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Overview
Introduction
Based in Washington, D.C., Courtney is an associate in the firm's Privacy & Security practice.
Courtney Otto helps clients address complex privacy issues related to emerging state privacy laws, law enforcement access, third-party subpoenas, and constitutional protections. Courtney advocates zealously for clients’ interests and applies her sharp analysis to translate thorny legal issues into practical guidance. Her day-to-day primarily focuses on supporting clients as they navigate state and federal privacy laws, including the federal Stored Communications Act, the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA), and California’s Shine the Light Law. She also helps clients assess state and federal constitutional considerations, including First Amendment issues, when clients receive third-party subpoenas.
Courtney received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law, graduating cum laude. Courtney served as executive editor of the Journal of Science & Technology Law and completed a concentration in risk management and compliance and a specialization in privacy and data security. Additionally, her privacy law credentials include a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) certification from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
Prior to joining Perkins Coie, Courtney gained experience analyzing complex statutes as a student advocate of Boston University School of Law's Compliance Policy Clinic and as a Matthew Z. Gomes fellow of the BU/MIT Student Innovations Clinic (formerly BU/MIT Technology Law Clinic).
Courtney maintains an active pro bono practice and was recently recognized by the District of Columbia Courts for her commitment to pro bono. She received high honors recognition on the 2025 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, for providing more than 100 hours of pro bono legal assistance in 2025.
Education & credentials
- Boston University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, Executive Editor, Journal of Science & Technology Law, 2023
- University of Rochester, B.A., International Relations and History, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 2019
- District of Columbia
- Perkins Coie LLP, Washington, D.C., Summer Associate, 2022
- Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Immigration Division, Rochester, NY, Undergraduate Intern, 2017-2019
Professional recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation, 2026
Recognized by DC Courts Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2025
Impact
- Certified Information Privacy Professional / US (CIPP/US) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
Latest thinking
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Blog
Old Doctrines, New Terrain: the Fourth Amendment, the Stored Communications Act, and Law Enforcement Demands for AI Chat Logs—Key Takeaways From the 2026 IAPP Global Summit
May 06, 2026
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Blog
Where Privacy Is Headed Next: Key Takeaways From the 2026 IAPP Global Privacy Summit
April 17, 2026
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Blog
House Bill Introduced to Shield the U.S. From Cybersecurity Risks Posed by Quantum Computing
November 07, 2025
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Blog
Minor Coordinates, Major Concerns: FTC Case Signals Collecting Location Data Isn’t Child’s Play
September 26, 2025
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Blog FTC Files New “AI Washing” Case
September 05, 2025
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Blog The Start of Something New? New Jersey’s Proposed Privacy Rules
June 10, 2025
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Legal development
Court Says Warrant Needed for U.S. Person Queries of FISA Section 702 Data
January 28, 2025
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