Overview
Christa is an Associate in the Litigation Department at McDonald Hopkins and part of the firm’s national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity team. Her expertise in data privacy and cybersecurity stems from her time as Deputy Attorney General in the Consumer Litigation Unit for the Office of Indiana Attorney General. In her role there, she lead numerous multistate and internal investigations for violations of state and federal trade practice and data privacy laws by nationwide companies, specifically operating in telecommunications, technology, and mobile applications. Christa was also responsible for drafting confidentiality and tolling agreements, negotiating document productions, conducting extensive document review, and drafting injunctive and monetary settlement terms, in addition to conducting research and analysis for data privacy and tech reform legislation. Christa was the leading attorney for a number of investigations into global technology and social media platforms concerning violations resulting from platforms’ algorithmic modifications, the collection and use of location data and personal information, and development and implementation of internal security and policy guidelines.
While at the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Christa negotiated a settlement in excess of $15 million with Frontier Communications for alleged violations of the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act for misrepresenting the availability and reliability of internet speeds. The settlement includes compliance with various monitoring and reporting requirements and implementation of training programs over a period of four years as well as issuance of consumer credits. Christa also represented the state in data privacy litigation against Google alleging consumer protection violations for misrepresenting the collection and use of user location data information for targeted advertising.
Christa also conducted numerous investigations into nonprofit organizations and procured assurances of voluntary compliances establishing adherence to state law requirements concerning corporate structure, standards of conduct for directors and officers, asset distribution, and dissolution.
Christa earned her J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with minors in fine arts – history of art, and African languages and certificates in journalism and African Culture Studies.
Honors & Recognition
The Order of Barristers; Graduation Designation, May 2020
Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies: Editor-in-Chief (2019-2020); Special Recognition as Associate
Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition: Semi-Finalist, Brief Writing Honors, Oral Advocacy Honors
Indiana University Prestige Scholarship & Indiana University Founders Scholar
Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award Recipient (2010-2012)
Swahili Flagship Merit Scholar, American Councils for International Education (2011-2013)
Credentials
Education
Indiana University
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Admissions – Court
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Admissions – State
- Indiana
Professional & Civic
Professional Activities
International Association of Privacy Professionals
Indiana State Bar Association
Community Involvement
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
Creative Solutions Zanzibar