In the unfolding bankruptcy proceedings of genetic-testing company 23andMe Holding Co., legal representation complexities have recently surfaced. According to a disclosure filed in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the law firm WilmerHale has revealed that it is providing counsel to Washington University School of Law professor Neil Richards. Richards was appointed by the court to make privacy-related recommendations regarding the proposed sale of 23andMe’s customers’ genetic data.
While this appointment is specifically tied to the 23andMe case, WilmerHale has also disclosed its ongoing work for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., a major bidder interested in acquiring 23andMe’s DNA data bank. This relationship, however, pertains to separate matters and not Regeneron’s $256 million offer for 23andMe’s assets. WilmerHale assures that their representation of Regeneron in unrelated legal matters does not pose any conflict of interest in the sale deliberations of the genetic data assets from the bankrupt company.
The involvement of high-profile legal and pharmaceutical firms underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding data privacy in the context of corporate bankruptcy. With the stakes high, the matter raises significant discussions about privacy, legal representation, and the nuanced roles law firms play in major financial and data ramifications.