Perkins Coie has announced that James G. Snell, a veteran privacy and data security partner, has been appointed as the managing partner of the firm's Palo Alto office. In addition to his new position, Snell will remain a partner in the privacy and security law practice. He counsels and defends clients in a range of complex commercial matters, including risk mitigation related to state and federal privacy laws and defense of privacy class actions and regulatory enforcement matters. Snell also serves on Perkins Coie's partner compensation committee.