Orin S. Kerr, Director of the Cybersecurity Law Initiative, welcomed guests to the first Cybersecurity Law event, "Set a Path and Course-Correct: Developing a Career in Cybersecurity Law." Dean Morant shared a few remarks highlighting the importance of the Initiative, saying, "Cybersecurity – security in all iterations – is a big and prevalent issue in every phase of our national events." The goal of the Initiative is to bring together strengths on the GW Law faculty and across the university in the area of cybersecurity law.
Professor Kerr welcomed Eric Wenger, JD '93, Director of Cybersecurity and Privacy Policy in Global Government Affairs at Cisco Systems, Inc., for a discussion on building a career in cybersecurity law. Mr. Wenger, who began his career during a time when lawyers did not use computers and the internet was not easily accessible, shared his experiences and advice to students when it comes to navigating a career in cybersecurity.
Mr. Wenger has always had an interest in technology, which is why he worked on issues related to technology and law after graduating from GW Law. Although Mr. Wenger’s career seems to have naturally progressed over time – he worked at the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, and Microsoft – the reality is that there was no path for him to follow, especially since cybersecurity law was a relatively new field that has rapidly evolved over time. When describing his career, Mr. Wenger says, "I am directionally moving towards things that interest me. I have a general plan, and I look for opportunities to advance that plan when they present themselves to me."