Womble Bond Dickinson added Susan Duarte to its corporate and securities practice group as a partner in Washington, D.C.
Duarte brings more than two decades of experience advising technology companies and enterprises, including wireless MVNOs, AI voice companies, SaaS platforms and Proptech businesses, on complex regulatory, compliance and risk management issues. Her work spans telecommunications regulation, artificial intelligence, data privacy and cybersecurity, and consumer protection, helping clients navigate change while supporting innovation and growth.
Her practice focuses on AI governance, privacy and cybersecurity compliance, advertising and marketing regulation, and technology transactions. Duarte builds responsible AI governance frameworks, translates state privacy laws into actionable compliance roadmaps, and drafts and negotiates data agreements and commercial contracts. She counsels clients across the full product lifecycle, from advertising campaigns and customer engagement strategies to regulatory compliance and dispute resolution.
Known for her proactive and business-focused approach, Duarte works closely with clients to understand strategic objectives, identify compliance gaps, develop best practices and implement effective risk management frameworks. She is particularly focused on helping organizations adopt emerging technologies responsibly while aligning legal strategy with business goals.
“Susan’s arrival reflects growing client demand for sophisticated, forward-looking advice at the intersection of technology, regulation and innovation,” Matt Sweger, co-leader of the firm’s corporate and securities practice group, said. “She brings deep regulatory experience, an in-house perspective and a strong understanding of how technology companies operate. Her addition strengthens our capabilities in Washington, D.C. and enhances our ability to support clients across a wide range of technology-driven challenges.”
Duarte has extensive experience representing clients in high-stakes investigations and regulatory inquiries before federal and state agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorneys General. She also has experience before the National Advertising Division of the Better Business Bureau, as well as litigation experience in both federal and state courts. In addition, she advises on advertising campaigns, marketing agreements, and complex commercial disputes, including matters involving competitors and regulators.
In addition to her regulatory work, Duarte is a recognized thought leader in emerging technology issues. She frequently speaks on topics including artificial intelligence governance, data privacy and consumer protection, and regularly provides insights to in-house counsel and business leaders on navigating regulatory change.
Duarte earned her J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, where she received a certificate from the Communications and Technology Law Institute and her B.A. from Boston College. She also holds a leadership certification from Harvard University and a FinTech Law and Policy certification from Duke University. She is a Certified Information Privacy Professional and Certified Information Privacy Manager.
