Professional Biography
Updated Image of Debra Bernard

Debra R. Bernard Of Counsel

  • Chicago

    D +1.312.324.8559

    F +1.312.324.9559

    Chicago

    110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor

    Chicago, IL 60606

    +1.312.324.8559

    DBernard@perkinscoie.com

loader

Overview

Experience

News

Insights

RELATED INFORMATION

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • Trial Bar of the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 1985, with honors
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., Political Science, 1981
Professional Biography
Updated Image of Debra Bernard

Debra R. Bernard Partner

  • Chicago

    D +1.312.324.8559

    F +1.312.324.9559

    Chicago

    110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor

    Chicago, IL 60606

    +1.312.324.8559

    DBernard@perkinscoie.com

loader

Overview

Debra's practice encompasses litigation of biometrics class actions under the Illinois Biometrics Information Privacy Act (BIPA), class actions under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), right of publicity class actions and other consumer class actions. Debra leads teams in all phases of litigation, including initial case assessment and strategy, formulation of discovery plans, motion practice, strategy for summary judgment, class certification, and settlement when desired. Debra is nationally and internationally recognized in the field of biometric litigation and a frequent speaker on biometric issues.

Professional Recognition

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2015 - present: Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law

*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

  • Midwest IoT Council, Policy Committee, Member
  • 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 - present
  • Seventh Circuit E-Discovery Pilot Program Committee, 2009 - present; former 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

Experience

News

Insights

RELATED INFORMATION

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • Trial Bar of the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D.,

    with honors

    , 1985
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A., Political Science, 1981