Key Takeaways
- Jennifer Urban is a partner at Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee and chairs the firm’s technology transactions, cybersecurity, and privacy practice.
- With more than 25 years of experience, she advises organizations on the legal and operational challenges of data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
- Urban is a founding member of the Midwest Cyber Security Alliance (MCSA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition that promotes effective cybersecurity solutions through education, partnerships, and scholarship programs.
- Through MCSA she mentors students, facilitates university‑industry collaborations, and brings Foley associates to industry events to develop practical experience and professional presence.
- Colleagues praise her leadership, noting that she views cybersecurity as both a business imperative and a civic responsibility to protect future generations.
Professional Background and Role at Foley & Lardner
Jennifer Urban serves as a partner at the Milwaukee office of Foley & Lardner LLP, one of the nation’s leading law firms. In this capacity, she chairs the firm’s technology transactions, cybersecurity, and privacy practice, overseeing a team that advises clients on complex transactions involving intellectual property, software licensing, cloud services, and data‑driven innovations. Her leadership position reflects both her deep expertise and the firm’s reliance on her strategic vision to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Urban’s day‑to‑day responsibilities include counseling multinational corporations, startups, and governmental entities on risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and the structuring of technology‑focused agreements.
Decades of Experience in Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Urban’s career spans more than twenty‑five years, during which she has cultivated a nuanced understanding of the interplay between law, technology, and business operations. She routinely assists clients in developing comprehensive data‑privacy programs that align with statutes such as the GDPR, CCPA, and emerging state‑level privacy laws. In the realm of cybersecurity, she helps organizations design incident‑response plans, conduct vendor‑risk assessments, and negotiate cyber‑insurance coverage. Her work often bridges the technical and legal domains, ensuring that security controls are not only effective but also legally defensible.
Guidance on Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Technologies
Beyond traditional privacy and security matters, Urban advises clients on the legal implications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other cutting‑edge technologies. She helps enterprises evaluate algorithmic bias, intellectual‑property considerations, and liability risks associated with AI‑driven products. By staying abreast of regulatory developments—such as the EU’s AI Act and U.S. federal AI initiatives—she enables clients to innovate responsibly while mitigating exposure to enforcement actions and reputational harm.
Founding the Midwest Cyber Security Alliance
Urban’s commitment to strengthening the broader cybersecurity ecosystem led her to co‑found the Midwest Cyber Security Alliance (MCSA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing effective cybersecurity solutions. MCSA brings together individuals, government agencies, academic institutions, and professional firms to share threat intelligence, discuss policy trends, and promote best practices. As a founding member, Urban helped shape the alliance’s mission to foster collaboration across sectors, recognizing that cyber threats transcend organizational boundaries.
MCSA’s Educational and Outreach Initiatives
Through MCSA, Urban has championed programs that address emerging cybersecurity challenges, including ransomware resilience, supply‑chain security, and privacy‑by‑design frameworks. The alliance regularly hosts workshops, webinars, and conferences featuring experts from industry, law enforcement, and academia. By partnering with local companies and universities, MCSA ensures that its events are grounded in real‑world scenarios and provide actionable insights for practitioners at all levels of expertise.
Scholarships and Workforce Development
A cornerstone of MCSA’s impact is its scholarship program, which supports graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers in cybersecurity, information assurance, and related fields. Urban plays an active role in reviewing applications, mentoring recipients, and advocating for increased funding to expand the program’s reach. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial barriers and encourage diversity within the cybersecurity workforce, thereby strengthening the talent pipeline for the region and beyond.
Mentoring Students Through University Partnerships
In addition to scholarship administration, Urban directly mentors students through MCSA’s university partnerships. She provides career guidance, reviews resumes, conducts mock interviews, and offers insights into the day‑to‑day realities of working in cybersecurity law and policy. By connecting academic theory with practical experience, she helps students transition smoothly into professional roles and fosters a mindset of continuous learning and ethical responsibility.
Developing Foley Associates Through Industry Engagement
Urban also leverages her professional network to enhance the growth of Foley & Lardner associates. She regularly brings junior attorneys and paralegals to industry conferences, roundtables, and cybersecurity exercises, allowing them to observe real‑world negotiations, incident‑response simulations, and policy discussions. This exposure not only builds technical competence but also cultivates the professional presence and client‑management skills essential for success in the firm’s technology‑focused practice.
Recognition of Leadership and Civic Responsibility
Andy Wronski, managing partner of Foley’s Milwaukee office, has highlighted Urban’s leadership as emblematic of her belief that cybersecurity is both a business imperative and a civic responsibility. He notes that her work extends beyond client service to encompass community education, workforce development, and advocacy for stronger cyber‑resilience at the municipal and state levels. Wronski’s endorsement underscores the broader impact of Urban’s efforts: protecting organizations while simultaneously safeguarding the next generation of digital citizens.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Influence on Cybersecurity and Privacy
Jennifer Urban’s career exemplifies the integration of legal expertise, technological insight, and community leadership. As chair of Foley & Lardner’s technology transactions, cybersecurity, and privacy practice, she guides organizations through complex regulatory landscapes and innovative transactions. Through her founding role in the Midwest Cyber Security Alliance, she amplifies regional cybersecurity capabilities via education, scholarships, and mentorship. Her dedication to developing both external talent and internal associates ensures that the legal profession remains equipped to confront evolving cyber threats. Ultimately, Urban’s work reinforces the notion that effective cybersecurity requires a collaborative approach—one that balances business interests with the shared responsibility of protecting society’s digital future.