Cross-Office Team to Present PLUS Webinar Discussing 2021 BIPA Updates

Chicago, Ill. (February 5, 2021) - Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) Practice Co-Chairs Mary A. Smigielski and Josh Kantrow, along with Minneapolis Partner Kari Berman, will lead a free webinar hosted by the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) on February 10 at 11:00 a.m. CT to discuss BIPA updates for the coming year.

This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of the biometric-protection model, which was adopted in Illinois, and centers around the collection and release of biometric identifiers and information. Additionally, the presenters will cover what the law does, what it says, what lawsuits and claims have been filed, as well as the current state of the law, and what areas of insurance cover it.

PLUS is a primary source of professional liability educational programs and seminars, networking events, educational products, and information regarding professional liability with over 7,000 members, representing over 1,000 companies active in the professional liability field.

Ms. Smigielski has been on the cutting edge of BIPA litigation, frequently providing commentary to a number of outlets on the topic and co-authoring an Insight article for Bloomberg LawBloomberg Law on the potential nationwide implications of BIPA during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to co-founding Lewis Brisbois’ Illinois BIPA Practice, the first in the nation, she is also the head of Lewis Brisbois’ Labor & Employment Practice in Chicago.

Mr. Kantrow defends class action litigation brought against Illinois-based companies under BIPA, provides counsel on the emerging BIPA legal landscape, and provides strategic direction to address BIPA compliance, insurance coverage, and litigation. Clients frequently retain him to litigate complex, high exposure cases throughout the country. In addition to serving as Co-Chair of Lewis Brisbois’ BIPA Practice, Mr. Kantrow is also a vice-chair of Lewis Brisbois’ Professional Liability Practice. He also frequently appears as a guest on TV, radio, and podcasts discussing technology and cyber risks, among other issues.

Ms. Berman has over 20 years of experience in commercial litigation, and significant experience in corporate governance, complex business transactions, contract negotiations, internal investigations, investigations by government agencies, merger and acquisition, and advising clients’ senior executives on a range of legal issues. She has also provided advice and counsel to clients facing litigation involving alleged BIPA violations as this complex body of law evolves.

This free webinar is available to PLUS members and non-members.

Learn more and register here.

A video recording of this webinar is available here.