George Pierce is an Expert Consultant at Law & Forensics where he serves as a testifying and consulting expert witness and consultant in complex disputes. He is also Special Counsel to Zeichner Ellman and Krause (“ZEK”), where he specializes in ZEK’s Litigation and Cyber Security Practices. He has substantial experience and expertise in providing legal services related to complex litigation, mediation, dispute resolution, corporate governance, labor and employment, bankruptcy, international trade, regulatory compliance, internal investigations and cyber security matters. Prior to joining ZEK as Special Counsel and Law & Forensics as an Expert Consultant, George was employed by Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. for 29 years where he established the company’s legal department and became the company’s first General Counsel. He continuously served on Toyota Tsusho America’s board of directors for 22 years and served on the boards of several subsidiary companies. At the time of his retirement from Toyota Tsusho America in December 2022, he held the positions of Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary and became the company’s first Director Emeritus and Special Legal Counsel. George established Toyota Tsusho America’s cyber security program in conjunction with Law and Forensics including:

• Selection and supervision of the company’s first Chief Information Security Officer;
• Development and implementation of the company’s first Cyber Security Incident Response Plan;
• Development, implementation, and participation in numerous tabletop training exercises focused on the company’s specific business activities and the specific business activities of various subsidiaries and affiliates of the company;
• Preparation of a Cyber Security Risk Register and Cyber Security Communication Guidelines;
• Incident response and remediation.

Before joining Toyota Tsusho America, George was associated with Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander and Ferdon for 12 years where he had extensive experience representing Japanese corporations, Japanese-owned subsidiary corporations, and domestically owned corporations
regarding various complex litigation, international trade, regulatory compliance, environmental insurance coverage, white collar defense, labor and employment, and internal investigations. Notably, George’s extensive experience advising clients on mitigating cyber risks within their supply chains, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and developing robust cybersecurity frameworks enables him to offer comprehensive solutions to complex cybersecurity challenges in the supply chain sector. His work, which includes conducting risk assessments, implementing security protocols, and responding to cybersecurity incidents, extends to collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate cybersecurity practices into supply chain operations, enhancing overall security and resilience.

Practice Areas

Corporate Governance

• Provided board-level consulting on corporate governance matters, advising on best practices for multinational organizations, including various Japanese subsidiaries in the U.S.
• Leveraged over 30 years of experience in corporate governance, having served as Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Toyota Tsusho America.
• Played a key role in establishing Toyota Tsusho America’s governance framework, helping the company comply with evolving global regulations.

Labor & Employment

• Advised multinational corporations on labor and employment laws, with a focus on U.S. and Japanese regulations, helping companies navigate complex employment disputes and collective bargaining.
• Presented on labor and employment issues at numerous high-profile conferences, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the ABA.

Regulatory Compliance

• Led the development of robust regulatory compliance frameworks for Toyota Tsusho America and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international trade laws, cybersecurity standards, and environmental regulations.
• Spearheaded compliance efforts in cybersecurity, ensuring adherence to evolving data privacy laws, international cybersecurity regulations, and corporate governance guidelines.

Supply Chain Cybersecurity

• Developed Toyota Tsusho America’s first cybersecurity program, overseeing the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity policies and protocols across its supply chain.
• Provided expert consultancy on cybersecurity matters related to supply chain vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with regulations and strengthening security across international operations.
• Led the creation of incident response plans and cybersecurity communication guidelines, enabling subsidiaries and affiliates to mitigate risks in supply chain operations.