Alumni Connection

Beata Safari, '17, Privacy Counsel, Steve Madden

By Mike Riccobono '09

It's often said, a degree from Seton Hall Law can take you anywhere! Just look at Beata Safari '17, whose Seton Hall Law degree has taken her from the halls of the law school in Newark, NJ, to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg, and now to her current position as Privacy Counsel for Steve Madden. Indeed, it was during Beata's 3L year when, with the help of Professor Tracy Kaye and through the Dean Acheson Legal Stage Program, she became one of the few Americans ever granted the distinct honor to intern at the CJEU.  That was when Beata solidified her interest in privacy law. Beata reflects: "Looking back on my experience at Seton Hall Law, I am very grateful to Professor Tracy Kaye for being such an influential role model and mentor for me, and for supporting my pursuit of the Dean Acheson program, which was an invaluable and unforgettable experience for me both professionally and personally."

Upon graduating Seton Hall Law, Beata served as law clerk to the Honorable Carmen Messano, P.J.A.D.  For over three years thereafter, Beata thrived as an associate at Hawkins Delafield & Wood, honing her negotiation and contract drafting skills in government procurement. But her interest in privacy did not waver, leading her to complete an LL.M. degree in intellectual property and technology from Columbia Law School.  Her renewed exposure to privacy and cybersecurity then led Beata to Octillo Law, where she counseled clients on domestic and international data security and privacy laws, as well as cross-border data transfers. Even though Beata did not think she would go in-house this early in her career, she was presented with a unique opportunity to join Steve Madden as its first ever privacy counsel in January 2023. "The biggest challenge we face is our continually growing international business," Beata says. "Privacy laws are never stagnant, with new legislation considered and regulations or guidelines released constantly. A considerable part of my job involves proactively monitoring the landscape in every country where Steve Madden either operates or will consider operating, to ensure compliance with all privacy laws and regulations."

In her spare time, Beata enjoys teaching contract, business, and tort law as an adjunct professor at Union College in New Jersey.  In addition, Beata is a certified yoga instructor, which she attributes to helping both relax her mind and focus her concentration.

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