Elisabeth Hutchinson Returns to Shook as Partner, Enhancing Cybersecurity Practice

Elisabeth Hutchinson Rejoins Shook, Hardy & Bacon

On April 9, 2026, it was announced that prominent litigator Elisabeth Hutchinson has rejoined Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. as a partner in Denver. This strategic addition is set to enhance the firm's already esteemed national Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice, which has consistently garnered recognition in industry rankings.

Hutchinson brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously practiced at Shook earlier in her career. Her primary focus is on privacy and data security litigation. She is adept at handling a variety of cases, navigating through all stages, from initial counseling to appeals. Her extensive background includes interpreting and litigating complex privacy statutes such as the California Information Privacy Act (CIPA), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), among others.

"We're very excited to welcome Liz back to the firm," said Al Saikali, chair of Shook's Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice. His enthusiasm highlights Hutchinson's proven ability to guide clients through the intricacies of litigation successfully. Her strategic approach and deep understanding of cutting-edge technology, combined with novel theories of liability, render her an invaluable asset to Shook's already robust team.

In addition to her litigation practice, Hutchinson’s past experience as an appellate law clerk is a significant advantage. She has worked for six years in various appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and the Colorado Supreme Court. This unique perspective allows her to tackle complex privacy and cybersecurity disputes effectively. "Navigating high-stakes, complex privacy and cybersecurity disputes requires a disciplined strategy grounded in deep experience and subject-matter insight," Hutchinson stated.

Looking ahead, she expressed her eagerness to rejoin Shook, referring to it as one of the premier privacy and cybersecurity groups in the nation. Her experience extends beyond just privacy issues; Hutchinson has represented clients in numerous forums across the country, from Alaska to the U.S. Supreme Court, engaging in various types of business and tort litigation.

Moreover, Hutchinson has a strong commitment to pro bono work. She actively supports low-income clients escaping gender-based and political violence, showcasing her dedication to broader social causes.

Shook’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice is among the leading groups in the country, with over 40 lawyers actively defending more than 250 class action lawsuits nationwide. The team specializes in helping organizations navigate the multifaceted challenges associated with handling sensitive information, covering areas such as privacy litigation, incident response and cybersecurity, compliance, and risk mitigation.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as Shook's practice has consistently earned top-tier rankings from platforms like Chambers USA and US Legal 500, and was recognized as a ‘Practice Group of the Year’ by Law360. With Hutchinson's reintegration into the firm, Shook is poised to further solidify its reputation in the privacy and cybersecurity landscape.

Founded in 1889, Shook, Hardy & Bacon maintains 18 offices across the United States, serving clients in various sectors such as health, science, and technology. The firm offers a range of legal services, including product liability defense, business litigation, and regulatory counseling, demonstrating its comprehensive expertise in the legal field.