Kawana T. King
Senior Counsel

Description of field of expertise

Kawana T. King is a Senior Technology Advisor and Counsel at Google LLC, where she supports Google’s advertising business. In her role, Kawana leads a global team and advises on a wide array of complex technology, privacy, advertising, media and consumer protection matters. She also negotiates deals with some of the world’s largest companies utilizing Google’s technology and advertising solutions.  Kawana’s expertise in the areas of technology, privacy, advertising and media stem from her diverse professional experience and background.  

After graduating from Harvard Law School, Kawana started her career as a litigation associate at Proskauer Rose, LLP,  an international law firm, where she represented clients in false advertising, media, technology and intellectual property matters. Kawana also worked with The New Press, a nonprofit publishing house, where she was chiefly responsible for reviewing, negotiating and drafting a wide range of licensing agreements and other contracts touching practically every aspect of the business.  In 2011, Kawana joined the law firm of Manatt, Phelps, and Phillips. While at Manatt, Kawana established herself in the fields of technology, media, and advertising; and she was often the lead advisor to several Fortune 500 companies on technology and privacy matters, key marketing and advertising campaigns, and on compliance with federal and international regulations. 

Kawana is a Brooklyn native, born and raised in the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant (“Bed-Stuy”). Prior to law school, she attended Howard University, graduating summa cum laude with degrees in political science and sociology.  Kawana continues to reside in Bed-Stuy where she is active in various community affairs and initiatives, particularly in the areas of community development and criminal justice reform. 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field? (150-word count)

My advice would be to engage with practitioners in the industry that are outside of one’s firm or company.  Take advantage of opportunities to attend tech related conferences and events to not only stay on top of the latest trends, but also to expand one’s network. This would include building relationships with non-lawyers in the tech space, such those in business and policy, to develop a holistic understanding of the tech industry, which will make you a more well-rounded and informed tech attorney and advisor.