Leveraging a ‘combination of deep subject-matter expertise and a practical, solutions-focused approach’ throughout the privacy and data protection realm, Byrne Wallace Shields LLP is well placed to offer a comprehensive service for data protection mandates. Practice head Seán O’Donnell utilises deep knowledge in regulatory interpretations, investigations and white-collar crime mandates to provide privacy law expertise. Zelda Deasy is a key representative of private sector organisations and public bodies on the full range of data protection matters, with a niche focus on AI, while Jane O’Grady is particularly well versed in emerging technologies and its arising issues, including data privacy matters, and the development and sale of digital goods.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'In terms of data protection matters, Sean O'Donnell is exceptionally helpful and professional.’
- ‘I have forged an excellent relationship with Zelda Deasy and Catherine Dowling who give me trustworthy advice on legal contracts in health research. Zelda is particularly responsive and available and supportive to me, giving me confidence in my role. They both have an excellent understanding of my organisation and the sector as a whole and give clear, consistent, up to date advise. They have taught me a lot and I really value our relationship.’
- ‘The Byrne Wallace Shields data privacy and data protection team stands out for its combination of deep subject-matter expertise and an unusually practical, solutions-focused approach. What distinguishes the team is their willingness to engage meaningfully with our organisational structures, governance arrangements, and operational constraints. Rather than offering theoretical advice in isolation, they work with us to find implementable solutions that respect our statutory obligations and internal governance frameworks.'
- ‘The individuals we work with at Byrne Wallace Shields consistently demonstrate a rare combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and genuine collegiality. They stand out not only for the depth of their knowledge in data protection and public sector governance, but also for the way they engage with our organisation, as partners in problem-solving rather than distanced external advisers.’
- ‘Jane O'Grady is a clear subject matter expert and was able to comprehensively answer all of my questions. More importantly, Jane adopts a highly commercial pragmatic approach in her advice which was especially helpful.’
- ‘On the matters of Data Privacy and Data protection I had the pleasure to work with Zelda Deasy. The support was superb. I would highlight the following: Excellent availability and reactivity, practical, business focused advice, ability to explain complex data protection law and clauses in a simple way, ability to extract the key topics from complex documents, and approachable and personable.’
Key clients
- Arkema S.A.
- Beaumont Hospital
- Centripetal
- CEWE
- Circet Networks (Ireland) Limited
- Circol ELT
- Cloudware Limited t/a Aladdin Schools
- Corpay
- DKV Euro Service Gmbh + Co. KG (t/a DKV Mobility)
- Dolmen Design & Innovation Limited
- Easytrip Services Ireland Limited
- Eastpoint Enterprise Information Solutions Limited
Work highlights
Acted for the vendors of Visibility Blockchain Limited t/a Getvisibility in the sale of the company to Dance Buyer SARL Luxembourg (part of the Forcepoint Group).
Advise the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to its compliance with data protection law, data protection agreements, transfers outside the EEA, engagement and sharing data with third parties and general ad hoc data protection queries in relation to potential data breaches and requests for information whether under data protection law, FOI or access to environmental information regulations.
Advising ServiceNow Ireland Limited on data protection compliance requirements, in particular in the area of data processing agreements and contractual negotiations, in line with its global policies and procedures.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sean O'Donnell
Other key lawyers
Zelda Deasy; Jane O’Grady; Catherine Dowling