Jena M. Valdetero

Jena M. Valdetero serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s U.S. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice, and is a trusted advisor to clients facing complex and high-stakes data privacy and security challenges. With a track record of leading thousands of data breach investigations for more than 20 years, Jena combines her broad litigation experience with a deep understanding of the evolving privacy landscape to protect her clients’ interests. She is highly skilled in defending companies in privacy and data breach litigation, particularly class actions, and is proactive in helping clients prepare for incidents by designing and facilitating customized tabletop exercises.

Jena offers practical, results-driven counsel on data privacy and security compliance programs and guides clients through privacy and cyber risk considerations in mergers, acquisitions, venture capital, and securities transactions. Her experience spans a wide range of privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Gramm Leach Bliley Act (GLBA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Certified as a privacy professional through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US), Jena provides clients with actionable insights on both current and emerging privacy regulations. She previously served as KnowledgeNet Co-Chair for the International Association of Privacy Professionals, further reflecting her leadership in the field. Jena is a founding board member of the Chicago Compassion Project, a nonprofit supporting low-income families in Chicago.

Jena has been recognized by Chambers USA as a leading privacy and data security lawyer, with clients praising her “very deep knowledge of subject matter” and calling her “extremely responsive and business-minded.” She is trusted for her “great strategic advice” and practical approach to complex data privacy issues, with one client saying, “I’d unequivocally recommend her to anybody with any kind of privacy or data breach concerns.”

Concentrations

•Assessing cyber security risks and advising on cybersecurity programs
•Leading investigations into data security incidents
•Defending companies in privacy and security class action litigation
•Drafting policies, procedures, and training materials related to data privacy and security compliance
•Analyzing privacy and security liabilities and risks of target companies in mergers and acquisitions
•Conducting bespoke executive leadership data breach tabletops

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Crain’s Chicago Business, “Notable Women in Law,” 2026
•Listed, Chambers Global, Privacy & Data Security: Cybersecurity, 2026
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Privacy & Data Security: Cybersecurity, 2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Media, technology and telecoms Cyber law (including data privacy and data protection), 2024-2025
•Listed, Lawdragon, “500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management,” 2025-2026
•Selected, Delinian Legal Media Group, “2024 Privacy & Data Protection Lawyer of the Year,” 2024
•Listed, Leading Lawyers, 2024, 2026
•Shortlisted, Euromoney, Americas Women in Business Law Awards, “Best in Privacy & Data Protection,” 2023-2024
•Named, Client Service All Star, BTI Client Service All-Stars Report, 2022
•Listed, Thomson Reuters, “Stand-Out Lawyers,” 2023-2025
•Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Illinois Super Lawyers, 2023-2026
•“Rising Stars,” 2013-2020
•Listed, Cybersecurity Docket“ Incident Response 40,” 2021