Schildknecht, Will

Will Schildknecht

Associate

will.schildknecht@lw.com
    Schildknecht, Will

    Will Schildknecht

    Associate

    will.schildknecht@lw.com

    Profile

    Will Schildknecht advises clients on risk management and government and internal investigations, with a focus on consumer protection, AI, privacy, and cybersecurity.

    Will represents a broad range of private and public clients in the US and internationally, from emerging technology companies to global market leaders. Will regularly counsels on:

    • Developing and maintaining effective AI and privacy compliance programs and managing risk in product design
    • Engaging with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general, including on investigative demands, enforcement, and litigation
    • Responding to US Congressional inquiries

    Will has also represented individuals and entities in internal and government investigations with a national security nexus, including government contractors and current and former government employees.

    Will is recognized not only for his experience working with technology clients but also for developing technology-driven solutions to challenging legal problems. The Financial Times honored Will’s work as “Standout” in its 2018 North America Innovative Lawyer Awards for the development of an artificial intelligence tool for clients to assess US state data breach notification obligations.

    Will has also been recognized by the New York Legal Aid Society for his pro bono work to improve detention conditions for children in custodial care.

    Before joining Latham, Will clerked on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria) for Judge Liam O’Grady and worked at another global law firm.

    Experience

    Will’s experience includes advising:

    • Multiple major technology companies in internal investigations related to AI safety
    • A major technology company in FTC and state attorney general engagements relating to AI
    • A major technology company in designing its privacy and security compliance programs and related matters before the FTC, state attorneys general, and international regulatory bodies
    • An e-commerce company in designing its privacy compliance program
    • A security software company in matters before the FTC
    • A Web3 company in matters before the FTC
    • A payment processor in matters before the FTC
    • Companies in multiple industries regarding AI and privacy product and program development
    • Companies in multiple industries in assessing risk under state and federal wiretap laws, developing compliance programs, and responding to regulatory or litigation claims
    • Companies in multiple industries, including finance and technology, regarding privacy and cybersecurity disclosures in public filings and private-placement memorandums*
    • Companies in multiple industries, including finance, technology, and education, in preparing for and responding to cybersecurity incidents*
    • The State Department political counselor at the US Embassy in Ukraine in his testimony before the House in the Trump impeachment inquiry*
    • The former Director of National Intelligence and the former Director and Deputy Director of the CIA in investigations and hearings into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election*
    • The CEO of a global financial institution in connection with testimony before the House Financial Services Committee*
    • A global pharmaceutical company in connection with a congressional drug-pricing investigation by the Senate Finance and House Oversight and Reform Committees*

    *Matter handled prior to joining Latham & Watkins

    Qualifications

    Bar Qualification

    • California
    • New York

    Education

    • JD, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
    • BA in Political Science & Philosophy, University of Alabama
      magna cum laude

    Practices

    News & Insights

    Close-up stock photograph showing a touchscreen monitor being used in an open plan office. A woman’s hand is asking an AI chatbot pre-typed questions & the Artificial Intelligence website is answering.
    January 2, 2024 Client Alert

    FTC Refines Road Map for AI Enforcement

    The agency’s latest report and recent statements indicate its potential enforcement and regulatory priorities regarding artificial intelligence.