The Linklaters data privacy and protection team is led by Sonia Cissé, who has ‘distinguished herself in the provision of timely and high-quality advice’. The team covers the full range of technology and data privacy issues in the context of strategic digital projects and complex transactions, both nationally and globally. Multinational corporations also turn to the team for support in compliance and enforcement issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Linklaters team on matters related to personal data protection, and I was very impressed by their level of expertise. They are professionals who are both highly skilled in legal matters and very attentive to the specific needs of their clients.'
  • ‘Sonia Cissé is an exceptional lawyer, both expert and very approachable. She stands out for her comprehensive and practical understanding of the challenges related to technology and data protection. Her approach combines a strategic vision, rigorous legal standards, and a genuine ability to simplify complex issues. I particularly appreciated her advisory skills, always focused on finding solutions tailored to operational needs. Her experience, especially on international GDPR compliance and cybersecurity projects, is evident in the quality and precision of her recommendations. Beyond her technical expertise, Sonia distinguishes herself through her commitment, her ability to explain complex concepts clearly, and her openness. She perfectly embodies the professionalism and innovation that characterize Linklaters.’
  • ‘I would like to highlight Sonia Cissé, lawyer and head of the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications practice at Linklaters Paris, for her legal expertise, exemplary leadership, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Her mastery of complex cases, her ability to anticipate strategic challenges, and her capacity to propose innovative solutions make her a leading professional in her field. Beyond her technical skills, Sonia stands out even more for her authenticity, empathy, and ability to build trusting relationships. Sonia embodies the rare and invaluable combination of competence and humanity, and it is a privilege to collaborate or exchange ideas with such an inspiring individual.’
  • ‘In my opinion, this team stands out for several key reasons. They are extremely responsive and available: the lawyers reply quickly, anticipate needs, and ensure I am kept constantly informed of the progress of cases. This transparency and close collaboration greatly facilitate the management of complex projects. Their greatest strength lies in their in-depth understanding of regulatory issues, particularly in the areas of data protection and compliance. Their technical expertise is top-notch: they consistently deliver excellent, rigorous work that is perfectly aligned with market requirements. What makes them truly valuable, beyond their legal excellence, is their ability to strike the right balance between compliance and operational efficiency. When we need pragmatic, actionable solutions tailored to our business constraints, the team provides clear, balanced, and immediately applicable recommendations.'
  • ‘Within the team, Sonia Cissé stands out. She is extremely responsive, always available, and provides clear and immediately actionable answers. What truly sets her apart is her ability to quickly grasp the business's operational needs, allowing her to perfectly tailor her advice and propose pragmatic solutions that are genuinely aligned with our constraints and objectives. She combines excellent technical expertise with a highly client-centric approach: she asks the right questions, ensures she fully understands our expectations, and delivers a perfectly customized service. Her clear and pedagogical approach, even when explaining complex topics, makes her a particularly effective partner.’
  • ‘Linklaters has an expert data protection team capable of understanding a company's challenges in this area. They are attentive and adapt their recommendations to reconcile legal and business considerations. They are also responsive, rigorous, and proactive.'
  • ‘I found the team diligent and conscientious, with superb knowledge of both the law and the regulatory landscape. They provided frank and pragmatic advice, while also being innovative and imaginative in their strategic thinking.’

Key clients

  • InfraVia
  • Belfius Bank NV
  • Brookfield Infrastructure Partners
  • Cummins

Work highlights

Advised InfraVia on its entry into discussions to form a partnership aimed at developing OpCore into a major European Hyperscale data centre.
Advised Belfius on the framework of a major strategic investment and partnership with Alan Insurance.
Advised Brookfield and Data4 on the sale of interests in Data4's European stabilised data centre portfolio to Arjun and Interogo.

 

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Practice head

Sonia Cissé