Firm hire: Cooley LLP

Rod Freeman is joining Cooley’s London office as a partner. He arrives from Hogan Lovells, where he was a partner for 13 years and led the international products law group. Freeman is recognised as one of the world’s leading international products lawyers.

’Rod’s experience working with major technology companies in matters such as counseling on international product launches, compliance issues and product litigation complements our focus on the global tech and innovation landscape,’ said Justin Stock, Cooley’s London managing partner. ’He is a perfect fit with our team and brings a unique skillset that will be greatly appreciated by our clients.’

In addition to representing major technology companies, Freeman advises international consumer product manufacturers and retailers on the issues that flow from product defects and other challenges around the world, including formulating strategies in defence of litigation and regulatory action brought against those companies. He also has significant experience working in the automotive and life sciences sectors. His insight into the rapidly evolving global regulatory and liability landscape for product manufacturers is unsurpassed.’

’I’m excited to tap into Cooley’s robust capabilities in technology and life sciences as I look to further deepen Cooley’s investment in these industries,’ Freeman said. ’We can see that the business risks faced by operators in all product sectors in the future will be driven by technological innovation. For that reason, successful product liability defence strategies and compliance management will increasingly demand deep industry expertise and support from associated tech-focused practices. Cooley’s proven global leadership in areas including data protection, privacy, IP and regulatory, will be a tremendous asset to my existing and future clients.’