Data Protection: UK-wide

Bird & Bird maintains an impressive presence in the data protection sphere, with a strong reputation for work in both contentious and advisory roles. The firm continues to advise a number of global clients across a range of industry sectors. 

Client Service "The whole team is terrific: they are willing to take time to gain a deep understanding of our business and the issues which concern us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading practitioner Ruth Boardman heads the department and contributes to a number of prominent publications in this field. She is highly regarded for her "encyclopaedic knowledge of data protection law." Clients appreciate the considerable experience Francis Aldhouse brings from his previous role as Deputy Information Commissioner, which enables him to "bring invaluable perspective to difficult business challenges."

This firm receives glowing praise from sources for its handling of matters across the full range of data protection work. The team's clients include major players such as Google, which recently sought the firm's advice on Europe-wide data protection issues.

Client Service "Their work is excellent value for money - a top-class practice giving commercially viable and practical advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Millard is highly experienced in the data protection field and remains active as a consultant at the firm. He recently advised a group of global corporations on international data transfers as part of a binding corporate rules (BCR) compliance project. Mark Watts was also part of the team involved in this work, and one source commented that his "expertise is consistently excellent and relevant to a client's business interests." His experience as former IBM global privacy officer is also considered to add value to his data protection advice. Hazel Grant attracts praise from sources who highlight her skill in "facilitating positive engagement between industry and regulator."

Field Fisher Waterhouse maintains its reputation as a leading data protection practice, advising high-profile clients on data transfers, compliance and contentious matters. Clients appreciate the firm's sharp awareness of requirements in the UK regulatory sphere, while the group is also known as a leading adviser in matters with an international element. The firm regularly advises on BCR for key clients such as Vodafone, Ernst & Young and Chevron.

Client Service "Eduardo Ustaran is a lawyer who is easy to relate to. He provides fantastic support and advice, making the subject matter easy for outsiders."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Eduardo Ustaran leads the group and is described by clients as "charismatic, insightful and approachable." His considerable expertise in this field is utilised by a number of high-profile clients, and he is noted for his in-depth knowledge of EU data protection law. Stewart Room "is the kind of lawyer who inspires confidence," and is an expert in advising on data security breaches.

This group advises a range of corporate entities, financial institutions, technology companies and charities. Beyond its prominent London practice the firm is able to draw upon a leading global network of lawyers. Major clients of the group include Google, 3, Cancer Research and Rio Tinto.

Client Service "Ross McKean is an excellent lawyer who is always attentive to client needs."

Commercial Awareness "Ross McKean understands the requirements of the business and his advice is given in a quick, concise, commercial format."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ilana Saltzman "is very attuned to market trends and great at giving practical, current and specific advice," according to sources. She heads the group and has recently represented a number of the firm's most high-profile clients. Ross McKean is increasingly prominent in the market, and has a strong reputation for his provision of advice on global network security issues.

This firm handles data protection and privacy matters at both the domestic and international levels, drawing upon the firm's strength in the medical and life sciences sector to advise clients such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Merck. Other major clients include Microsoft, O2 and ExxonMobil.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Daniel Cooper has recently advised the World Anti-Doping Agency in European litigation relating to athlete privacy and the legitimacy of anti-doping programmes in sport.

This data protection practice primarily operates out of Sheffield, but also draws upon offices in Liverpool, Leeds, Edinburgh and London, as well as the firm's international network. The team has recently advised an impressive array of multinational corporations in various industry sectors. The firm is especially recommended for its handling of work relating to security breaches, although it is also adept at advising clients on BCR, privacy compliance and data transfers.

Client Service "They are very easy to work with and take the legwork out of getting answers for in-house lawyers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sheffield-based group head Cameron Craig is "technically second to none," while clients value his "approachable manner and commercial advice."

Herbert Smith services clients on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious data protection matters, including BCR, privacy, compliance and enforcement. The group also draws upon data protection specialists in the firm's global network and alliance firms across Europe.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kate Brimsted recently advised AOL on the data privacy aspects of its disposal of an instant messaging service, as well as acting for major clients such as Sky Broadcasting and Sojitz. Highly regarded practitioner Christopher Rees recently returned to the UK following a period of time in Saudi Arabia.

Since publication, Christopher Rees has joined Taylor Wessing LLP

Since the merger between Lovells and Hogan & Hartson, clients have had access to an enhanced global network of data protection lawyers including a sizeable team in the firm's Washington, DC office. Recently the group has advised Aviva on a pan-European data consolidation project, stretching across 12 jurisdictions. The practice is also noted for its ability to advise clients on cross-border data transfers for litigation purposes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Quentin Archer has recently handled international data transfer projects for a number of major global corporations including Aviva and SABMiller.

Hunton & Williams' London office forms part of an international group of data protection lawyers in Brussels, Beijing and the USA. The team has seen an increasing volume of work relating to data breaches, and it is also able to advise on BCR, international data transfer, online privacy and cloud computing. Major clients include Estée Lauder, NBC Universal and MasterCard.

Commercial Awareness "They are very proactive in their provision of commercially viable advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bridget Treacy is a "superb but approachable lawyer," who continues to impress sources with "her incredible amount of knowledge on the subject." The "data protection legend" Rosemary Jay recently joined the firm. She continues to attract strong praise from the market. Former Information Commissioner Richard Thomas is a leading figure in the field of data protection, and has recently advised clients on data breaches, information governance and BCR.

Linklaters enjoys a strong reputation for its work on a range of data privacy matters with a particular focus upon issues surrounding international data transfers and customer record management. Clients appreciate the firm's cross-border expertise and international capacity. The London team regularly acts in concert with data protection lawyers in Linklaters' overseas offices, such as recent work for Hyatt Hotels which involved the Munich and Brussels offices.

Client Service "They are always thorough, always customer-focused and always looking for creative ways to help clients."

Commercial Awareness "They are very commercially minded and have good knowledge of this sector."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources agree that Richard Cumbley "knows data protection law inside out." He was recently part of a multi-jurisdictional team advising Hyatt Hotels on BCR and international data transfers. 

Olswang maintains a strong reputation for its handling of data protection work for clients in the technology, media and financial services spheres. The team has advised Microsoft on data protection matters, and has recently been consulted on the launch of an online patient data platform. 

Client Service "They've been able to understand with depth our concepts and our goals. They also provide legal workshops and seminars."

Commercial Awareness "Their understanding of the industry and the issues which are raised by legal frameworks is very good indeed." "They are part of the agenda setting - they are interested in helping form policy."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clive Gringras is a key contact.

Pinsent Masons houses an impressive data protection team which is capable of handling both contentious and non-contentious matters across a range of industry sectors. The team acts for an impressive array of clients in this sphere, including Fujitsu, RBS and the the Ministry of Defence.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Marc Dautlich arrives from Olswang and is commended by sources for his ability to "find viable, pragmatic solutions for his clients."

This London-based practice is a key player on private sector work, advising corporations across a range of industries including pharmaceuticals and financial services. The UK team regularly co-ordinates cross-jurisdictional teams to handle international matters. Key clients include AXA, Deutsche Bank and Pfizer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Jones is the international co-ordinator of the firm's data privacy practice, and he is highly regarded for his work in this sphere. 

The data protection team at this firm has recently advised a broad range of public and private sector clients on data compliance, data protection breaches and cloud computing issues. Key clients include Rolls-Royce, Symantech and The Open University.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paula Barrett is "an incredible lawyer - practical, knowledgeable and able to assemble a great team." She is noted for her cross-border expertise in this field.

Osborne Clarke has established a notable presence in the data protection and freedom of information spheres. Recently the firm has advised a number of clients on BCR, and it has acted for key clients British Gas, Expedia and Tata Technologies on data protection issues. The firm made a successful landmark defence on behalf of various entities in the UK water industry, on a freedom of information matter.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight James Mullock's "clear, matter-of-fact advice and superb down-to-earth manner."

The data protection practice at this firm has particular expertise in advising clients in the finance, technology, transport and retail sectors. Recent clients of the firm include Delta Air Lines, Sainsbury's and Thames Water.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nick Graham heads the firm's information and privacy group. Sources say: "He's professional, affable and a delight to work with." 

This firm has expanded recently, taking on three new assistants in this sphere. The firm has been advising clients on subject access requests and cross-border data protection issues. Key clients include Pfizer, Morgan Stanley and Accor.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "energetic" Robert Bond is widely known for "his deep expertise" in the data protection arena.

This team is noted for its expertise in data protection, privacy compliance and online behavioural advertising. White & Case's global network of data protection lawyers spans offices in the USA, Europe and Asia, making the firm well placed to advise clients on cross-border matters. Recently the firm has advised both American Express and BT on global implementation of BCR.

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based head of practice Ashley Winton has "a pleasant, collegiate demeanour," and is commended for his technical understanding of information technology as well as his "superb knowledge of data protection law." Sources recommend his advice for BCR applications.

This firm has been working on major multi-jurisdictional data protection audits, among other matters, for global companies. Sources note: "They are a cohesive, co-operative team that are also individually solid, astute, knowledgeable and pragmatic lawyers." Recent work highlights include advising UBS on global data processing.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jane Finlayson-Brown has been involved in complex compliance work and has received glowing recommendations from sources. Senior associate Nigel Parker is an expert in advising financial sector clients.

This practice handles both disputes and advisory work, and it has been active in the Information Tribunal. Recently the firm has had considerable success acting for Times journalist Dominic Kennedy regarding the public's information rights to MPs' expenses records.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Melanie Carter heads the information law team and is considered to be "a consummate professional." As well as being in private practice, she is also a tribunal judge in the information rights jurisdiction, hearing national appeals on freedom of information and data protection matters.

Brodies maintains a strong offering in data protection, handling a range of issues surrounding data storage, data transfer and breaches of privacy. The firm serves an impressive array of clients, including ING Direct, PDP and the Scottish Information Commissioner.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Grant Campbell heads the team and is a leading figure in data protection. Clients appreciate that he "does away with the headaches and negotiates on our behalf - he is totally invaluable to have on our side." Martin Sloan is considered to be "a real star in data protection." He has been acting for a number of financial institutions on data transfer issues.

The data protection team at this firm has expanded recently, adding three associates and one partner. The firm recently advised Amazon.com on data protection matters relating to cloud computing.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Armstrong is a key contact.

This firm has a wide range of expertise, advising public and private entity clients in a number of industry sectors. The firm recently advised an NHS trust on issues regarding patient confidentiality in the context of a BBC documentary about a hospital.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cambridge-based Peter Wainman is key contact in the firm's data protection practice.

Reed Smith's data protection team is experienced in advising on all aspects of data security and privacy. Recently the firm has advised a number of leading multinationals across various industry sectors. Key clients include St Jude Medical, The Bank of New York Mellon and the Interpublic Group of Companies.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice co-head Cynthia O'Donoghue is recommended for her provision of "practical, pragmatic advice that meets business needs."

This firm's broad-based data protection practice includes lawyers who also advise on employment, IT and IP.  The team's client base consists of a number of major banking, technology and energy resources corporations.

KEY INDIVIDUALS London-based partner Alexander Brown is a key contact.