Trailblazer in Data Privacy and AI

Alumni Profile: Laura Clark Fey, L’92

Laura Clark Fey, L’92, has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of global data privacy, information governance and artificial intelligence (AI). As Principal at Fey LLC, a global data privacy and information governance law firm, and an adjunct professor at KU Law, she is at the forefront of one of the most rapidly evolving fields in law. Initially set on attending a university in Texas, she changed course after a friend invited her to visit KU during high school. 

“The second I stepped foot on campus, I knew that I wanted to go to KU,” she said. 

With her undergraduate and law degrees in hand, Clark Fey began her legal career as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, handling cases in Houston and collaborating with the Civil Division in Washington, D.C. Eventually, family considerations led her to a large law firm in the Midwest, where she spent 13 years — first as an associate and later as an equity partner. Specializing in litigation and trial work, she excelled in high-stakes litigation, but found the demands of multi-month trials and work travel challenging as a parent of young children. 

Seeking a better balance, she pivoted to proactive consulting, focusing on e-discovery and information governance. It was early in this period, after having the opportunity to assist a French client with European privacy compliance, that Clark Fey's fascination with European privacy laws began. 

“The legal framework and the cultural views on personal data in Europe are very different from those in the United States,” she said. 

Immersing herself in this niche, Clark Fey ultimately shaped her practice around global privacy and compliance, helping multinational corporations navigate complex regulations like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Today, her practice spans global data privacy, AI-related compliance and risk management. 

“Privacy became a big deal with laws like the GDPR, the CCPA in California and other global and state laws that followed,” she said. “Over the past couple of years, AI has become a significant area of focus as well, and my work helps clients meet their obligations and manage risks in this emerging field.” 

As an adjunct professor at KU Law, she teaches Global Data Protection in the Age of AI, a course that evolved from focusing solely on global privacy laws to incorporating AI in response to rapid technological advancements. The course covers critical topics such as global privacy frameworks, data usage by governments and corporations, and the ethical and legal implications of AI. 

“There are so many parts of the law that intersect with AI,” she said. “From privacy and cybersecurity to copyright and product liability, the class explores how to manage these risks in a rapidly changing landscape.” 

Interest in the course has increased in the five years since she has been teaching. 

“This past semester, enrollment was three or four times higher than before,” she said. 

Clark Fey encourages all law students to familiarize themselves with AI, emphasizing its transformative impact on the legal profession. 

“Even if you’re not specializing in AI, you need to understand the tools and risks associated with its use,” she said. 

In her consulting work, Clark Fey thrives on collaboration. Whether conducting privacy assessments, drafting policies or guiding clients through data breaches, she emphasizes practical solutions tailored to business needs.

“It’s about assessing relevant privacy, security, and business risks, and then developing and implementing phased action items designed to reduce risk and improve compliance in a manner that takes into account business needs and goals,” she said. 

Her work often involves helping organizations navigate urgent situations, such as data breaches or phishing attacks. She also highlights the importance of training employees to understand and implement policies. 

“Regulators expect policies and procedures, but the real key to compliance is ensuring employees understand why they’re important and how to comply,” she said. 

For Clark Fey, staying ahead in a fast-moving field requires relentless learning. She advises aspiring privacy and AI lawyers to embrace a passion for learning and develop strong analytical skills. 

“I focus exclusively on privacy, AI and information governance,” she said. “This specialization helps me keep up with the rapid pace of change.” 

Among her many achievements, Clark Fey finds her greatest fulfillment in mentoring. 

“What I’m most proud of is encouraging law students and lawyers who may feel overwhelmed,” she said. “Seeing someone regain confidence and thrive is incredibly rewarding. I have been very fortunate to have had incredible mentors during law school and throughout my legal career, starting with my first semester Torts Professor Reggie Robinson, and it is really important to me to support and mentor law students and other lawyers as well.”

Through her groundbreaking work and dedication to teaching, she is shaping the future of data privacy and AI law while inspiring the next generation of KU Law graduates to embrace emerging opportunities.

This article appeared in print in the 2024 KU Law Magazine.