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overview
Jeffrey A. May practices in the areas of general business law, intellectual property, and litigation and leads the firm's Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Group.
Practice Areas
Bio
Most businesses collect, use, and disclose personal information. That information has value, but with that value comes substantial risk. In an effort to identify and mitigate that risk, Jeffrey assists with the creation, implementation, and management of information privacy programs through the drafting of technology policies and practices and the formation of data sharing arrangements with third parties. If a data breach does occur, Jeffrey helps clients respond in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Jeffrey’s prior experience owning and operating a technology-based business, and his educational background focused in the area of information technology, allows him to assist clients with a wide range of business issues and litigation matters. Since joining Kerr Russell, Jeffrey has worked with clients to draft and negotiate contracts, acquire and protect intellectual property, and resolve disputes through litigation or through alternative dispute resolution methods.
Jeffrey is credentialed as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States/Europe (CIPP/US/E), a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and is recognized as a Fellow of Privacy Technology. He was named an “Up and Coming” Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2018, recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Michigan Rising Star” for the last two years, and has been named a DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyer” in Information Technology Law.
Before joining Kerr Russell, Jeffrey was the law clerk to U.S. Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. While working at the court, he also served as the Director of the Michigan Center for Civic Education’s High School Mock Trial Tournament. Jeffrey has continued his community involvement as a Council Member for the Information Technology Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as member of the Board of Directors for Accelerate4KIDS, a Detroit nonprofit that provides computer science education and programs to children.
credentials
Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
- Information Technology Section, Council Member
- Intellectual Property Section
- Litigation Section
- Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan
- American Bar Association
- Accelerate4KIDS, Board of Directors
Bar and Court Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Clerkship
- U.S. Magistrate Judge Mona K. Majzoub at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Certifications
- Certified Information Privacy Professional/US/Europe (CIPP/US/E)
- Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
- OneTrust Fellow of Privacy Technology (Expert Certifications in Privacy Management, Assessment Automation, Consent Management, Data Mapping, Data Subject Requests, GRC Solutions, Incident Management, Scanning and Cookie Consent, Targeted Data Discovery, and Vendor Risk Management)
Education
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, LL.M.
- Federal Law and Advocacy
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, LL.M.
- Intellectual Property Law
- Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.
- Editor-in-Chief, Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
- Outstanding Senior Litigator
- Top Advocate, Moot Court
- National Mock Trial Team
- Class Valedictory Speaker
- Walsh College of Business and Accountancy, MSIT
- Business Information Technology
- Western Michigan University, B.A.
- Music
Insights & News
August 30, 2021
Kerr Russell Wins Summary Disposition in Trademark Matter
Max Sneyd and Jeffrey May were successful in both obtaining a dismissal of a third-party case against their client and summary judgment as to their counterclaim.
January 29, 2021
Investing in Your Privacy
As people have come to learn this week (many for the first time), the stock market is a volatile tool through which earnings are made and lost in the literal blink of an eye. We, of course, do not intend to provide investing advice but, instead, hope to provide a word of caution relative to the tools used for such investments.
January 27, 2021
2021 Looks to be a Landmark Year in Privacy
As part of Data Privacy Day 2021, ask yourself, does my business have a Privacy Program in place? Probably not. But should it? That’s a great question for a privacy professional — someone focused on privacy practices, laws, and regulations.
November 16, 2020
22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers
A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
October 27, 2020
Jeffrey May Discusses Data Privacy Issues Concerning the Automotive Industry on OESA's Automotive Insider
Kerr Russell attorney Jeffrey May was recently featured on Automotive Insider, a podcast presented by OESA. Listen as Jeff shares his insights on the increasingly critical topic of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law.
September 18, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Super Lawyers named 11 Kerr Russell members to the list of 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and included four Kerr Russell attorneys on the list of 2020 Michigan Rising Stars.
July 17, 2020
Privacy Shield Offers No Defenses Under New EU Privacy Ruling
Failure to ensure adequate levels of data protection may result in heavy fines, and/or the complete shutdown of personal data transfers across international lines.
June 30, 2020
The Path to the CCPA 2.0 Starts as Enforcement Begins
By now, most US-based businesses have at least heard of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), and if you haven’t, you should contact your attorney soon because enforcement begins on July 1, 2020.
June 30, 2020
Data Breach? Engage Outside Counsel and an Independent Forensics Team
It’s 2:00 a.m. and you get a call from your security team – the inevitable has happened and you have to respond to a cybersecurity “incident.”
June 30, 2020
Apple – Part of a Heathy (Privacy) Lifestyle
Every year in June, Apple Developers and fans flock to Cupertino for the annual Worldwide Developers Conference. This year’s WWDC was a little different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn’t stop Apple from announcing some major initiatives.
June 30, 2020
Could Tell-a-Friend Features Violate Privacy Laws?
Although privacy professionals will typically acknowledge that the EU is way ahead of the US when it comes to data privacy protections, for those outside the field it may seem a bit odd to focus on a decision by the Belgian Data Protection Authority.
April 28, 2020
Health Care Data Security in the COVID-19 Era
Over the last few weeks, Google alone has blocked an average of 18 million COVID-19-related malware and phishing emails every day. Ransomware attacks are on the rise.
April 13, 2020
Cybersecurity Threats Demand Companies Review Policies and Risk During Crisis
Kerr Russell attorney Jeffrey May was recently interviewed by Corp! Magazine. He discusses the business need for cybersecurity plans.
March 19, 2020
Data that can Hurt Your Bottom Line
Most companies hope to maximize profits and minimize risk; in fact, cost-benefit analyses are deployed almost daily for most managerial and operational decisions, so there is a strong possibility that your organization has shifted its attention from data privacy to “more urgent” matters. After all, you probably believe you do not collect personal information.
March 19, 2020
Washington Privacy Act Fails … Again
It was a given that the Washington Privacy Act – the country’s (presumptive) second piece of general data-privacy legislation – would pass this year and follow the path blazed by the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”).
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history.
Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people
March 16, 2020
Data Privacy & Security Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
There are a myriad of articles hitting news feeds this month dealing with privacy issues related to COVID-19. Attorneys at Kerr Russell have addressed many of those questions – their articles are available here.
February 5, 2020
Data Privacy Tips and Best Practices
Focusing solely on “compliance” with applicable laws is an inefficient approach and should only be considered in specific circumstances.
February 5, 2020
Data Privacy: Why Should You Care and What to Expect?
Over the last decade, stories of large data breaches, ransomware attacks, and identity theft have moved from isolated incidents to almost daily headlines. It is almost impossible to read a news thread or open a newspaper without seeing something related to cybersecurity or a data breach
February 5, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorney Explains What Data Privacy Is
2020 looks to be a busy year in data privacy. New laws and regulations will impose various requirements on organizations in every industry. These changes often have little regard to size or location.
January 16, 2020
Patricia Schabath, Jeffery May Featured in Crain's Detroit Business
Congratulations to Patricia Schabath and Jeffrey May for being featured in this week’s Crain’s Detroit Business “People on the Move.” Both were named members (partners) of the firm, effective January 1. You can view the Crain’s piece online HERE.
January 15, 2020
Kerr Russell Presenting on Privacy and Data Protection in 2020
Cybersecurity attorney, Jeffrey A. May, is presenting a webinar through Corp! Magazine and MichBusiness. The topic is “Privacy and Data Protection in 2020: What Your Business Needs to Know."
January 6, 2020
Patricia Schabath and Jeffrey May named members at Kerr Russell
Attorneys Jeffrey A. May and Patricia C. Schabath were recently named members (partners) at Kerr Russell. The two were selected at the end of 2019 and their promotions are effective as of January 1, 2020.
November 25, 2019
Balancing an Open Court System with the First Amendment Right to Anonymity
Kerr Russell attorneys Max Sneyd and Jeffrey May recently discuss recent court cases relating to First Amendment rights and online posts. Their article is published in the Sep-Oct 2019 edition of the Detroit Lawyer magazine.
November 15, 2019
19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020
A total of 19 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as dBusiness Magazine 2020 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. dBusiness polled 19,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
October 8, 2019
Jeff May Offers Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Business From A Cybersecurity Threat
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s focus is on taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. So, what better time to take a closer look at the greatest threats facing providers and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim by protecting yourself and your practice!
September 17, 2019
Kerr Russell Presenting on Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
Attorney Jeffrey May is presenting a webinar through Corp! Magazine on "Cybersecurity & Protecting Your Digital Access."
September 3, 2019
15 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized on the 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as Thomson Reuters, 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers. The award is given annually to attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
July 9, 2019
Kerr Russell Cybersecurity Attorney Obtains CIPP/US Credential
Jeffrey A. May was recently credentialed as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US).
February 28, 2019
Jeffrey A. May in Detroit Legal News for “Hacked!” Presentation
The Detroit Legal News featured Jeffrey A. May for his presentation on "Our Network Has Been Hacked!" at WMU-Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus in February. May spoke about the constantly changing laws governing data privacy, cybersecurity risks that many are unaware of, and explained to students about advising clients on the importance of cybersecurity protection.
December 17, 2018
Jeffrey May honored as Up & Coming Lawyer at Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2018 Luncheon
Congratulations to Jeffery May who was recognized as of one of Michigan Lawyer's Weekly's "Up & Coming Lawyers" at their luncheon on December 13, at the Detroit Marriott in Troy.
August 30, 2018
Kerr Russell team places first at Detroit Chinese Business Association golf outing
Kerr Russell was pleased to support the 23rd Annual Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Open on August 28. Our golfers - Jeffrey May, Ken Lombardo, Robert Anderson, and Rich Buslepp - placed first in the outing.
DCBA chair Brian Gao and Kerr Russell member / DCBA Advisory Board Member James Cambridge presented the foursome their hard-earned trophies (14 under par!).
August 17, 2018
2018 Associates Golf Outing - a good (and rainy) time had by all
Our 2018 Associates Golf Outing, held at The Links of Novi, was a smashing success and a great teambuilding experience - a good (and rainy) time was had by all.
August 10, 2018
Jeffrey May quoted in "Inside Job: Cybersecurity requires care, vigilance by all" for Corp! Magazine
Kerr Russell attorney Jeffrey May (litigation, cybersecurity) is quoted in the article "Inside Job: Cybersecurity requires care, vigilance by all," written by J.D. Booth for Corp! Magazine.
April 5, 2018
Fred Herrmann honored at Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" luncheon
On April 5, Kerr Russell member Fred Herrmann (antitrust, litigation, dispute resolution) was honored at a luncheon, held at the Detroit Marriott - Troy, alongside the rest of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" Class of 2018. Kerr Russell attendees included Jim Cambridge, Jason Bank, Dan Schulte, Dan Ferris, Jeff May, Anna Valk, Ashley Racette, and Roy Sexton. Fred's wife Mindy Herrmann was there as well. (Picture left. To the left, Fred receives his award from Opinion Editor Agenique Smiley.)
February 9, 2018
Kerr Russell supports "Life is a Cabaret" American Cancer Society Relay for Life event
On February 7, Kerr Russell turned out in force to support Life is a Cabaret: LIVE Musical Fundraiser for Relay For Life of Canton and Plymouth, MI. Director of Marketing Roy Sexton performed a number of songs during the show and served as a co-emcee alongside Christopher Tremblay, Ed.D.. Kerr Russell attendees (pictured) included Angie Lyons-Hincks, Candice Hadley, Brandy Mathie, Ashley Racette, Sue Smith, Cindy Villeneuve, Jan Clarey, Jeffrey May, Kathleen Westfall, Gail Showler, Laura Evans Jones, Karen Schumer, Debra Behrmann, Heather Kalfayan, Kristina Kalfayan, Kelly Hinojosa, Jackie Klima, Susan Willis, and their friends and family.
January 26, 2018
Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services
Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.
December 18, 2017
Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan
One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.
November 30, 2017
Kerr Russell, Boulevard Investment lunch and learn
Kerr Russell hosted Royal Oak's Boulevard Investment Banking at our Detroit office for a lunch-and-learn event on Thursday, November 30. From Boulevard's website: "Boulevard is a boutique, investment banking and private investment firm focused on working with owners, operators, and businesses active in the middle market.
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
October 6, 2017
Team spirit ... for some great causes
Today was a day of team building and team spirit, camaraderie and good-natured rivalry. To raise money for Kerr Russell’s holiday giving initiatives, attorneys and colleagues were encouraged, for a small donation, to wear their favorite team apparel - with an obvious leaning toward tomorrow’s big game between the Spartans and the Wolverines.
October 2, 2017
Jeffrey May named to Original Equipment Suppliers Association’s Young Leadership Council
Kudos to Jeffrey May, associate, who was just named to Original Equipment Suppliers Association’s Young Leadership Council.
This new class cohort - the organization’s sixth - begins its activities later this month.
September 27, 2017
business Magazine covers Kerr Russell's participation in Detroit Chinese Business Association International Golf Outing
Kerr Russell was well-represented at the Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Open.
September 19, 2017
Kerr Russell team places second and scores longest drive at Detroit Chinese Business Association golf outing
At the 22nd Annual Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) International Golf Opening at Indianwood Golf and Country Club, our attorneys experienced a great afternoon of golfing and kinship, plus a wonderful dinner with opening remarks by Executive Office, Oakland County, Michigan's Deputy Executive Matthew Gibb.
August 22, 2017
dbusiness' "Powered by Women" breakfast - August 22
Congratulations to this year's dbusiness' "Powered by Women" honorees: Terri Harwood of North American Bancard, Katie Bowman Coleman of Bowman Chevrolet, Amy Robinson of The Kresge Foundation, Monica L. Martinez of Comerica Bank, Lilly Epstein Stotland of Vesco Oil Corp., Christine Sitek of General Motors, Tricia Ruby of Ruby+Associates, Inc. Structural Engineers, and Sara Blackmer of RAVE Computer. "From reader nominations, dbusiness selected eight professional women who are driving growth in Michigan, the nation, and the world." Exceptionally accomplished and well deserving group!
August 21, 2017
2017 Associate Golf Outing at Links of Novi
Like many organizations, we are so dedicated to creating client value, meeting your needs, and exceeding your expectations that we may neglect to recharge our own batteries, on the way to inspiring even greater collaboration, ingenuity, and teamwork.
August 10, 2017
A culture of giving
If you want to know how a firm can thrive for over 140 years in a city that has faced considerable challenges, walk through the door of Kerr Russell’s suite on the 25th floor of the Detroit Center and get a feel for the people.
July 28, 2017
Kerr Russell is honored to have been named to the 2017 State Bar of Michigan Pro-Bono Circle of Excellence
Kerr Russell is honored to have been named to the 2017 State Bar of Michigan Pro-Bono Circle of Excellence at the Leadership Level. Kerr Russell attorneys Jeffrey May, Ashley Racette and John Kenny participated in the Lakeshore Legal Aid/Southwest Solutions/Drivers License Restoration Veterans Clinic, a pro-bono program, on July 11, 2017.
December 10, 2016
Daniel Beyer and Jeffrey May complete the successful defense of a radiologist in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Oakland County
In December 2016 Daniel G. Beyer and Jeffrey A. May completed the successful defense of a radiologist in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Oakland County.