Gowling WLG is considered a go-to firm for government departments, public sector entities and international corporations on a variety of data protection issues. The team, which is jointly spearheaded by Jocelyn Paulley and Loretta Pugh, frequently advises on data sharing agreements, prepares internal governance documentation, and advises on broader cybersecurity problems. In Birmingham, Paulley frequently conducts Data Protection Impact Assessments and cybersafety reviews. Pugh, who joined the team from CMS in October 2024, is praised as a ‘real asset to the team’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Loretta Pugh is fantastic, making herself available for urgent matters and patiently explaining complex concepts. A real asset to the team.'
- 'Gowling certainly tailors their advice to us and our particular risk appetite and processes, which they have learned during the period we have engaged them.'
- 'We have the impression, and feeling, of in-house legal counsel.'
- 'Always polite, engaging, and the way they communicate their advice is clear and easy to understand for non-legal colleagues.'
Key clients
- Energy Systems Catapult Limited
- Energy Networks Association
- Transport for London
- Finning Limited
- RECCo
- Department for Education
- Donna Ockenden Limited
- Energy Networks Association
- Elexon
- The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
- Government Property Agency
- Empiric Student Properties Limited
- Financial Reporting Council
- Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Work highlights
Advising Donna Ockenden Limited, the Chair of the independent review of maternity services at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, on all the data protection aspects of the inquiry, covering data sharing agreements, privacy notices and DPIAs.
Appointed by the Department for Education to be its advisors for the next two years (with possible extensions) for the DfE Data Sharing Service
Advising the Energy Networks Association on the data privacy aspects of ENA Connect Direct, a new online platform for connection of low carbon energy domestic installations.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Jocelyn Paulley; Loretta Pugh
Other key lawyers
Patrick Arben; Amber Strickland