Global, sector focused law firm HFW has continued to expand its fast-growing practice in Greater China, launching a cybersecurity and data law practice with the hire of Senior Associate Nate Rushforth.

Nate joins HFW from a local boutique firm, and is based in Shanghai. He has extensive experience assisting companies doing business in or with China on cybersecurity and data compliance matters, and specialises in navigating China’s rapidly evolving and increasingly comprehensive cybersecurity and data compliance regime.

Having worked in Shanghai since 2016, Nate has developed a speciality in data and cybersecurity, using his unique combination of technical understanding and legal insights to assist a diverse range of international clients.

Nick Poynder, Shanghai Office Head, HFW:

“This is an important development for our practice in Shanghai. HFW has been in Shanghai for over 20 years and we are committed to continuing to support our clients here, through listening to their needs and providing additional services to support them and their business. Cybersecurity and data protection are critical, now more than ever and it’s great to have a specialist like Nate join our team.”

Prior to entering legal practice, Nate also worked in software and cybersecurity for a large multinational, a small start-up, and the US Government. He has helped find solutions for clients across a wide range of industries including: manufacturing; international education; SaaS; biotech; healthcare/medical; logistics; retail; and insurance.

Nate Rushforth, Senior Associate, HFW:

“I’m really excited to be joining a firm with a strong china practice and global reach. Regulations and enforcement in China are changing all the time and it’s a really fast-moving and exciting area. I’m looking forward to helping to grow this practice in Shanghai, and supporting the cyber practice across Asia-Pacific.”

Brinton Scott, Partner, HFW:

“We are very pleased that Nate has joined our Shanghai office. Having worked with multinational clients doing business in China for over 20 years, I know first-hand that cybersecurity and data protection remain high on their agenda and will continue to be on the horizon. We’ve listened and responded with this exceptional hire.”

This new practice adds to HFW’s growing presence in China and across Asia-Pacific, following recent senior hires in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The firm now has close to 200 lawyers across six offices in Asia-Pacific.

It also continues to build on HFW’s global cybersecurity offering, including HFW’s partnership with CyberOwl to help clients in the maritime sector assess, monitor and actively manage their cyber risks, and gain assurance of cyber compliance.