robust background in defending companies against class actions, regulatory inquiries, and multifaceted commercial disputes related to trade secrets and consumer financial services. Notably, they have garnered accolades such as the Daily Journal’s “Top Defense Verdict” twice in California. Their recent successes include leading the defense in one of the largest data breach cases, which culminated in a precedent-setting dismissal.
“Bringing on the expertise of John, Richard, and Ryan is unprecedented,” shared Caroline Bullerjahn, co-chair of Goodwin’s Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice. The team’s deep knowledge of industry-specific challenges complements Goodwin’s existing strength across key sectors like technology and healthcare, enhancing the firm’s part in the evolution of privacy and data protection law.
The move was not taken lightly; shared priorities and goals played a pivotal role in the decision-making process. John Vogt articulated that Goodwin provides a distinct platform combining legal excellence with industry immersion, which aligns perfectly with their vision of serving clients as proactive business partners. Ryan Ball echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Goodwin’s strategic focus on understanding and engaging with clients’ enterprises to build an exceptional cybersecurity and privacy practice.
The Newport Beach office is strategically located in one of Southern California’s most vibrant business areas, an ideal setting for addressing technology-related legal disputes. This new space adds to Goodwin’s already strong presence in the region, which includes notable offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Silicon Valley.
In a landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements and evolving regulatory frameworks, the expertise these three partners bring is invaluable. Richard Grabowski has acted as lead counsel in over 100 federal and state consumer class actions and has a stellar record in navigating the intricacies of investigations by the FTC, CFPB, and various state attorneys general. Meanwhile, John Vogt is renowned for his extensive experience in cybersecurity and privacy litigation, particularly in managing complex class actions related to data breaches and emerging privacy statutes.
Ryan Ball completes this trio by representing both public and private entities in intricate litigation matters, emphasizing major cybersecurity challenges that companies face today. With their collective backgrounds, they are uniquely positioned to guide clients through the murky waters of compliance, litigation, and risk management in the digital landscape.
Goodwin’s Complex Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice is celebrated for its industry-focused strategy, combining deep sector knowledge with exemplary trial capabilities. As they continue to grow and adapt to a fast-paced legal environment, the firm is poised to lead in cybersecurity and privacy litigation, thanks to the valuable addition of these three partners and their exceptional skill set.