Cooley LLP is widely recognised for its sophisticated handling of complex EU regulatory matters with an IT focus, including AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, data protection and privacy. The team advises on the full range of emerging digital regulations, such as the AI Act, DSA, DORA and NIS2, supported by strong multijurisdictional capabilities. Patrick Van Eecke leads the practice, guiding clients across sectors through intricate technology and data frameworks. Enrique Gallego Capdevila contributes significant data protection and cybersecurity expertise, while Bartholomäus Regenhardt handles major cross-border privacy mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team is very good and has suitable competencies ranging from junior lawyers to senior lawyers, which are utilised as appropriate given the matter at hand. We also like that Patrick van Eecke is involved in all matters.’
- ‘Cooley’s privacy and data protection team stands out for its rare combination of regulatory depth, cross-border scope, and practical commercial insight. The team seamlessly handles multi-jurisdictional matters and emerging global frameworks, ensuring clients receive coherent, harmonised advice.'
- ‘The Cooley lawyers I work with are at the very top of their field. They combine technical mastery with accessibility, pragmatism, and a business-first mindset. What differentiates them from competitors is their collaborative style, clarity in communication, and genuine investment in client success.'
Key clients
- Grindr
- ByteDance
- OnlyFans (Fenix International Limited)
- Booking
- Open AI
- Meta
- Zoom
- eBay
- Snap
Work highlights
Representing the social network app Grindr before several EU data protection authorities and related to the compliance of this App with the GDPR. Also advised Grindr on key EU regulatory matters, including GDPR, the Digital Services Act, and the AI Act, and led the development of the company’s EU engagement strategy, coordinating with EU institutions, Member State regulators, and diplomatic missions. Provided strategic counsel on platform governance, LGBTQ+ safety, and health data, including crisis response and public affairs engagement.
Advised ByteDance (TikTok) in multiple lawsuits against the popular social media platform TikTok in the United States on EU regulatory matters and provided advice on various regulatory submissions before the European Commission under EU digital rules, such as the Digital Service Act and Digital Markets Act. Also provided strategic public policy advice for ByteDance’s EU regulatory strategy.
Representing Booking Holdings, the well-known travel services intermediary, in legal proceedings in the U.S. against Ryanair. The European data protection team supported these proceedings on issues relating to data access requests.
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
Patrick Van Eecke
Other key lawyers
Enrique Gallego Capdevila; Bartholomäus Regenhardt