Student Profile
CJ Dolores
Legal Strategy & Operations Professional , Verily Legal (Google Life Sciences)
Class of 2024
“The program is not merely a degree; it’s a call to action for those who believe that security for the greatest number depends on unity and trust.”
As a legal strategy and operations professional at Verily, an Alphabet life sciences company, CJ Dolores leads cross-functional initiatives to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and implement innovate legal technologies while also providing strategic guidance to senior leadership on a variety of legal and business matters.
Verily’s focus on precision health in the areas of research, care, and financing is aimed at developing new approaches and solutions that bridge the gap between clinical research and care, which makes it, like all life sciences and healthcare companies, a potential victim of cyber crime. “Recent events like the Change Healthcare cyberattack have underscored the vulnerability of these industries and the potential for widespread disruption. These sectors hold vast amounts of sensitive health data, valuable intellectual property, and trade secrets, making them attractive targets for various actors, including individuals seeking financial gain, organized criminal groups, or even nation-states seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for political or strategic purposes.”
Dolores, who has a background that includes paralegal experience, works closely with teams across Verily to ensure that practices for handling sensitive information aligns with both legal mandates and the ethical standards. “This goes beyond mere compliance. It’s about weaving security into the fabric of our operations. By prioritizing privacy, we not only mitigate risks but also foster a culture of trust among our users and partners.”
An awareness of the escalating cyber threats in the life sciences industry motivated Dolores to seek out the NYU Law-Tandon MSCRS program. “I recognized the need to enhance my expertise and contribute to a more resilient healthcare system, and the program’s renowned faculty, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on practical applications resonated with my desire to become a cybersecurity leader in this critical field.”
“The MSCRS program has been transformative. I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk assessment frameworks, and incident response strategies. But it’s more than just theory—I’ve acquired practical skills in threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, and privacy design that I’m putting into practice. The program is not merely a degree; it’s a call to action for those who believe that security for the greatest number depends on unity and trust.
“We are living in a time where Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) seek to fragment and exploit, this program equips professionals to build bridges between the private and public sectors, strengthening the networks that safeguard our critical infrastructure. The MSCRS program offers an unmatched opportunity to master cybersecurity strategies while balancing the unique ethical considerations of the evolving security landscape.”
“The program offers a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives enrich the learning experience, culminating in a capstone project that provides invaluable hands-on experience tackling real-world security challenges. The collaboration and camaraderie my group shared throughout the capstone project not only deepened my understanding of cybersecurity but also established a permanent fellowship within my professional network.”