DLA Piper’s team advises on complex data protection, digital regulation and cybersecurity matters, with notable international capabilities supporting clients facing high-value issues arising from globalisation and borderless technologies such as AI and cloud. Practice head Heidi Waem guides clients on strategic compliance and the interaction between GDPR and new digital laws, while Simon Verschaeve brings strong expertise across technology regulation, GDPR projects, and contentious matters before the Belgian Data Protection Authority.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Heidi Waem is always available, pragmatic and solutions-oriented.'
- ‘Very human and personal interaction (no stiff/overly formal lawyer to client conversations), very understanding of the organisational circumstances and highly solution-oriented. Calm, clear communication that demonstrates expertise.’
- ‘DLA Piper is a top law firm, with expert partners and associates, especially in the field of IT and data protection.’
- ‘Simon Verschaeve and Heidi Waem are absolute experts in their field. They have extensive experience, always anticipate new legislative developments, and have great communication skills.’
- ‘They are knowledgeable of the client’s business and needs, focusing on the core of the file without losing sight of the broader context. They also have a large (international) network.’
- ‘The privacy and data protection team of DLA Piper in Belgium is a very cooperative and professional partner to our business. I can always count on professional advice in a very timely manner, attention to unique situations and circumstances and finding a way to suit my specific case.’
- ‘Heidi Waem is always there when support is needed, and her advice is very practical. Heidi has vast experience in personal data protection issues, and I can always count on her professional pov.'
- ‘Their greatest strength - beyond their up-to-date knowledge of data protection and evolving legislation related to the digital decade - lies in their ability to combine legal expertise with efficient project management. They help us deliver on time, remain flexible with schedules, and consistently meet deadlines.'
Key clients
- bpost NV
- SD Worx People Solutions
- Levi Strauss & Co
- NMBS/SNCB (Belgian railways)
- Argenta Spaarbank
- European Medicines Verification Organisation (EMVO)
- Smartbit
- Randstad
- Kinepolis
- Electrabel
- skeyes
- SkeyDrone
- Luminus
- Cegeka
- Duracell
- Q8
- Vaillant
- ILVO
- Myria
- Unia
Work highlights
Acting as a trusted legal advisor for data protection, EU data regulation and cybersecurity to bpost NV (the Belgian postal operator) for wide-ranging advisory, compliance and contentious matters, including advice on recent EU data legislation, and acting in important proceedings before the Belgian Data Protection Authority.
Advising Unia and Myria on a comprehensive data protection compliance project, including assistance on data protection compliance documents, privacy notices and ad hoc questions from the Data Protection Officer.
Assisting Levi Strauss on multiple aspects of data protection compliance, including in the context of online advertising, and acting as their go-to data protection legal adviser.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Heidi Waem; Kristof De Vulder
Other key lawyers
Simon Verschaeve