Former Google AI Counsel Benjamin Softness Joins King & Spalding in San Francisco.
King & Spalding, a renowned global law firm, has announced the addition of Benjamin Softness as a partner in its Business Litigation practice group in San Francisco.
Mr. Softness brings a wealth of experience in regulatory and litigation matters, particularly focusing on AI regulation, privacy law, and tech-related litigation. His extensive career includes leadership roles in complex legal issues surrounding generative AI and cross-functional collaboration with global regulators.
Softness’s Expertise and Experience at Google
Before joining King & Spalding, Benjamin Softness served as Regulatory and Litigation Counsel at Google, where he played a key role in overseeing the company’s AI regulatory response and litigation efforts.
Mr. Softness managed global inquiries concerning AI technologies, led cross-functional teams, and addressed legal challenges from regulators across multiple regions. His experience includes handling privacy, consumer protection, securities, and satellite communication regulations, reflecting his deep understanding of both legal and technological landscapes.
Benjamin Softness has worked with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including state attorneys general, federal regulators in the U.S., and data privacy regulators worldwide. His role also involved providing strategic compliance enhancements and crisis management counsel.
This diverse experience makes him a highly valuable asset for King & Spalding as the firm continues to expand its technology and litigation offerings.
Strategic Fit for King & Spalding’s California Expansion
Jessica Corley, co-leader of King & Spalding’s Business Litigation practice group, emphasized that Softness’s skills are a perfect match for the firm’s strategic growth in California.
“Ben has broad litigation experience – including antitrust, appellate, and privacy-related work – as well as strong investigation skills and the ability to translate complex, highly technical issues for judges, appellate panels, and regulators,” said Corley.
She also noted that Softness’s AI regulatory experience positions him as a leader in navigating the intersection of technology law and legal practice.
The firm’s expansion into California’s competitive litigation market aligns well with Softness’s expertise, particularly with regard to handling tech-related legal matters in Silicon Valley and other tech-centric regions.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Before his role at Google, Benjamin Softness was a partner at the respected Washington, D.C. law firm Kellogg, Hansen, Todd, Figel & Frederick, a boutique trial and appellate litigation firm.
He also served as a law clerk on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Softness’s legal career reflects a commitment to excellence, highlighted by his summa cum laude graduation from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his undergraduate degree from Amherst College.
Softness’s transition to King & Spalding marks his return to private practice, and he expressed enthusiasm about joining a firm with a “unique combination of world-class expertise and constructive collaboration.” He has previously worked alongside King & Spalding lawyers, making the firm a natural next step in his distinguished career.
King & Spalding’s Focus on Technology and Litigation
King & Spalding’s decision to hire Benjamin Softness highlights its growing focus on complex business litigation, particularly in the tech and regulatory fields. Softness’s deep experience in navigating AI-related legal issues will be crucial for the firm’s clients, many of whom face evolving challenges in the rapidly changing tech landscape.
His expertise will also bolster the firm’s litigation strategies in California, a hub for major technology companies and legal battles involving cutting-edge technologies.
With AI and technology regulation at the forefront of legal and business challenges, Softness’s addition to King & Spalding strengthens the firm’s ability to address these issues for clients across multiple industries. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and tech-related disputes will be indispensable in the years to come.
Benjamin Softness’s Impact on the Firm
As AI regulation continues to evolve, the legal expertise that Benjamin Softness brings to King & Spalding will become increasingly important. With his leadership and knowledge, the firm is well-positioned to continue supporting clients in managing and resolving high-stakes litigation and regulatory challenges.
As AI technologies and related legal concerns become more prominent, King & Spalding’s expanding practice group in California will play a crucial role in guiding clients through these complex legal landscapes.
Benjamin Softness’s background in crisis management, compliance, and litigation will make him an invaluable resource for tech companies navigating the evolving regulatory framework surrounding AI and other emerging technologies.
The combination of expert legal counsel and firsthand knowledge of the tech industry will undoubtedly benefit clients as they confront new challenges in the global marketplace.
King & Spalding is a global law firm that assists leading companies in advancing complex business interests across more than 160 countries. With a team of over 1,300 lawyers, the firm operates in 24 offices worldwide. Known for delivering tailored commercial solutions, King & Spalding is committed to world-class service and quality.
The firm specializes in a wide array of legal services, including corporate, finance, government matters, and litigation, with expertise spanning multiple industries such as energy, technology, and life sciences. Their integrated approach allows them to effectively address the evolving needs of clients in dynamic markets.
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