Data Protection

Anya Proops KC is recognised as a leader in the data protection field. She assumes leading roles in critical disputes in relation to data breaches, subject access requests and the right to be forgotten. Her clients comprise a broad range of internationally active data controller entities.

"Anya is a leading silk in data for a reason: client-friendly, hard-working and collegiate - she is the only person you want on your team."

"She is the leading data protection silk at the Bar."

"Anya has enormous expertise and experience in defending group claims. She has great strategic insight."

Christopher Knight lays claim to an impressive track record of acting for or against the Information Commissioner. He is frequently called upon to provide data protection commentary, and is a prolific author and blogger on this and related subjects. He acts for government and regulatory bodies in many of their major clashes with big data companies, as well as advising on consumer actions.

"Christopher is client-friendly, expert, hard-working and collegiate."

"He is our first choice for most matters. He is encyclopaedic in his knowledge of a complex area. Christopher is a real vital resource for us to test our own thinking."

"Christopher's knowledge of the field is unparalleled. He has an impressive command of the law and is able to explain it and interpret it for clients as to advise them in a commercially-minded way."

Robin Hopkins is a leading barrister who has unsurpassed experience in data protection and freedom of information instructions, encompassing everything from subject access requests and ICO actions to direct marketing data breaches. He is regarded as a staple presence in this practice area's most precedent-setting litigation.

"Robin is practising way beyond his call. He is a reliable and shining senior junior who is incredibly capable at leading on his own."

"Robin is excellent all-round. I couldn't recommend Robin more highly to clients than I already do."

"He is the leading junior in data protection. He is great on his feet, extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic."

Timothy Pitt-Payne KC is uniquely experienced in taking on sophisticated and cutting-edge data protection and information law work, representing public sector bodies and private businesses alike. He augments his information law practice with experience in employment and public law generally.

"Tim is the leading silk operating in data protection matters and our number one choice at his level."

"Tim is a phenomenal silk and has encyclopaedic knowledge. He is a real market leader in the area."

"Timothy is a top choice for complex matters and a good KC for bet-the-bank instructions."

David Glen boasts a strong track record of handling data protection disputes for an array of high-profile clients, including public sector entities, regulators and online service providers. He is well versed in the DPA's use in false information claims and is adept at litigating data protection concerns in a wide variety of courts and tribunals, including the European Court of Human Rights.

"David combines good knowledge of data protection law with other sperate areas of law. He is a real one-stop shop for information."

"David is great with clients, calm under pressure and excellent all-round."

"David is terrific. He is very easy to deal with, user-friendly and super smart."

Rupert Paines is an in-demand barrister with experience acting unled in data protection cases. His practice takes in many of the larger and more visible disputes in the field, including mass data breach claims and ICO actions.

"Rupert is brilliant. He is always a pleasure to work with."

"Rupert has forensic legal knowledge accompanied by a measured and unflappable approach to even the most complex and document-heavy case."

"He is a great data privacy lawyer."

Andrew Sharland KC offers data protection and information law advice to a wide range of clients, from media organisations and other private companies to both central and local government bodies. He demonstrates particularly strong capabilities at the intersection of data protection and public law.

"Andrew is practical, good at explaining things clearly so people understand. He is good at collaboration."

"He is very good."

Hannah Ready is a data protection barrister who is in high demand from both claimant and defendant clients in various industries. She has valuable experience of some of the practice area's largest cases.

"Hannah is very capable, determined and hard-working. She is incredibly efficient."

Heather Emmerson has a significant reputation in the data protection field. Her work in information law most commonly arises in the context of human rights and public access to the reasoning behind decisions of public bodies and government ministers. She acts in civil claims from the First-tier Tribunal to the Supreme Court, and her work has related to such topics as data retention, high-profile data breaches and human rights issues pertaining to the use of biometric data.

"Her knowledge of data protection law is excellent and she is able to think tactically, often allowing for resolution of matters at the pre-action stage."

"Heather possesses excellent knowledge and a superb ability to turn around complex work quickly."

Julian Blake exhibits notable data protection and information law expertise, making him a popular choice for companies, the government and the Information Commissioner in enforcement matters. Often appearing unled, he can boast broad capabilities across the field, encompassing data misuse, subject access requests and the right to be forgotten.

"He is highly intelligent and is a very hard-working barrister. Julian is able to solve problems quickly."

"Julian is supremely knowledgeable on a wealth of complex data protection matters."

Julian Milford KC has solid expertise representing clients in data protection cases and providing guidance on regulatory decisions in relation to the holding and exchange of sensitive documents by the UK government.

"Julian is very thoughtful and extremely diligent. He is nice to deal with."

"He is excellent. His submissions are extremely well judged and thoughtful."

Peter Lockley is a barrister gaining strong recognition for his handling of freedom of information and data protection claims for individuals and public bodies, including local government and the ICO.

"Peter is brilliant. He is always a pleasure to work with."

"Peter is a leading junior."

"Peter is very personable and easy to work with. He makes everything very clear and understandable and has a great grasp of complex issues."

Stephen Kosmin regularly acts for and against regulators in large data breach cases. He is also involved in cases considering the evolution of this area of law and its interface with developing technologies, such as facial recognition.

"He is a pleasure to work with. Stephen is really strong on detail and calm under pressure."

"He has got a solid knowledge of data protection. His writing is clear and comprehensive."

Tom Cross represents private media organisations, government and the Information Commissioner, and has had a number of cases heard in the Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal. He is particularly well versed in handling cases addressing the meaning and operation of statutory language, and is a go-to contact for leading businesses seeking advice on their obligations under the Data Protection Act.

"When you need a level of expertise that goes beyond just a particular case or dispute but you want strategic insight, then Tom is the go-to person."

"He is very user-friendly, reliable and responsive."

Zac Sammour is regularly involved in a range of high-profile data protection cases, including those stemming from prominent data breaches and regulatory investigations.

"Zac is great with clients and advises on the most complex aspects of law in concise and user-friendly terms."

Daniel Isenberg has a particularly strong reputation for acting in data breach claims or those following cyber attacks. He typically defends data controllers, including in proposed group claims.

"Daniel became an extension of own team in handling day-to-day issues. I would be absolutely lost without him."

"Daniel is highly personable and user-friendly barrister who makes time for his clients and his instructing solicitors. He is an excellent choice of junior counsel."

"Daniel is very knowledgeable and is always a pleasure to work with."

Harini Iyengar is often instructed by the Information Commissioner in a range of matters including enforcement actions and questions relating to the scope of data protection legislation.

"Harini has a really wide range and depth of knowledge, which is always clearly delivered both in writing and advocacy."

"Harini is very skilled and approachable."

Michael White's expertise sees him instructed by both major companies and the Information Commissioner on a variety of data and information law issues. He is noted for his experience on matters ranging from data breaches to freedom of information appeals.

"He is super smart, hugely versatile and brilliant with clients."

"Michael is hard-working, dependable, great with clients and goes the extra mile. He has great attention to deal, is commercial and delivers at a level well beyond his year of call."

Raphael Hogarth appears in high-profile freedom of information and data protection matters. He has acted both for and against the Information Commissioner in sensitive enforcement appeals.

"Raphael is incredibly bright. He is a very good communicator and is incredibly strategic."

"Raphael's written submissions and advocacy are excellent - he understands the issues in a case and deals with them with ease, with helpful advice on approaches to take."

"He is knowledgeable and very responsive."

Katherine Taunton is highlighted for her expertise in both litigious and regulatory data protection matters. Additionally, her strength in information law sees her regularly instructed by the Information Commissioner on freedom of information appeals.

"Katherine is an extremely strong advocate who can explain complex matters in a clear way, getting to the issues and all the while making it look effortless. She is always a pleasure to work with."

"Katherine is very easy to work with. She is responsive and hard-working."

"She is an immensely talented lawyer who is strategically very savvy and a complete pleasure to work with."

Leo Davidson has a growing data protection practice, and is recognised for his expertise in information law issues. He is noted for his strengths in freedom of information appeals.

"Leo is particularly knowledgeable in all areas of information law. His views are something I take as gospel when it comes to how the tribunal or ICO might respond."

"He gets to grips with issues and he is able to assimilate and understand the information that we send him."

"He is really excellent at explaining potentially difficult concepts to lay clients and integrates well into our team and the client team. Leo is really down to earth."