The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > London > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity

‘We use the services of Bird & Bird Privacy Solutions (external DPO) across Europe. The advice they provide is very consistent in all EU markets which is very attractive to us. We have a relationship partner who helps us comply with the various legal requirements in each market where we operate. This saves us time. We feel safe getting Bird & Bird’s advice.’

‘We appreciate the pragmatic, hands-on approach. There are a lot of good firms but we’ve found that sometimes the quality is uneven, whilst here everyone, from partners to junior associates, not only know their stuff, but are very practical in their approach.’

‘Experts in commercial and technology matters who deliver clear, digestible legal advice and act as an extension of the in-house legal team. Consistently technically able and commercially minded, and able to deliver within expectations.’

‘Our relationship partner is Gabriel Voisin. In addition to being an excellent data privacy practitioner (he can advise under UK and French law and has a great knowledge of data privacy in other EU markets), he is also commercially minded and understands our sector. It is extremely refreshing to work with a solicitor who is able to have conversations with our tech team and speak their language.’

‘James Mullock – impressive data protection expertise, always up-to-date with the fast changing landscape, able to translate complex issues into simple terms.’

‘Very capable and knowledgeable team with excellent leadership. Due to size managing case load may be challenging at times but this has never been an issue because the quality of the deliverables has consistently been very high. Good at maintaining position as a trusted adviser. I enjoy working with Bristows.’

‘Unparalleled breadth and quality of expertise in the field with an ability to address both data protection compliance issues and contentious privacy litigation.’

‘Bristows’ data protection practice is the best data privacy practice out there — bar none. They are extremely experienced, thoughtful, pragmatic and measured. They have deep professional relationships with a wide swath of organisations in every industry as well as with regulators.’

‘Mark Watts is at the top of the sector for regulatory data protection and tech work.’

‘Marc Dautlich – Marc is always approachable, at the top of his game technically and tailors advice and level of detail so that it can speak directly to the business. We’ve worked with Marc for a number of years now and simply can’t fault the advice and guidance he has provided during that time.’

‘Hannah Crowther is wonderful.’

‘Alex Keenlyside is a new partner and has a stellar reputation for contentious privacy and data protection work. He is at the forefront of the new generation of privacy lawyers and has experience way beyond his years qualification. He is immensely well-liked and trusted by clients, is fully across the relevant law and offers tactically and commercially astute advice.’

‘Good, pragmatic business focus, good knowledge of our business.’

‘Very proactive, thoughtful. Advice is sensitive to business needs as well as legal requirements.’

‘All are very knowledgeable and very well connected to the privacy community.’

‘Nick Graham has been a trusted adviser to us for years. He knows our business well and he and his team always give us reliable, risk-based, pragmatic advice.’

‘Rem Noormohamed is a recognised industry leader, and brings his deep understand and prior experience of consultancy delivery together with legal services.’

‘The data protection and privacy team is excellent; they’re big enough to deal with major matters and still pitch team members at the right level. As you would expect, they are able to draw upon wider expertise within the firm.’

‘Team members are knowledgeable experts but also down-to-earth and practical. We enjoy working with them a lot.’

‘Georgie Kon and the team are responsive, expert and proactive. I know that I can rely on them to provide expert advice and support, with a pragmatic perspective. I have had excellent recommendations for partner firms as well.’

‘Ben Hagyard and Olivia Grimshaw are very able associates and provide an excellent level of support.’

‘Richard Cumbley is an excellent partner and has given us loads of personal attention (as the work has demanded); he gives calm reassurance at plc board meetings and helps keep on top of things in daily stand-ups between internal and externals when we’ve need to run them for short periods. Richard is flexible and pragmatic and keen to challenge counsel too.’

‘Georgie Kon and Tanguy van Overstraeten are experts in their field who are able to apply their knowledge to different circumstances and help navigate the increasingly complex area of evolving privacy laws and requirements. I feel in safe hands with Georgie and Tanguy, and can rely on their advice and experience to help navigate complex and challenging issues.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable about data privacy matters. The advice provided is very practical and business friendly.’

‘The team have strength in depth, and are responsive to queries and requests to instruct. They have worked with us for many years so have in depth understanding of our operations, which is enormously helpful.’

‘I work a lot with Jane Finlayson-Brown. Jane is an expert in data privacy law and I really appreciate her guidance. She is extremely service oriented.’

‘Nigel Parker combines outstanding technical knowledge with great commercial and common sense. He provides pragmatic and commercial advice and is always available when you need him.’

‘We work particularly closely with Jane Finlayson Brown. Jane is helpful and responsive and understands our business.’

‘Ross McKean is technically brilliant and understands the value of privacy as a business enabler.’

‘In addition to exceptional subject matter expertise, the team has taken the time to develop an excellent in-depth knowledge of our structure. I would also highlight their pragmatic problem solving approach, this translates in the high standard of their work. The team also has very good knowledge of what’s going on in industry, which is really helpful.’

‘I worked mainly with Liz Fitzsimons. She is very professional but also very approachable. She invests the time to understand our queries and make sure that we have all the details surrounding the queries, which is key for data protection matters. She has a pragmatic approach and provides solutions in light of the specific circumstances of the queries. She will absolutely go the extra mile for their clients.’

‘Paula Barrett is extremely knowledgeable and has good connections with the regulators. She provides a very balanced and measured view of any challenge, and stays firm when required regardless of the level of pressure exerted. She’s a brilliant support to have in one’s corner.’

‘They are experts in their field and any question asked is regarded professionally. No problem is too small.’

‘I am aware of them because James Lloyd. He is a very respected and able data protection lawyer and I understand he is building a dedicated team at Orrick.’

‘The Data Protection, Privacy & Cybersecurity team at Orrick are outstanding. The team are extremely knowledgeable and can always be relied on to provide timely, pragmatic and commercial advice. They act as strategic business partners supporting our Legal, Privacy and Executive teams on a regular basis, working collaboratively to resolve problems in a way which minimises risk whilst also supporting the business to grow sustainably in an ever increasingly complex world.’

‘Subject matter expertise and ability to understand and interact with companies’ culture and capabilities, recognising a one size fits all approach doesn’t work.’

‘We work most closely with Keily Blair and James Lloyd and find both advisers to be exceptional. They work well together, each providing their own perspective and individual skills to the work they do for us. Under Keily’s leadership they have built an excellent practice at Orrick and we look forward to continuing to work with them both in future years.’

‘The Paul Hastings team is the equal of any data protection, privacy and cybersecurity practice I have seen.’

‘Sarah Pearce’s team appears to hold vast experience in the field and acts with great determination and conviction, and always with the client’s business in focus.’

‘Sarah Pearce is a true expert within the field. Like her team, she acts fast, effectively and is a great communicator to the benefit of both clients and cooperation partners. Her experience as well as her business acumen make her stand out.’

‘Sarah Pearce in particular is very impressive, responsive and easy to deal with.’

‘Broad team that specialise in all elements of risk management that arise from high-scale cybersecurity breaches. Excellent industry contacts with PR teams, technical IT consultants. Key capabilities include assisting with ICO investigations. Knowledgeable in matters of risk and compliance specifically cyber security issues and always on hand to assist in addressing both straightforward and complex queries – happy to accommodate client requests for meetings on short notice and readily available to chat over the telephone to discuss complex matters as well as via written communication. Aware of the client’s goal, providing sound legal advice and expertise and work with professionalism and firm approach to achieve these desired client outcome.’

‘Jon Bartley has provided assistance with all of our major data protection queries over the last few years and provides his advice in a way that sees him fit seamlessly with our in-house legal and wider commercial teams.’

‘We work with are Richard Brevington. Richard is excellent in litigation strategy.’

‘Up to date on latest trends and developments, pro-active, coupling deep understanding of legal side with understanding of business needs.’

‘While data privacy is a constantly moving landscape, the Travers team excel at keeping up to date with developments and market approach and delivering practical, and usable, advice to clients.’

‘Great team with agile and pragmatic lawyers that are ready to find practical and business friendly solutions. The advice is succinct and to the point, no unnecessary fluff. Good industry knowledge and incredibly responsive. They will jump on a call on very short notice and provide spot on advice.’

‘James Longster: Approachable, intellectually curious, always a fast response, genuinely interested in the business, industry and always eager to learn.’

‘Dan Reavill is our relationship partner and he stays on top of the account, not just managing the relationship but making sure he stays in the front line. Amazing response times and very aware of business needs of clients as well as the practical implementation of legal matters.’

‘Louisa Chambers – calm considerate advice given, great understanding of commercial needs of clients.’

‘Victoria Hordern and her team fully understand the context in which professional regulatory and public sector bodies operate. The team are quick to respond to queries and are excellent at providing advice on short notice, when required. From a management perspective they stick to estimates in terms of costs and times and consistently meet deadlines. As a client you feel that they are very much alongside you in the handling of a matter, not just an external adviser.’

‘The BW team have an excellent understanding of data protection and security that they are able to translate in to practical and proportionate advice. Very reliable and down to earth.’

‘Data privacy laws are extensive and complex, this team is extremely well informed and willing to remain practical about the applicability of the law while ensuring that the policies are appropriately adjusted for the organisation with which they are working.’

‘They have excellent knowledge of FoIA and its application, completing a detailed analysis of an organisational structure to identify whether FoIA applied to us.’

‘Victoria Hordern, Partner, is an exceptional data protection and privacy lawyer, who consistently provides solution focused, pragmatic advice which is nuanced to the specific circumstances of the client. She is responsive, helpful, professional – a true trusted adviser and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Victorian Hordern is extremely knowledgeable of the GDPR requirements and how each measure should be applied within an global company.’

‘BCL is one of the very few firms that is able to properly advise clients in the area where data protection issues overlap with the criminal law. Most data protection specialists don’t know anything about the criminal law and most criminal lawyers don’t know anything about data protection – what they offer is therefore unique.’

‘BCL is a hardworking and lateral-thinking firm which makes good use of its contacts in other countries to provide the best possible advice to its clients with cross-border criminal / regulatory issues. Because of BCL’s connections with US law firms who act for large social media companies in the US, they have exposure to some really cutting edge data protection/GDPR work in this area.’

‘I have primarily dealt with Julian Hayes. Julian has his finger on the pulse when it comes to data law developments and is very well placed to advise in the growing area of where data law issues overlap with criminal matters. He is gentle but fiercely intelligent. I have also worked with Michael Drury. Michael is the doyenne of national security law and provides a unique angle from which to advise on data protection matters given this background.’

‘In the first place, I work with Julian Hayes, who is very competent, clever and also very nice to work with, because he is very reliable and always friendly. He has a keen interest in the area of data regulation and privacy. BCL have published quite a lot of articles about regulatory developments in this field.’

‘True specialists in the field. Regulatory knowledge coupled with practical guidance to steer a path through the differing issues. Depth of bench and nuanced expertise means every angle is covered.’

‘We are a digital business; this team have a really informed view of what we need to take into account to remain compliant. They always give examples and provide suggestions which helps us, and our clients, to make informed choices.’

‘Emma Wright – shows keenness to understand our business and how to tailor her advice to us. Has bucketloads of experience and pragmatism to get things done.’

‘Farrer & Co consistently provide exceptionally high levels of service and account management at all times. All members of the team that we work with are knowledgeable, efficient and provide consistently high quality work. The firm also provides opportunities to hear about the latest developments in the sector through high quality events and bulletins.’

‘We tend to engage Farrer & Co when we hit something new: no case law; no definition; no regularly guidance, looking for a practical steer as to how to meet our obligations and practically move forward.’

‘Owen O’Rorke. The epitome of a knowledgeable, approachable, and diplomatic associate. He has supplied reliable and workable advice to the private schools sector since the inception of GDPR. Unequivocally recommended.’

‘Ian De Freitas – has the depth of knowledge and confidence to convince your senior management that GDPR is not the devil and compliance is both achievable and beneficial; no mean feat.’

‘Extremely strong, one of the teams with the deepest talent pool in the area, with expert non-legal assistance.’

‘Jon Baines has an unparalleled level of knowledge.’

‘Adam Rose is a sector leading partner. Jon Baines is a nationally recognised expert adviser, and was an excellent hire.’

‘Quick, expert – our go to for all data protection activity.’

‘Rafi is extraordinarily well-connected to the decision makers and policy writers concerning data privacy.’

‘Steven Farmer has steered our firm expertly through the changes brought on by GPDR and our move into bringing digital products to market which have required a complete overhaul in our approach to data protection and information security.’

‘Rafi understands the need for actionable advice that even small, in-house departments can implement. Its rare to find a partner at a large firm that can see your team and customise their guidance based on that.’

‘Rafi is superb for technology and data privacy advice. He has worked with the business for a number of years, in particular advising on a range of cybersecurity, data subject response, data privacy and e-commerce matters. He brings rare depth of experience in data, e-commerce, web platforms, marketing etc. to his advice.’

‘The SH team is very commercially pragmatic in their approach and advice. Their focus on the real/practical risks in a matter makes their advice particularly useful for in-house counsel.’

‘Stephenson Harwood’s data protection team are real market experts – always offering shrewd and practical advice for those operating in the financial services sector. The responsiveness of the team is unparalleled and most importantly, they are a friendly bunch who have an excellent ability to translate the unglamorous world of data protection into something enjoyable.’

‘We have found SH’s privacy advice to be prompt, practical, clear and commercial. Cannot ask for more.’

‘Katie Hewson is a stand-out senior associate. Katie offers practical, commercial and tailored legal advice each and every time I reach out to her. It feels like she has really tuned into the nature of my business and it’s risk appetite. Katie demonstrates all the qualities of an excellent gifted lawyer and is a real star within the SH team.’

‘The assistant standard is very high, Katie Hewson takes pains to build a great working relationship, is always available to help and gives great commercial and legal advice.’

‘We have worked most closely with senior associate Katie Hewson, who is most amenable and both direct and clear in her thinking and explanations of a fluid subject.’

‘Tim Hickman’s excellent knowledge, fantastic for a global business.’

‘White & Case LLP London has proven to be an excellent team of data privacy experts especially with regards to new technologies such as AI or blockchain. They deliver first-class work in a timely fashion.’

‘White & Case is always responsive to any question we have during the time we are preparing the data protection training for our colleagues, they keep us informed, understand what we need and deliver us a great data protection training!’

‘Tim Hickman: great expertise but pragmatic, able to give guidance which is feasible and practicable.’

‘Tim Hickman of White & Case is always responsive to any question we have during the time we are preparing the data protection training for our colleagues, he keeps us informed, understands what we need and delivers great data protection training.’

‘Quick and commercial advice anchored in the context of the client’s specific business.’