C. Jade Davis

Partner

Shumaker Professionals C. Jade Davis
C. Jade Davis
C. Jade Davis

Contact

Direct

Education
  • J.D., with honors, Stetson University College of Law
  • B.A., summa cum laude, English, International Affairs, Political Science, Florida State University
Service Lines
Business Sectors

Jade focuses her practice on data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI), providing comprehensive legal counsel in these dynamic and rapidly evolving fields. Known for her innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills, Jade develops forward-thinking strategies that enable businesses to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while achieving their objectives.

With deep experience in global privacy and data protection compliance, Jade leads projects involving North America, European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),  Latin America, and Middle Eastern data privacy laws and regulations for clients across the healthcare, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, information technology, transportation, agricultural, food, and retail industries. She has successfully managed vendor and third-party data protection agreements, conducting audits of various contracts for international hoteliers and retailers. Jade has overseen privacy compliance programs for multinational organizations, including global hoteliers and technology companies operating across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico, and South America.

Jade is a trusted advisor on best practices for privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data management, mobile and cloud storage, Ad Tech privacy, the Internet of Things (IoT), and regulatory compliance. She offers strategic counsel on navigating global data protection laws, including but not limited to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK GDPR, Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), Personal Information Protections Law (PIPL), Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (LGPD), New Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP), Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Her innovative approach helps clients strategically leverage data, mitigate risks, and seize new opportunities in the fast-changing technological landscape.

Data Breach Investigations and Incident Response
As an experienced crisis manager, Jade leads forensic investigations and assists clients with breach containment and response. She has guided organizations in addressing ransomware attacks, business email compromises, and financial crime cyberattacks, collaborating with U.S. law enforcement and national security agencies when necessary. Her experience extends to health care, financial institutions, manufacturing, e-commerce, and critical infrastructure industries.

Cyber Compliance and Preparedness Counseling
Jade designs and implements cybersecurity compliance strategies for major corporations in the U.S. and EU. She conducts comprehensive security assessments, oversees preparedness programs, and serves as outside counsel for Cybersecurity Incident Response Teams, ensuring compliance with U.S. and EU legal standards. Jade also provides advisory services on privacy policies, data protection agreements, technology transactions, vendor subcontracts, standard contractual clauses, and other alternative measures for cross-border data transfers.

AI Risk Management and Governance
Jade represents AI developers, service providers, and end users, offering counsel on privacy, cybersecurity, and trusted AI frameworks. She assists organizations across the health care, retail, financial, nonprofit, and educational sectors in developing AI governance programs that are aligned with legal and ethical standards. Her board-level engagements include advising directors on AI risk management, governance frameworks, and emerging legal trends.

Ad Tech Counseling
Jade advises clients on privacy and data security in advertising technology, including behavioral tracking, consent management, and marketing initiatives. She has worked with retail chains, health tech companies, and fintech organizations to ensure compliance for cloud, Big Data, and mobile platforms.

Board Engagements and Governance
Jade develops training programs for corporate boards, focusing on cybersecurity risks, regulatory oversight, and enterprise risk management. She has represented boards during breach containment and response efforts and regularly advises on privacy, cybersecurity, and AI preparedness. Her guidance empowers boards to oversee complex legal compliance programs effectively while maintaining accountability to shareholders.

Industry Impact and Client Success
Jade’s practice spans diverse sectors, including health care, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, technology, agriculture, retail, telecommunications, and energy. She has provided counsel during high-stakes incidents, such as ransomware attacks and cloud service provider breaches, delivering tailored solutions to mitigate risks and restore operations.

By combining technical experience with a forward-thinking mindset, Jade helps clients harness the power of technology and innovation to achieve their business goals while maintaining compliance in an ever-evolving technological, legal, and regulatory environment.

Media Mentions:

Summary Judgments and Dismissals 

  • Obtained defense dismissal for title company on negligence claims asserted by buyer in wire transfer fraud perpetrated by third-party threat actor. 
  • Successfully defended a data breach class action by securing dismissal. 
  • Negotiated favorable regulatory settlement with the FTC with no admission of liability and minimal fine. 
  • Successfully resolved attorney general investigation regarding client with reported security breaches. 
  • Achieved summary judgment in data breach case by arguing no compensable harm resulted from a data breach, leading to case dismissal. 
  • Successfully assisted client in responding to a regulatory inquiry, avoiding penalties. 
  • Achieved early dismissal in privacy litigation for lack of standing. 
  • Enforced arbitration clauses in privacy-related litigation to avoid class certification. 
  • Obtained defense dismissal for medical provider on assault and emotional distress tort claims asserted by former employee in retaliation and sexual harassment lawsuit. 
  • Obtained defense dismissal for window and door manufacturer against developer on claims of strict product liability, negligence, and violations of building code.
  • Obtained defense dismissal for telecommunications company against telecommunications service provider on breach of contract, open account, and account stated claims. 
  • Obtained plaintiff ruling in action for business injunction. 
  • Obtained denial of summary judgment for international luxury hotelier plaintiff against defendant on claims of trespass and unlawful detention. 

Past & Ongoing Representations

  • Reduction of third-party risk through vendor agreements to minimize exposure. 
  • Prevented FTC enforcement action against a company by helping a business navigate an FTC privacy investigation without formal charges or fines. 
  • Resolved HIPAA investigation without monetary penalties in an OCR HIPAA enforcement matter. 
  • Led GDPR/CCPA Compliance for a Fortune 500 company by overseeing a complete overhaul of data protection policies and practices. 
  • Implemented a Privacy-by-Design framework by developing and integrating privacy controls into a client’s product lifecycle. 
  • Successfully built a data governance program by establishing policies for data classification, retention, and access controls.
  • Successfully deigned a cross-border data transfer strategy by assisting a company lawfully transfer data between the U.S., EU, and other regions. 
  • Led incident response for major data breach to include managing legal response, forensic investigation, regulatory notifications, business partner notifications, and PR strategy.
  • Defense of general contractor for construction defect claims arising from the construction of residence. 
  • Defense of national engineering firm against claims of design defects, encroachment, and trespass. 
  • Obtained multimillion-dollar settlement for marine design firm against boat manufacturer for damages pre-suit for breach of contract and copyright infringement.
  • Defending private and public corporations against Fair Housing Act Claims and Americans with Disabilities Act Claims, including providing advice regarding risk mitigation and policies. 
  • Provision of ongoing counsel to employers in wide range of industries across the United States, including general advice on equal employment opportunity, reasonable accommodation, discipline and discharge, and drafting of employee handbooks, policy manuals, corporate codes of conduct, compliance programs, work rules, disciplinary guidelines, employment applications, and other employment policies and forms.

EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS

More

PUBLICATIONS

More
  • Business Sectors
  • Service Lines
  • Education
    • J.D., with honors, Stetson University College of Law
    • B.A., summa cum laude, English, International Affairs, Political Science, Florida State University
  • Bar and Court Admissions
    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District Florida
  • Professional and community affiliations

    Current:

    • American Bar Association:
      • Privacy and Computer Crime Committee; Privacy, Security, & Emerging Technology Division for the Science and Technology Section
      • E-Privacy Law Committee; Privacy, Security, & Emerging Technology Division for the Science and Technology Section
      • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Committee; Privacy, Security, & Emerging Technology Division for the Science and Technology Section
      • Forum on Construction Law; D1: Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Steering Committee Member, Marketing Liaison
    • Florida Bar:
      • Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Committee, Advisory Subcommittee Chair 
    • Fred G. Minnis Sr. Bar Association: Sarasota-Manatee Committee
    • Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce: Business Awards Judge, 2020–Present
    • International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
    • Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Suncoast Chapter
    • The Florida Bar Foundation: Fellow
    • The Links Incorporated: Sarasota/Bradenton Chapter

    Former:

    • American Bar Association
      • American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law; D1: Toolbox Talks Monthly Continuing Education Connect; Former & Founding Chair
    • Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota County: Street Law Instructor
    • Cheers for Charity Giving Circle: Circle Member, 2018-2020
    • Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Sarasota Chapter
    • Florida Bar:
      • RPPTL, Construction Law Committee, Continuing Education Chair, Website & Technology Chair
      • RPPTL, Fellow, 2022-2024
      • Construction Law Committee: Florida Pro Bono Liaison; Technology Chair
      • Multicultural Subcommittee for Statewide Diversity & Inclusion Committee: Vice-Chair
    • Judge John M. Scheb Inn of Court: Barrister
    • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity: 2022 Fellow
    • Legal Aid of Manasota: Volunteer
    • Manatee American Inn of Court: Member, 2018-2020
    • National Bar Association: Commercial Law Section
    • National Bar Association, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter
    • Ringing College L.E.A.P. Mentorship Program: Mentor, 2019-2021
    • Sarasota Ballet: RELEVÉ Society Leadership Council
    • Sarasota County Bar Association:
      • Diversity & Inclusion Council: Member, 2019-2022
      • Young Lawyers Division: Director, 2020-2022
      • Civil Trial Section: Chair, 2020-2021, Vice Chair, 2019-2020
    • The Bridge Builders Esq. National Mentorship Program for Aspiring Black Lawyers: Mentor
  • Honors
    • Listed, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2021-2025, Construction Law 2022-2025, Litigation - Construction 2022-2025, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants 2023-2025
    • Listed, Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Stars 2020-2024
    • Listed, SRQ Magazine: Elite Top Attorneys, Commercial Litigation, 2020, 2021
    • National Black Lawyers Top 40 under 40, 2021
    • Leadership Sarasota Class 2021
    • KNOW Sarasota, On the Rise…Women to Watch, 2020
    • Phi Beta Kappa
    • Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary
    • Leadership Development Certificate, Stetson University College of Law
    • Honors Program Student, Stetson University College of Law
    • President’s 4.0 Honor Roll
    • Golden Key International Honor Society
    • Garnet & Gold Key Leadership Honorary
    • Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
    • W.E.B. DuBois Honor Society
    • Order of Omega Greek Society
    • Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
    • National Merit Scholar
    • FSU Academic Merit Scholarship
Loading...