Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP today announced that Matt Kelly and Kim T. Le have joined the Firm as Partners, strengthening its artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy platform across transactional, litigation, regulatory and compliance matters. Matt will be Head of the Firm’s AI Practice and Kim will be Head of the West Coast Privacy and Cybersecurity team.
Matt and Kim will work across practices to advise the Firm’s vast roster of private equity and strategic clients on AI, privacy and cybersecurity issues, including: (i) M&A transactions, joint ventures and strategic arrangements involving AI-related companies or significant AI, privacy or cybersecurity issues; (ii) counseling and compliance with emerging legal and regulatory frameworks; (iii) cyber and AI incident response, privacy litigation, and related matters and claims; and (iv) responsible use of AI technology as a competitive strategy and to deliver superior, efficient performance
“AI, privacy and/or cybersecurity issues have risen to center stage in every corporate transaction and counseling matter. Matt and Kim are fluent in the leading technology, as well as the substantive law, and are uniquely positioned to advise clients in this fast-moving legal and technical environment,” said Lori Lesser, Co-Chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice and Head of the Firm’s Intellectual Property Practice. “Matt and Kim enhance our ability to help clients prepare for and navigate cyber incidents and related investigations and disputes, while designing robust governance and compliance frameworks for AI data security across the enterprise,” said Nick Goldin, Co-Chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice.
“As dealmaking accelerates across AI-driven businesses and data-center assets, Matt and Kim bring market-recognized expertise in complex transactions and other matters, enhancing our ability to help strategic acquirers, sponsors and portfolio companies manage risk, protect value and execute deals where data and technology are increasingly central,” said Eric Swedenburg, Global Head of M&A. Barrie Covit, Global Co-Head of the Investment Funds Practice, added, “Matt and Kim also strengthen our ability to advise investment funds on AI across the lifecycle—from formation and transactions to governance and portfolio oversight—helping sponsors deploy AI to enhance investment and operational strategies while managing the legal, regulatory and data-related risks shaping today’s market.”
“Companies are managing expansive data ecosystems and are deploying AI at scale, meaning that privacy, cybersecurity and governance risks are converging in ways that require board-level attention,” said Lynn Neuner and Jon Youngwood, Co-Heads of the Firm’s Global Litigation Department. “We are seeing a sharp rise in litigation and enforcement tied to personal data use, cyber incidents and AI deployment, with claims challenging governance, disclosure and oversight at the enterprise level. Matt and Kim enhance our ability to protect clients when these issues surface, and to reduce exposure before they do.”
Matt advises clients on artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity and data privacy, including regulatory compliance and risk management, enforcement matters, commercial disputes and internal investigations. Recognized by clients for his technical sophistication and practical approach, he works with public and private companies across industries, with a particular focus on highly regulated, data- driven businesses. Matt has helped dozens of clients design and implement effective, durable AI and model governance frameworks that meet stakeholder needs and satisfy regulatory obligations. Matt has also represented clients in AI, cyber and data-driven matters before the U.S. DOJ, FTC, the SEC, the CFTC, FINRA, the NY AG’s Office, the CA AG’s Office and NY’s Department of Financial Services, am others. Based in the Firm’s New York office, Matt is ranked among the nation’s leading “Up and Coming lawyers by Chambers for Privacy & Data Security and is recognized by The Legal 500 US for Cyber Law. Named an “AI Visionary” by global legal tech company Relativity, he was also recognized as a “Client Service All Star” by BTI Consulting. Matt is a frequent contributor to publications on topics related to AI and cybersecurity, and he is a prominent voice on AI, cybersecurity and legal technology, speaking at conferences organized by RSAC, SIFMA, IAPP, the Society for Corporate Governance, the Bank Policy Institute and the Global Association of Risk Professionals, among others.
Kim advises clients on privacy, data security and cybersecurity matters, with a particular focus on multifaceted healthcare and life sciences transactions. She regularly advises provider organizations, technology companies, sponsors and strategic buyers on regulatory compliance, data breach preparedness and privacy and security diligence, including matters involving HIPAA, CCPA/CPRA and HBNR. Based in the Firm’s Los Angeles and Bay Area offices, Kim is known for delivering pragmatic, business-focused advice to help clients manage risk and navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. She has been recognized by Law360 for her role in landmark transactions and as a “Client Service All Star” by BTI Consulting. Kim is a thought leader in this space and serves as an editor of prominent professional legal treatises, including the PLI Privacy Law Answer Book and Health Care Mergers and Acquisitions Answer Book. Additionally, she has regularly appeared on data-focused panels and provided legal innovation forums commentary, including the International Bar Association’s Annual “World Life Sciences Conference” and the IPMI “Law & Compliance Institute.”
“Simpson Thacher’s global platform and unmatched client roster give it a distinctive vantage point on how governance, risk and technology issues are playing out across industries,” said Matt. “It’s an honor to join a Firm with the depth and scale to partner with clients at the moments that matter most.”
“What sets Simpson Thacher apart is the way it builds highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams that are tailored to each client’s evolving needs,” said Kim. “That approach is essential in a rapidly changing regulatory and technological landscape, and I’m excited to be part of the team.”
The Firm’s Artificial Intelligence and Privacy and Cybersecurity teams of transactional and litigation attorneys provide coordinated, sophisticated advice to a diverse range of global companies, financial institutions and asset managers. The Firm combines its substantive legal talent with deep, long-standing knowledge of its clients’ businesses, to provide advice that is uniquely suited to its clients’ needs.
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