Yodi S. Hailemariam, CIPP-US, is a senior associate in Drinker Biddle’s Information Privacy, Security, and Governance group. A frequent author, speaker and panelist on “all things data,” Yodi advises multinational clients on U.S. and global data privacy, security and regulatory compliance; information governance and records management policies and programs; and electronic discovery in complex civil litigations, white-collar defense, and corporate investigations. Yodi also advises the Firm and its clients on the development and implementation of analytics models that enable insight, data storytelling, and economic value generation. She is experienced in leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to achieve better, more efficient, and more cost-effective results.
Yodi has extensive experience counseling multinational companies on cross-border data issues, particularly with respect to Asia and the European Union. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., Yodi worked at one of the “Big Four” Japanese law firms in Tokyo, Japan. She also previously took an active role in developing the first digital evidence analysis platform in China to be operated and staffed by PRC-licensed lawyers and helped to design PRC-specific procedures for the strategic use and handling of sensitive digital information in civil litigation, anti-corruption investigations, and routine compliance audits in China.
Yodi is also an active member of Drinker Biddle’s Diversity Committee. She spearheads the D.C. office’s annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit and co-leads the D.C. office’s 1L Diverse Summer Intern program.
Yodi earned her JD from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, where she served as the president of the Black Law Students Association. She earned her BA degree, with honors, from Southern Methodist University.
Yodi speaks Amharic and Japanese.