John L. Evans

Privacy, Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence

John helps clients navigate privacy and cybersecurity laws and regulations at the state and federal levels. From a transactional or compliance perspective, John has experience drafting internal and external privacy policies that are compliant with state privacy frameworks, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), Washington My Health My Data (MHMD) Act and similar state privacy laws. He regularly negotiates data protection agreements (DPAs), third party agreements, and other contracts involving an exchange of personal data. John helps clients make sense of a complicated patchwork of state and federal privacy laws to achieve their objectives

From the litigation side, John defends clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by state attorneys general (AGs) under state consumer privacy laws. He also counsels clients in litigation under wiretapping statutes and other privacy laws at the state and federal levels.

John has experience helping clients respond to data breaches, including by drafting and filing data breach notifications to state AGs and federal regulators, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

He also advises on data breach notification as a standalone regulatory capability, counseling clients on notification obligations, timing requirements, and communications to affected individuals, regulators, and consumer reporting agencies across all 50 states.

John advises clients on the contractual and compliance dimensions of artificial intelligence. On the transactional side, he negotiates AI vendor agreements, AI licensing arrangements, and AI-related provisions in technology contracts. He also counsels clients on AI-related compliance matters, including emerging AI regulations at the state level, AI governance frameworks, and the development and implementation of responsible AI policies. He assists organizations in aligning their AI practices with evolving legal requirements and industry standards.

Health Care & Clinical Trials

In the medical research and clinical trial context, John negotiates contracts on behalf of clients, including clinical trial agreements, research agreements, and confidential disclosure agreements. He also advises clients on compliance and regulatory matters related to obtaining and maintaining FDA approval of drugs and medical devices.

Pro Bono

John maintains an active and engaged pro bono practice. Most recently, he has assisted the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP), an organization dedicated to preventing and correcting the conviction of innocent people in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In this work, John reviews applications from incarcerated individuals and recommends cases for appeal or reconsideration. In the past, he served as an advocate for indigent clients in the DC area in matters related to shelter and housing. John now carries out this work as a volunteer attorney with the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (WLCH). His pro bono practice has also focused on immigration issues faced by Afghan refugees. Working in collaboration with a team of Faegre Drinker colleagues, John helped to secure grants of asylum for pro bono clients in 2022 and 2023.

Personal Interests

In his free time, John enjoys reading and playing tennis or chess.