Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), a global law firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services, has announced the appointment of Annie Haggar as the new Australian head of cybersecurity, based in Canberra. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity and technology law, Annie is one of Australia’s most esteemed cybersecurity lawyers, bringing a wealth of expertise to the firm’s global cybersecurity and privacy team.
Annie Haggar is well-known in the cybersecurity field for her extensive work with multinational businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure clients. As the founder of Cyber GC, a specialist firm focused on cybersecurity and technology law, she has established a reputation for excellence, advising on a wide range of issues including traditional technology contracting, outsourcing, emerging technologies, alliances and partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and cybersecurity.
Her experience spans the technology, security, infrastructure, and government sectors, making her a valuable addition to Norton Rose Fulbright.
Annie Haggar Expanding Cybersecurity Support for NRF’s Clients
In her new role, Annie will support clients across various sectors and industries, providing them with comprehensive guidance on managing cyber risks, enhancing cybersecurity postures, and effectively responding to cyber incidents. She will be an integral part of the firm’s global cybersecurity and privacy team, which is dedicated to offering end-to-end solutions to both domestic and international clients.
Annie commented on her appointment, highlighting the critical role that global law firms play in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape:
Given how quickly issues develop in the global cybersecurity space, global law firms play a critical role in helping clients prepare for and defend against cyber and security threats on multiple fronts. Global firms can bring the necessary scale and insight to help clients appropriately govern cyber risk, mature their cybersecurity posture, or prepare and respond effectively if a breach occurs. I am looking forward to helping Norton Rose Fulbright continue to build its full-service offering in cybersecurity and privacy so more of our clients can take the necessary steps to minimise risk and protect their organizations from security threats.”
An Impressive Background in Technology and Law
Before founding Cyber GC, Annie held senior legal positions in cybersecurity, strategic partnerships, complex contracting, and emerging digital technologies at Accenture for over a decade. Her background also includes experience at an international law firm, where she honed her skills in technology and cybersecurity law.
Alison Deitz, Norton Rose Fulbright’s chief executive partner in Australia, expressed enthusiasm for Annie’s appointment, emphasizing the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s legal landscape:
“Cybersecurity has exploded as a critical area of the law for all organizations. We are thrilled to have Annie join us with her decades of experience advising clients at the forefront of cybersecurity and the opportunities stemming from digital transformation and new technologies. Annie’s trusted relationship with multinational companies, governments in Australia and overseas, and organizations involved in critical infrastructure will bolster our Australian and global cybersecurity offering.”
Chris Cwalina, the global head of cybersecurity and privacy at Norton Rose Fulbright, also welcomed Annie to the firm’s expansive global practice, “We are so pleased to welcome Annie to our dedicated global practice of more than 90 cybersecurity and privacy lawyers based in many of the world’s key jurisdictions, helping clients improve their cybersecurity programs, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents, and manage legal and regulatory risks related to cybersecurity, privacy, and information governance.”
Strengthening the Firm’s Expertise Across Key Areas
The appointment of Annie Haggar is part of Norton Rose Fulbright’s ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its global cybersecurity capabilities.
This announcement follows a series of key appointments and promotions within the firm, including Lisa Fitzgerald (technology, Melbourne), Bede Gahan (employment and labour, Canberra), Kimberley MacKay (regulatory and disputes, Melbourne), and Liz Hastilow (corporate and investment funds, Sydney). Additionally, promotions of Kellie Link (restructuring, Perth), Maria Panos (dispute resolution, Sydney), and Jacqueline Plant (environment and planning, Melbourne) earlier this year further highlight the firm’s commitment to growing its expertise across various legal disciplines.