Harry A. Valetk is a new media attorney devoted to privacy, data security, and the complex interaction between the law, technology, and society at large.

Privacy & Cyber Security Practice.  Harry regularly advises global clients on a wide spectrum of privacy and data security issues, as well as consumer protection topics.  His practice covers issues that range from supporting M&A transactions involving cross-border data transfers and other regulatory assessments, to cyber security and data breach response, and implementing cloud computing services in highly regulated entities.  He also helps clients in every sector perform privacy risk assessments, and develop custom solutions that deliver practical, cost-effective results. He is a published author, commentator, and expert often cited for his views on privacy, web-based safety, and data security policy, including those on compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Experience. Harry is presently Of Counsel at Baker McKenzie’s Global Privacy and Data Protection practice based in New York City. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Harry served as director of MetLife’s global privacy office for seven years, where he worked with all regulated business lines in more than 60 countries to protect the personal data of over 90 million customers. In this role, he led numerous strategic efforts to build out a global Privacy Risk Framework, achieve compliance with several data privacy laws, implement global training and awareness initiatives, and manage data and cyber security incidents. Previously, he led the video game publishing industry’s compliance efforts as the director for the Entertainment Software Association’s Privacy Online program. Before that, he was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division.

Publications. Harry has written extensively on a host of data privacy, consumer protection, and social networking topics. His articles have been featured in publications like the Stanford Technology Law Review, the New York Law Journal, Law.com, Univision.com, and Bloomberg BNA Privacy & Security Law.

Academia. In 2011, Harry served as a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University’s Internet Institute. He has also held adjunct professor positions at Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, teaching fundamentals of contracts and business law.  

Leadership. In 2011, Harry received the Hispanic National Bar Association’s “Top Lawyer Under 40” Award. In 2008, Harry received a Fulbright Senior Specialist grant to lecture abrades on data privacy and Internet safety topics. He served a three-year term on Baruch College Alumni Association’s the Board of Directors. And, in 2005, he was competitively selected from a national applicant pool to participate in Spain’s Hispanic Leaders Program. After completing this prestigious program, Harry received an honorary degree from Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo.  

Pro Bono. Harry served as the chief legal officer, in a volunteer capacity, for WiredSafety, helping parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, and policymakers worldwide explore new ways of keeping the Internet community safe. He served a one-year term as member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals’s Advisory Board. He also served as the Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee. He is now a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee.

Personal. Harry is licensed to practice law in New York. He was born in Caracas, Venezuela and raised in New York City. Harry graduated cum laude from Bernard M. Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, and received his law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He is fluent in Spanish, and enjoys skiing, traveling, and reading.