Data Centers
Data centers have become the next seismic step in business infrastructure. Our lawyers work with all those involved in the vast data center ecosystem—including owners, investors, suppliers of power, vendors, and customers—to support innovation and growth, safeguard data, minimize risk, and future-proof investments and operations in a data-driven world.
Massive quantities of sensitive information are processed every second, making the response to legal issues and regulatory scrutiny increasingly complex. Our lawyers deliver leading-edge legal solutions supporting site selection, design and build, energy and connectivity, compliance, risk mitigation, and operational success. We’re at the forefront of the megatrends driving today’s demand for data center capacity—including the migration of data from onsite servers to the cloud and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). As these and other technologies rise to the fore, different types of data centers—and the accompanying opportunities and challenges—require counsel with specialized knowledge and strong relationships with the largest tech companies.
Whether navigating the intricacies of privacy regulations, handling cross-border data transfers, addressing the growing concerns around energy consumption and sustainability, or assessing risk profiles and allocation, our established track record means that we offer tactical, actionable insights into the operational and legal challenges clients in the data center space confront.
We have a firm grasp of the critical infrastructure, systems, and processes that support continuous, uninterrupted operation. Our experience includes navigating large data center developers and operators through infrastructure improvements that address electricity service needs—pursuing opportunities for purchasing power from electric markets or leveraging behind-the-meter generation including renewables and energy storage to reduce grid reliance while providing onsite power. Our work advising electric utilities on developing and siting transmission infrastructure for accelerating load growth allows us to assess data center clients’ energy needs from a variety of perspectives. Our deep and unique experience also enables us to offer practical, market-driven advice to customers of the services and solutions that data center providers offer.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Our long history serving the digital infrastructure industry enables us to bring deep knowledge and insights to clients negotiating the industry’s terrain and applicable laws. We build robust legal frameworks that protect business operations and objectives while nurturing innovation and growth in an environment of increasing regulatory focus. Our clients in this space include:
- Data center developers and operators
- Telco network operators
- Managed service providers
- Subsea cable operators
- Edge providers
- Cloud service providers
- Hyperscalers
- Real estate owners and investors
- Power, energy, and utility service providers
- Manufacturers
- System integrators
- Governments and municipalities
- Investment banks, venture funds, and hedge fund managers.
DATA CENTER VENDORS
Drawing upon our extensive background managing the legal complexities of data center operations, we provide full-spectrum support for vendor-related issues—including service agreements, licensing, and data protection as well as complex negotiations between clients and vendors. Our team understands the critical role data centers play and crafts legal strategies that optimize operations while safeguarding interests.
DATA CENTER CUSTOMERS
Our deep team of lawyers considers the issues confronting the full spectrum of data center users and customers. We regularly negotiate agreements with leading vendors for capacity consumption and commitments so that clients can enable their long-term digital transformation and data strategies.