What’s New in California Privacy 2026

Lawrence “LB” Burns is an associate in the Emerging Technologies group at Reed Smith with a multidisciplinary practice focusing on the intersections of privacy, intellectual property, data innovation, AI, and machine learning. He supports clients looking to navigate the complexities of privacy compliance and consumer rights regimes such as the CCPA/CPRA, CPA, OCPA, VCDPA, COPPA, FTC, TCPA, CAN-SPAM, and GDPR. He is especially accomplished in assisting clients with developing internal and external privacy policies, drafting/negotiating data privacy related agreements, developing risk mitigation strategies regarding data use and technology/entertainment product release, conducting privacy risks assessments related to complex mergers and acquisitions, and cyber security incident preparation and response. He also supports diverse consumer brands in their advertising and marketing initiatives, especially with regards to consumer incentive and loyalty programs, gift cards, sweepstakes, and other marketing campaigns.

LB also has extensive litigation experience handling privacy-related actions involving CIPA and other anti-wiretap laws, data breach class actions, and complex commercial and IP matters, including patent and trademark/trade dress infringement cases. He is dedicated to safeguarding innovation in the technology and life sciences sectors, as shown in his significant courtroom victories and strategic privacy and IP guidance. LB has presented at multiple conferences on artificial intelligence (including generative AI, LLMS, and other machine learning models), specifically key considerations in the generative AI ecosystem, drafting/negotiating AI-specific contracts, and open-source data

Grace Wiley is an Associate in Reed Smith LLP’s San Francisco office, advising clients in the entertainment and technology sectors on privacy compliance, regulatory matters, and transactional issues, including mergers and acquisitions. Her practice also includes supporting clients in a range of general pre-litigation matters. Grace earned her J.D. from UC Davis School of Law and graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. She brings experience from the public policy arena and is deeply committed to social justice work. Grace is particularly interested in leveraging her background in public service to support clients through pro bono representations.

Sarah L. Bruno is a Partner in Reed Smith LLP’s San Francisco office and a trusted advisor to companies in the entertainment, technology, beauty, consumer product, and health care sectors. Her practice focuses on privacy, data security, intellectual property, and advertising, where she counsels clients on product development and launch strategies, data collection and governance, and online and offline marketing initiatives, including emerging issues involving the metaverse and artificial intelligence. Sarah partners closely with clients to provide practical, efficient guidance through the complex and evolving patchwork of state, federal, and international laws impacting new technologies, products, and platforms across all forms of media.

On the privacy side, Sarah advises on compliance with major data protection laws, including the CCPA, CPRA, Virginia’s Data Protection Act, and Colorado’s Data Privacy Act, as well as FTC guidance, cross-border data transfers, children’s data (including COPPA), AI data use, and VPPA claims. She routinely assists clients with data audits, governance programs, and incident preparedness and response, and regularly drafts policies, conducts trainings, and advises internal teams on data strategy. Her advertising experience includes reviewing marketing claims, advising on unfair and deceptive trade practices, loyalty and incentive programs, and representing clients before the National Advertising Division. In addition, Sarah develops comprehensive IP protection strategies under U.S. and international trademark, copyright, and patent laws. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and an active member of several professional organizations, and has been widely recognized by The Legal 500 and the Daily Journal for her leadership in privacy, cyber law, advertising, and intellectual property.