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Seasoned litigator Debra Bernard focuses on class action defense of claims under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and other consumer and privacy claims, as well as other areas of commercial litigation. She was at the forefront of BIPA litigation, representing companies in such class actions since its early days. Debra has represented companies in litigation matters in numerous industries such as technology, education, retail, and consumer products. She zealously litigates her cases but also takes a common sense and business-oriented approach in assessing the best strategy for a case to move forward in litigation or to pursue settlement where appropriate.
In addition to her litigation practice, Debra also provides counseling to clients on biometrics and TCPA issues and other privacy-related matters and advises on compliance programs, policies, and risk mitigation strategies. Debra is nationally recognized for her work on the TCPA and Illinois BIPA and biometrics issues generally.
Strongly committed to pro bono, Debra chaired the Pro Bono Committee for the firm’s Chicago office. She also serves and has served on several boards and committees in legal services-related organizations as well as a six-year tenure on the board of directors at her daughter’s Montessori school.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law, 2015 – 2023
*The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
Professional Leadership
- International Biometrics Identity Association, Member
- Biometrics Institute, Member
- Near North Montessori School, Board of Directors; Nominating Committee, Chair, 2013 - 2014; Board Secretary 2015 - 2017 school years
- The Hon. Justice Anne Burke's Judicial Selection Committee, Member, 2008 - present
- National Immigrant Justice Center Leadership Board, 2014 - 2020
- Seventh Circuit E-Discovery Pilot Program Committee, 2009 - 2019; Co-Chair of Survey Subcommittee
- Kellogg School of Management Executive Education, Strategic Leadership Program, 2016
- Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights, Board of Directors, 2007 - 2010
- Harvard Business School, Executive Education, Leading Professional Service Firms, Participant, November 2008
- Tryon Farm Homeowners Association, Board of Directors, 2010 - 2012
- Lambda Legal National Leadership Council 2013 - 2015
- Bon Foster Lambda Legal Annual Event, Co-Chair, Host Committee, 2007; Member Host Committee, 2008 - 2009
- The Sedona Conference Working Group on Electronic Document Retention and Protection (WG1), Member
- Intellectual Property Owners (IPO) Standing Committee on Discovery, 2006 - 2009
Related Employment
- IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, Adjunct Professor, 2011 - 2015
- Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP, Chicago, IL, 1997 - 2007
- Keck, Mahin & Cate, Chicago, IL, 1989 - 1997
- Miquelon & Associates, Chicago, IL, 1985 - 1989
