Leadership Appointments at Jones Day: Cybersecurity, ESG, and Securities
Jones Day recently made headlines with the announcement of key leadership appointments in their Cybersecurity, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and Securities practices. Effective January 1, 2026, these strategic changes underscore the firm’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in today’s legal landscape.
Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection
Mary Alexander Myers has been appointed as the Practice Leader for Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Data Protection. With extensive experience in navigating the complex world of cybersecurity and data privacy, Ms. Myers is a trusted advisor for clients facing challenges in these areas. She offers guidance on compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Ms. Myers specializes in assisting clients with data sharing and licensing, outsourcing transactions, and the monetization of data assets. Her expertise extends to advising on the security of intellectual property during mergers and acquisitions. Known for her thought leadership, she frequently speaks on topics related to technology and privacy. Additionally, Ms. Myers is involved with Techbridge, a nonprofit focused on technology education and empowerment.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Howard Sidman has taken the Global Chair position for the Environmental, Social, and Governance practice. Transitioning from Deputy Chair, Sidman brings more than two decades of litigation experience involving financial institutions. His work focuses on ESG-related investigations and offers strategic counsel on compliance issues tied to regulations like Fair Access and Executive Orders.
His role encompasses advising clients on crucial aspects tied to energy security and the ongoing energy transition. Recognized for his litigation prowess, Law360 named him an MVP in Banking, while Chambers lauded him as “an excellent litigator” known for his strategic thinking and preemptive defense structures.
Securities Litigation & SEC Enforcement
The Securities Litigation and SEC Enforcement team sees the addition of two adept leaders: Walt Davis and Nina Yadava, both taking on the role of Practice Leaders.
Walt Davis
Walt Davis, a notable figure in the Southeast’s legal landscape, focuses on complex business disputes, corporate governance, and shareholder issues. His credibility is bolstered by his role in establishing the Georgia State-wide Business Court, where he served as the first judge from 2019 to 2022.
Davis’s extensive involvement with various organizations, including the Judicial Nominating Commission for Georgia and The Carter Center, attests to his standing within the community. As an adjunct professor, he shares his wealth of knowledge on securities and corporate governance at the University of Georgia School of Law.
Nina Yadava
Nina Yadava brings nearly two decades of experience defending public companies against shareholder litigation. Her credentials include serving as lead counsel for Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes federal securities class actions. Known for her governance advisory to corporate boards, Yadava is viewed as a trusted partner in managing complex contractual disputes.
Her track record has earned her accolades from esteemed publications like Chambers USA and Legal 500. Recognized as a “Rising Star” in Securities by Law360, she is actively involved with Summer Search NYC, emphasizing her commitment to youth development and community service.
The Importance of Leadership in Emerging Areas
These appointments at Jones Day reflect a broader trend within the legal industry, where firms are increasingly prioritizing expertise in specialized areas such as cybersecurity and ESG. As companies navigate the complexities of modern challenges, such as digital threats and regulatory compliance, having leaders with specialized knowledge is crucial.
Moreover, addressing these areas effectively has profound implications not only for the firms involved but for their clients as well. The evolving landscape demands that legal practices remain agile, and the leadership structure at Jones Day appears well-equipped to meet these challenges head-on.
As Jones Day embarks on this new chapter with its refreshed leadership, the firm positions itself strongly to tackle the multifaceted issues that lie ahead in cybersecurity, ESG, and securities litigation. By harnessing the expertise of its appointed leaders, the firm is setting a precedent for excellence in legal service tailored to the needs of today’s dynamic environment.