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Michael Best is pleased to announce that Elaine Critides has joined the firm as Senior Counsel in the Transactional Practice Group, based in the Washington, D.C. office. Critides brings over two decades of experience advising clients on complex legal, regulatory, and compliance matters, with a specialized focus on data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence governance.

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“Elaine’s arrival marks a significant expansion of our capabilities in the transactional and technology sectors,” said Jason Thompson, Chair of Michael Best’s Transactional Practice Group. “Her unique blend of in-house and law firm experience, combined with her leadership in global privacy and AI frameworks, will be a tremendous asset to our clients navigating today’s evolving regulatory landscape.”

Critides brings to the firm a deep history in designing and implementing privacy programs tailored to strategic business objectives. Her extensive expertise in crafting global AI governance frameworks will assist clients in their efforts to innovate responsibly and ethically. Critides’ cross-functional approach and experience in representing clients before regulators will provide value to the firm’s high-tech clients as they navigate policy and regulatory changes associated with global data privacy, AI and cybersecurity.

Prior to joining Michael Best, Critides served as a Partner at Pierson Ferdinand LLP, where she advised high-tech companies on privacy, cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI governance. She also held senior legal roles at ICE Mortgage Technology and Verizon Communications, where she led enterprise-wide privacy programs, developed AI risk frameworks, and advocated on behalf of clients before federal regulators. Her work has enabled organizations to innovate responsibly while maintaining compliance with GDPR, CCPA, GLBA, and other key regulations.

“Elaine brings a rare combination of legal depth and forward-thinking leadership in data privacy, AI, and cybersecurity,” said Dave Crass, Managing Partner of Michael Best’s Washington, D.C. Office. “Her arrival strengthens our ability to guide clients through the complex regulatory landscape with confidence and clarity as the industry continues to evolve at breakneck speed.”

Critides earned her JD from Widener University School of Law, LLM in Communications &amp; Antitrust Policy from Georgetown University, and BA in Economics from Rutgers University. She is a certified AI Governance Professional through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), in addition to her membership to the Maryland Bar Association, DC Bar Association, and Federal Communications Bar Association.

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Michael Best Expands Transactional Practice with Addition of Elaine Critides as Senior Counsel in Washington, D.C.

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