Baker McKenzie‘s global data and cyber group advises on complex data challenges at both national and multi-jurisdictional levels. The team is co-led from Sydney by Adrian Lawrence, who is well versed in issues across the digital, data and technology sectors; Anne Petterd, a key member of the IPTech group; technology and cybersecurity litigation expert Ryan Grant; and Paul Forbes, who handles technology-related disputes. They are supported by Simone Blackadder and Jarrod Bayliss-McCulloch. The group’s expertise assists clients ranging from household names to start-ups. Toby Patten departed in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Genuinely international team with the ability to address the nuances of the given jurisdictions. This is a rare quality, as there are obvious similarities in many data protection regimes and less obvious but nevertheless very important differences.'
- 'Adrian Lawrence stands out for his very knowledgeable and pragmatic approach.'
- 'Ryan Grant and Paul Forbes of Baker McKenzie lead a practice that is distinguished by its deep expertise in technology, cybersecurity, and complex commercial litigation.'
- 'Ryan Grant brings a rare combination of legal and technical expertise, holding a degree in information technology - he just gets it.'
- 'Paul Forbes is an extremely user friendly and experienced practitioner. He is an extremely safe pair of hands.'
- 'This team is led by highly regarded experts who focus on providing pragmatic and robust advice.'
Key clients
- Zoe Lee McClure & Cihan Solbudak
- Posco Australia Pty Ltd
Work highlights
Acting for Zoe Lee McClure and Cihan Solbudak as lead applicants in the class action commenced against Medibank Private Limited on behalf of individuals who were affected by the Medibank data breach in October 2022.
Acting for Posco Australia Pty Ltd in a dispute with Yancoal over a payment that was made to a nefarious actor.
Practice head
Adrian Lawrence; Anne Petterd; Ryan Grant; Paul Forbes
Other key lawyers
Caitlin Whale; Simone Blackadder; Jarrod Bayliss-McCulloch