Gartner Expert

Dan Essig

Sr Director, Advisory

Dan Essig advises legal, compliance and privacy leaders on a broad range of topics relating to privacy program development and privacy risk management. These include privacy program strategic planning, privacy program creation and governance, ongoing GDPR and regulatory compliance and support, data classification and governance, data breach response plan drafting and implementation, policy support and development, budgeting and staffing, training and communications, and other key topics in the privacy space. Dan also speaks with clients about emerging trends in the privacy space, including the impact of regulatory and technological change on privacy risks, changes in privacy staffing and talent needs, and broader information governance trends. On information governance, conversations typically focus on strategy--planning, governance models, buy-in and support, structuring a team--and on execution--data classification, inventory, mapping, and deletion. Dan also reviews privacy and information governance policies and related documents to help clients benchmark and refine their approach. Further, Dan serves as a thought partner to legal and privacy executives, helping them benchmark their approach to emerging privacy questions against peer practices, Gartner best practices, and industry standards.

Previous experience

Previously, Mr. Essig advised clients on a variety of corporate legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, emerging company transactions, technology transactions, and securities and corporate governance.

Professional background

Morrison & Foerster LLP

Associate Attorney

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Honors Intern

American Rivers, Inc.

Intern, Office of the General Counsel

Areas of coverage

Legal and Compliance Technology Planning and Strategy

Privacy Program Management

Legal and Compliance Risk Management Process

Education

J.D., Magna Cum Laude, Georgetown University Law CenterB.B.A., Summa Cum Laude, Kent State University

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Top Issues That I Help Clients Address

1Privacy program strategy and management

2GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, and US/EU privacy regulatory change, preparedness, and compliance

3Privacy risk assessment and mitigation

4Information management and governance, including strategy and execution

5Privacy awareness, training, and communications strategies