They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Vassi Iliadis of Hogan Lovells

Vassi Iliadis

Age: 37

Law Firm: Hogan Lovells

Practice Area: Privacy & Cybersecurity

Title: Partner

Location: Los Angeles

Law School: University of California, Berkeley School of Law

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.

In a 2024 mass arbitration matter involving thousands of Video Privacy and Protection Act (VPPA) claims filed against our client, our team arbitrated 10 bellwether claims through the merits before 10 different arbitrators, winning all but one. These successes followed fact and expert discovery, including depositions, written submissions, and oral argument, and helped streamline the broader dispute, giving our client significant leverage in the remaining claims.

At the time, there were no published merits decisions addressing VPPA claims arising out of the use of web tracking technologies. The arbitrators’ decisions gave our team deep insight into how these claims and the relevant legal and factual arguments resonate with fact finders.

Our team secured dismissal with prejudice of a putative class action against Office Depot alleging violations of Arizona’s Telephone, Utility, and Communication Services Records Act (“TUSCRA”) based on the purported use of “spy pixels” in promotional emails. Following oral argument and supplemental briefing, the court granted our motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and lack of a particularized injury to confer standing. This marked our second successful motion to dismiss in a consumer privacy class action on behalf of Office Depot within six months.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?

The most important lesson I learned in my first year as a litigator was the value of listening. Early on in one’s career, it is easy to get caught up in a rush to demonstrate your knowledge or problem-solving skills (and let’s be honest, many lawyers like the sound of their own voice).

But the best insight and guidance comes from taking the time to fully understand your clients’ perspectives, expectations, and goals. In fact, the best lawyers with whom I worked as a first-year attorney were ones who asked good questions and actively listened to our clients before jumping in to provide solutions and strategies. They also were not afraid to say they needed more time to think about the issues.

This lesson has taught me to be less reactive and more reflective; to take the time to build rapport and practice listening—before jumping in—so that my conversations with clients and colleagues are open, honest, and productive. In doing so, I am able to provide better, more thoughtful advice and build stronger and more collaborative relationships.

How do you define success in your practice?

Success is not only achieving favorable outcomes for my clients; it is also the growth and development I experience with every challenge and the meaningful relationships I build along the way. I succeed in my practice when I am tackling exciting and novel issues for innovative clients with whom I’ve built deep relationships, on case teams where everyone has a voice and feels comfortable bringing their whole selves and unique perspectives to our work.

I also succeed when I am able to balance my passion for my clients and case work with spending quality time with my loved ones, particularly my young daughter who I hope will look back on her childhood and remember a mom who not only worked very hard to build a successful career but who was always there for the important moments, big and small.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?

When I walked into UC Berkeley Law School each morning as a student, I was inspired by Justice Cardozo’s words etched into the front of the school building, welcoming us to “the high emprise, the fine endeavor, the splendid possibility of achievement . . .” that is the study of law.

As the first person in my immediate family to graduate from high school, I am most proud of being a lawyer! I have worked diligently to create a path for myself, one that’s led me to achieve success in an area of law where every day brings new opportunities to do interesting work that has a real impact.

I hope my story encourages others to forge their own paths and not fall into the trap of living out someone else’s idea of what a lawyer should be. I’m very proud to have built a career in law that is fulfilling, challenging, and reflects my authentic self.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?

I have several amazing mentors at Hogan Lovells – it is difficult to choose! But Allison Holt Ryan—who is my longtime mentor, partner, and friend (and the head of our Privacy and Cybersecurity litigation practice)—stands out.

Allison is one of the sharpest, most tenacious, persuasive, and creative litigators I know. She fights incredibly hard for her clients and achieves success as a result. What is even more impressive, though, is how she manages people and teams. This is important because litigation is truly a team sport. Success in the courtroom does not happen in a vacuum; it is the result of a team’s collective efforts.

Allison recognizes this and understands how to bring the full force of our colleagues’ unique talents and perspectives to the table for our clients, while making them feel valued. She gives every team member an opportunity to be heard, to voice their opinions, to push back if they disagree, and she acknowledges that they have full, rich lives outside of the law and strives to give people the time and space to foster their personal relationships. In short, Allison is not only a great lawyer; she’s a great leader. I have learned so much from her over the past decade and hope to carry it forth.

Please tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.

My two favorite songs on my summer 2025 playlist are (i) “Stay Soft” by Mitski and (ii) “Missing” by Beck. While these songs are by no means “new” (e.g., “Missing” is from Beck’s 2005 album, Guero) I love them! Mitski and Beck are two of my favorite artists. I love the artful synth-pop melody of “Stay Soft,” which explores the struggle to maintain vulnerability and softness in a harsh world. “Missing” has such a fun yet chill vibe and reminds me of a beach vacation.

Vassi Iliadis of Hogan Lovells and her husband, Dash Hawkins, and their daughter, Vivian, on holiday in April 2025 at the Ojai Valley Inn. She is pregnant with her second daughter—Olympia—in this photo.

Photo Illustration: Jonathan Hurtarte/Bloomberg Law; Photo courtesy of Vassi Iliadis