Meet Our Attorneys

Richard “Rich” J. Placido

Partner

Rich Placido is a Partner who counsels international businesses on the legal and commercial implications of emerging technologies. He focuses his practice on artificial intelligence (AI) governance, data privacy compliance, and intellectual property strategy, guiding clients through their most complex challenges at the intersection of law and innovation. In addition to his work with artificial intelligence matters, Rich has extensive experience handling general liability, trucking and transportation, and public entity defense matters.

A recognized authority on technology law, Rich architects comprehensive AI governance and data privacy frameworks that are compliant with global regulations, including the EU AI Act, GDPR, and CCPA/CPRA. As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), he provides actionable advice on data governance, authors bespoke privacy policies and terms of service, and speaks publicly on AI governance and prompt engineering. His fluency in Python provides him with a distinct, ground-level understanding of the technologies he helps regulate.

In his intellectual property practice, Rich vigorously protects and enforces his clients’ valuable IP assets. He is an experienced litigator who has secured favorable outcomes in high-stakes disputes involving copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, recovering or saving clients millions of dollars. He also negotiates and drafts sophisticated technology-focused agreements, including SaaS agreements, MSAs, and IP licenses, ensuring his clients’ innovations are protected and commercialized effectively.

Rich’s experience includes litigating for another international law firm, working for an IP boutique, and founding his own practice. He is a Certified Blockchain & Law Professional and leverages his fluency in Spanish and proficiency in Portuguese to advise a diverse, global clientele. 

Outside of work, Rich enjoys spending time with his family, vibe coding, and learning.

Education

Juris Doctor, San Joaquin College of Law
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, California State University, Stanislaus

Professional Affiliations

CIPP/US
• International Association of Privacy Professionals, January 2024
Certified Blockchain & Law Professional
• Blockchain Council, February 2022

Licenses & Admissions

State Bar of California
United States District Court, Central District of California
United States District Court, Eastern District of California
United States District Court, Northern District of California

Community Involvement

Board Member/VP Finance Committee, Central Valley Regional Center, Fresno, CA October 2020 to July
2022

Areas of Practice

  • No areas of practice specified.

Locations

  • Sacramento
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