Ashurst‘s data protection and cyber security team combines legal, risk and strategic expertise to support its substantial client roster in critical moments, assisting with privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, AI, and risk advisory. Geoff McGrath co-leads the team from Sydney and is an expert in technology, data, privacy and digital regulation, providing guidance on high-stakes matters. Melbourne-based Emma Butler, also a co-lead, is a digital economy specialist with experience in complex technology transactions, advising on digital transformation, strategic outsourcing, cloud services, data commercialisation and AI adoption. Clare Doneley is an expert in privacy, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security. Sashini Walpola is known for her strategic counsel to corporates and government agencies on complex data, privacy and cybersecurity issues. Jarred Gerson is also a key member of the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Emma Butler and Erin Kirker understand the nature of our business and its complexity - they are commercial and are able to suggest practical ways of moving forward.'
- 'Emma Butler and her team provide exceptional service - they take the time to understand their clients' businesses and tailor their solutions. They have understood our business at a deep level and have become our trusted partners in the growth of our business. Their billing model is great.'
- 'The Ashurst team provide helpful, succinct commercial advice. It is a relief to call them and know that they are so across the issue. They never up-sell and are well and truly trusted advisers.'
- 'Emma Butler is pragmatic, super clever but completely down to earth. She can happily converse with and be relatable to the CEO, CIO or junior member of staff.'
- 'The team were friendly and engaging. They demonstrated a sound knowledge of the CDR and the regulator ACCC.'
- 'Key partner availability, knowledge and reputation for excellence set them apart. John Macpherson resonates with boards and guides them through tricky situations with care, skill and diligence.'
Key clients
- .au Domain Administration Limited
- 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd
- AGL Energy Limited
- AIA Australia Limited
- ANZ Banking Group
- Bank of Queensland
- Carnival
- City Of Melbourne
- Commonwealth Government
- Compare the Market
- Earlypay Exchange
- estateXchange
Work highlights
Advising a global digital platform on the application of Australian laws to AI across multiple sectors.
Representing a global tech company in a Federal Court challenge against the Australian eSafety Commissioner over takedown orders under the Online Safety Act 2021.
Advising a major Australian superannuation fund affected by the recent coordinated cyber-attack on the Australian superannuation sector, providing strategic legal guidance on incident response, data breach notification obligations, and regulatory engagement with bodies including the OAIC, ASIC, and APRA.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Emma Butler; Geoff McGrath
Other key lawyers
Clare Doneley; Andrew Craig; Sashini Walpola; Erin Kirker; Jarred Gerson