Cooley Launches Global Hearings Practice As Scrutiny Rises

Why It Matters

Regulators worldwide are intensifying probes into tech operations; Cooley’s dedicated practice gives companies a unified legal front, reducing exposure and operational disruption.

Key Takeaways

• Global hearings practice centralizes cross‑border regulatory defense for tech firms
• Focus areas include privacy, AI governance, pricing, and child‑safety compliance
• Partners Grooms and Grimm bring deep experience in high‑stakes investigations
• Service aims to streamline strategy, saving companies time and litigation costs

Pulse Analysis

Regulatory pressure on technology companies has surged in recent years, with data‑privacy agencies in Europe, antitrust bodies in the United States, and consumer‑protection regulators in Asia all launching coordinated inquiries. High‑profile investigations into AI algorithms, data handling practices, and pricing models have underscored the need for a cohesive legal approach that can operate across borders. Companies that lack a unified strategy risk fragmented defenses, higher compliance costs, and reputational damage.

Cooley’s new Global Hearings and Inquiries practice consolidates expertise under two seasoned partners, Susanne Sachsman Grooms and Sascha Grimm. The team blends litigation, regulatory, and policy experience to craft comprehensive response plans, from pre‑investigation risk assessments to post‑investigation remediation. By covering privacy, AI governance, consumer pricing, and child‑safety concerns, the practice offers a one‑stop shop for tech firms navigating the complex mosaic of global rules. Clients benefit from coordinated messaging, consistent legal arguments, and the ability to leverage Cooley’s extensive network of regulators and policymakers.

For the technology sector, the practice signals a shift toward proactive, rather than reactive, compliance management. Firms that engage Cooley early can anticipate regulator expectations, adjust product roadmaps, and avoid costly enforcement actions. As governments continue to tighten oversight, the ability to present a unified, well‑prepared defense will become a competitive differentiator, potentially influencing investor confidence and market valuation. Cooley’s initiative thus not only addresses immediate legal challenges but also positions its clients for sustainable growth in an increasingly regulated environment.