Avi . Gesser
Debevoise and Plimpton, LLP
Avi Gesser, Esq., is Co-Chair of the Debevoise & Plimpton’s Data Strategy & Security Group and leads the firm’s Artificial Intelligence practice. His practice focuses on advising major companies on a wide range of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and privacy matters. Mr. Gesser has served as AI counsel for approximately 240 clients, including many of the world’s leading asset managers and broker-dealers, several major insurers, global consulting firms, and other market leaders. He regularly advises boards and senior executives on AI governance, oversight, and risk mitigation. Mr. Gesser has been recognized across the legal industry for his leadership in AI and data law. In addition to his Band 1 Chambers ranking for Artificial Intelligence, he is recommended by Chambers Global (2025) and Chambers USA (2025) as a leading lawyer for privacy and data security, with clients noting that he “is a phenomenal lawyer who provides balanced, clear perspectives on even the most complex situations.” Sources have also said he provides “truly sophisticated legal guidance”, and he is “reasoned, rational and business-focused.” He is also recognized as a Leading Lawyer in The Legal 500 US (2025), where sources have described him as “an amazing counselor who is able to apply his expertise to provide practical advice.” In 2022, he was named an “AI Visionary” by Relativity, a leading software developer, in its first annual list featuring leaders in AI. He serves on the Advisory Board of NYU School of Law’s Program on Corporate Compliance and Enforcement. Earlier in his career, Mr. Gesser served from 2010 to 2013 as Counsel to the Chief of the Fraud Section in the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. He received both the Attorney General’s Exceptional Service Award and the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence – Outstanding Criminal Investigation in 2013. He received his B.S. from the University of Manitoba in 1991 (Chemistry/Math), his LL.B. from the University of Manitoba in 1994, his LL.M. from the University of Cambridge in 1995 and his LL.M. from New York University in 1998.
(05/26)
