This year we highlight more than 550 market-leading data privacy and protection lawyers for their outstanding work assisting clients with compliance projects, outsourcing and contractual matters, helping to ensure data remains private and secure. We also identify around 260 data security practitioners for their market-leading experience and expertise counselling companies on how to ensure their data is protected effectively.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firms
Robert Bond is an “extremely effective” data lawyer who provides clients with “very clear advice and outcome predictions”.
Christopher Millard is a “highly influential” lawyer who is described by peers as an “impressive thought leader” in the data sector.
Mark Watts is an “excellent” practitioner who excels at advising multinational companies on their data protection programs.
Marc Dautlich is distinguished by his strategic approach and stellar track record in complex data privacy and cyber risk matters.
Toby Crick is a seasoned lawyer who maintains a strong reputation in the data privacy and protection space.
Phil Lee is nominated for the first-rate advice he delivers to clients on data protection issues arising from EU inward investments and compliance issues.
Hazel Grant stands out for her “high level of expertise” in data protection law and for being “great to work with” according to peers.
Tim Van Canneyt is celebrated for his extensive experience of advising large multinationals on their global data protection compliance issues.
Paul Barton is a “highly experienced” lawyer who is much sought after for his sweeping knowledge of IT law.
Nuria Pastor earns widespread praise for her experience advising clients in a wide array of industries on the implementation of privacy programs.
Jürg Schneider is “a brilliant lawyer” who excels at advising international firms on their information security matters. He is known for his “great language skills” and “quick response rate”.
Michael Isler is “a highly experienced expert” who is recognised as being the “top choice” in data privacy law and the e-health industry.
David Vasella is “one of the leading lawyers and academics in the area of data privacy” who is highlighted as “a brilliant legal mind”.
Mark Reutter is widely regarded as “a strong and experienced attorney” who “specialises in outsourcing transactions”.
Peter Bräutigam is “a top lawyer with a special focus on contentious matters”. He is also singled out for being “an experienced academic”.
Daniel Rücker receives widespread plaudits from market commentators for his significant experience of advising clients on data breaches and protection.
Thomas Thalhofer is “a strong and experienced lawyer” who “has a special focus on cloud computing and outsourcing”.
Ruth Boardman is widely regarded as “an absolute expert on GDPR” matters and regularly advises clients who are dealing with data protection authorities.
The internationally renowned Ariane Mole is recognised for her vast experience of data protection disputes and significant GDPR expertise.
Tobias Bräutigam is “an excellent attorney” who stands out for being “very knowledgeable regarding academic work”.
Graham Smith is a “greatly knowledgeable” practitioner with profound expertise in IT disputes and data privacy issues.
Henriette Picot is a renowned data specialist who is adept at handling complex privacy disputes and other related data security matters.
Niko Härting is an IT law specialist who excels at advising clients on the whole spectrum of data privacy and protection law.
Martin Schirmbacher is considered an authority in the European market for his profound expertise in GDPR and customer data protection.
Philipp Schröder-Ringe is renowned for the top-notch advice he provides to clients on cyber security issues, data compliance and e-commerce.
Fabian Reinholz is well versed in navigating clients through the complexities of data protection related to IP and e-commerce.
Eduardo Ustaran is celebrated as “the absolute star in this field” by peers and clients alike, for his experience advising clients on cybersecurity strategies.
Nicola Fulford is a pre-eminent cybersecurity and data privacy specialist who regularly advises companies on responding to breaches and dealing with regulators.
Stefan Schuppert is an “absolutely excellent” lawyer with over 20 years’ experience advising clients on privacy regulations.
Massimiliano Masnada is revered for his work advising international companies in relation to data breaches and data protection regulations.
Other leading individuals
Austria
Axel Anderl of DORDA Rechtsanwälte comes “highly recommended” by sources for his “fast, unbureaucratic, hands-on and pragmatic advice”.
Knyrim Trieb Attorneys at Law’s Rainer Knyrim is hailed as “the best lawyer for data protection in Austria” and is praised for his “efficiency, expertise and pragmatism regarding difficult legal issues”.
Roland Marko at Wolf Theiss earns widespread praise for his in-depth expertise in data protection and security law, including GDPR matters.
Belgium
Steven De Schrijver of Astrea is “one of the best in Europe” according to sources, who say he is “an exceptional and reliable lawyer in the full range of data work”.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tanja Savičić of Dimitrijević & Partners is a “very skilled” lawyer who is revered for her expertise in the data security field.
Bulgaria
George Dimitrov from Dimitrov Petrov & Co is “a well-known protection expert” who stands out for his “highly advanced expertise, fast responsiveness and competence”.
Czech Republic
Richard Otevřel from HAVEL & PARTNERS is distinguished for the breadth of his experience in the data sector. He is particularly “strong on data protection”.
Robert Nešpůrek stands out for his impressive technology practice and experience in personal data protection and GDPR projects.
Denmark
Michael Hopp at Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab comes “highly recommended” as a “very knowledgeable” practitioner who is “extremely professional in the area of personal data law”.
England
Bridget Treacy at Hunton Andrews Kurth is widely recommended for her unrivalled expertise in data protection and information governance.
Rosemary Jay is a top-tier data lawyer in Europe as a result of her impressive experience advising clients on complex privacy and confidentiality issues.
From CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, Susan Barty stands out for her broad data practice and market-leading work on related disputes.
Richard Kemp at Kemp IT Law is identified for his “excellent technical understanding when dealing with IT specialists” and “ability to translate advice to practical actions to protect the company”.
Reed Smith’s Cynthia O’Donoghue regularly and skilfully advises European and international companies on the whole spectrum of data protection law.
Finland
Eija Warma-Lehtinen from Castrén & Snellman Attorneys is an “excellent and very knowledgeable” practitioner with “great practical knowledge” and a “professional yet friendly approach”.
Pia Ek is “an excellent lawyer” and “a great professional” according to sources, who praise her as a “fantastic tech lawyer”.
France
Bradley Joslove from Joslove Digital Law receives international plaudits for his vast experience advising clients on their data privacy, security and outsourcing issues.
Claire Bernier at ADSTO is highly esteemed for her extensive civil and criminal law experience, advising clients on security breaches, data theft and litigation relating to personal data.
Florence Chafiol at August & Debouzy is “a super-hardworking individual” who brings “calmness and a sense of expertise” to GDPR cases.
Germany
Matthias Orthwein from SKW Schwarz Rechtsanwälte is “a great lawyer with deep knowledge of the field of data protection”.
Stefan Schicker is the “go-to when it comes to IT” law according to market commentators, who applaud him for “always knowing what the client needs”.
With over three decades’ experience, Christian Frank at Taylor Wessing is highlighted for his deep expertise in employment-related data protection issues.
Philip Kempermann of Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek is the “perfect fit for GDPR issues” according to sources as a result of his encyclopaedic knowledge of data regulations.
Hungary
Tamás Gödölle at Bogsch & Partners receives effusive praise for his first-rate work on the full gamut of data law, from information technology to data privacy and protection.
Ireland
Philip Nolan of Mason Hayes & Curran is one of Ireland’s leading data security lawyers and is celebrated for his GDPR and compliance experience.
Israel
Or-Hof Law’s Dan Or-Hof is a highly impressive practitioner who is adept at handling information privacy matters for Israeli clients.
Italy
Laura Liguori from Portolano Cavallo garners widespread recommendations for her outstanding practice which focuses on data mining, whistleblowing and employee monitoring.
Netherlands
Kennedy Van der Laan’s Hester de Vries is “a specialised privacy lawyer” with “vast GDPR knowledge” and a “strong, analytical and dedicated approach”.
Elisabeth Thole of Van Doorne is “an excellent privacy advocate” who is “eloquent and extremely sharp of mind”. Shei s commended for “her enormous expertise and knowledge”.
Allen & Overy’s Nicole Wolters Ruckert is “an excellent data protection specialist”, adept at advising international companies on data protection compliance.
Norway
Arve Føyen from Advokate Arve Føyen is “an acclaimed and ranked expert” who excels at advising clients on GDPR and navigating the data protection authorities.
Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm’s Rune Opdahl is described as “a celebrated expert” and “an excellent data lawyer” by market commentators.
Portugal
Mónica Oliveira Costa at Coelho Ribeiro e Associados is a “brilliant” lawyer who “is “great on data protection and GDPR matters”.
Sweden
Advokatfirman Delphi’s Henrik Bengtsson is a “very knowledgeable” lawyer who is “especially knowledgeable of contentious data privacy matters and litigation”.
Erica Wiking Häger from Mannheimer Swartling is an outstanding professional who excels at advising clients on regulatory inquiries and GDPR compliance.
At Cirio Advokatbyrå, Caroline Olstedt Carlström is recognised as “one of the best lawyers in Sweden”, with over 15 years’ experience in international data protection.
Switzerland
Clara-Ann Gordon at Niederer Kraft Frey is widely regarded as “the top choice in Switzerland for data privacy and cybersecurity” matters.
Schellenberg Wittmer’s Roland Mathys is recognised as “a top lawyer for data privacy in Switzerland” according to sources who add he is “an excellent and first-rate lawyer”.
Christian Laux from LAUX LAWYERS has a “strong presence in the Swiss data privacy market” and is “particularly strong in connection with cloud-related work”.
David Rosenthal of VISCHER is a “great lawyer”. He is “very knowledgeable” and is regarded as “a trendsetter in data privacy law”.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firms
Charles Morgan is an internationally renowned data lawyer who regularly advises clients on data security, privacy and licensing-related issues.
George Takach draws widespread recommendations for his excellent technology practice which focuses on big data, e-commerce and data protection laws.
Barry Sookman is an acclaimed lawyer, applauded for his significant expertise in anti-piracy and cross-border data flows.
Paulo Marcos Rodrigues Brancher is “an excellent lawyer and scholar in the field of data privacy and protection” according to sources.
Thiago Luís Sombra is “a great lawyer with practical and academic skills in the field of data protection”. Sources further consider him “great scholar of the subject”.
Fabio Kujawski is “a specialised data protection and privacy lawyer” who is “very well known” in the international market.
Diego Fernández has a “deep knowledge” of the data sector and is applauded for his “quick understanding of the client’s needs, responsiveness and quality of work”.
The “excellent” Gustavo Giay comes highly recommended by market commentators for his impressive experience advising clients on complex contractual matters across the data sector.
Other leading individuals
Argentina
Allende & Brea’s Pablo Palazzi is “a highly professional data lawyer with great experience and knowledge of the subject matters at a private and public level”.
Florencia Rosati at Beccar Varela is distinguished by peers for her vast experience advising clients on emerging technologies and data privacy issues.
Brazil
Fábio Luiz Barboza Pereira at Veirano Advogados is described as “a very pragmatic expert” and an “outstanding data practitioner” by sources.
Artese e Advogados has “a great lawyer” in Gustavo Artese. He has “a deep knowledge of privacy and protection matters” and “contributes a lot to data protection development in Brazil”.
Luiza Sato of ASBZ is a “great lawyer in the field of privacy and data protection” and is well known for coming up with “practical solutions to complex matters”.
Canada
Torkin Manes’ Lisa Ruth Lifshitz is “extremely knowledgeable of data privacy and protection law” commend sources, one of whom adds: “Her knowledge and research is second to none – she comes fully prepared and is able to position our interests to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Éloïse Gratton at Borden Ladner Gervais is “a very strong data privacy compliance and advisory practitioner” who draws praise for being “very knowledgeable” of the sector.
Peter Ruby at Goodmans is a “very knowledgeable” individual who excels at handling data protection and privacy-related disputes.
Hélène Deschamps Marquis from Deloitte Legal is singled out among peers as “a very strong cyber response practitioner” who is “very knowledgeable” on all aspects of digital risks.
Colombia
Juanita Acosta at Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas Abogados has “years of experience advising clients on matters related to privacy and consumer protection”.
USA
Edward McNicholas of Ropes & Gray is an internationally renowned lawyer who is adept at handling complex privacy and cybersecurity issues.
Stephen Wu of Silicon Valley Law Group is “a leading practitioner in this area” with “particular expertise around data protection and artificial intelligence”.
DLA Piper has a top-tier lawyer in James Halpert, thanks to his vast experience of advising clients on their data risk issues.
Miriam Wugmeister at Morrison & Foerster draws praise for her “awesome knowledge of privacy laws around the world”.
Dov Scherzer at Polsinelli is an acclaimed lawyer who excels at advising clients on the whole spectrum of international privacy law, from data security to disaster recovery.
Marc Zwillinger of ZwillGen is celebrated for his expansive knowledge of IT matters as well as his top-notch advice on FT investigations involving security and data privacy.
Stuart Ingis from Venable earns widespread praise for his tremendous expertise in advising clients on complex data security regulations.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firms
Sajai Singh comes highly recommended as “a great technology specialist” thanks to his impressive knowledge of emerging technologies.
Probir Roy Chowdhury is widely regarded as a top-notch lawyer for his strong track record on data protection and e-commerce-related matters.
The internationally renowned Stella Cramer receives praise for her considerable experience advising global clients on cyber and data breach issues.
Nick Abrahams is highly esteemed for his extensive experience advising high-profile clients on data privacy and cyber security related matters.
Anna Gamvros is a pre-eminent name in Asia known for the top-tier counsel she delivers to clients on how best to reduce cyber security risks.
Other leading individuals
Australia
Philip Catania of Corrs Chambers Westgarth is highly respected in the international data market for producing “excellent work” on complex privacy and protection mandates.
Hong Kong
Mayer Brown’s Gabriela Kennedy is “an authority in this field” thanks to her “in-depth knowledge” and the “practical advice” she gives to clients.
Paul Haswell of Pinsent Masons stands out among peers for his specialist technology practice that focuses on data protection and disputes.
Mark Parsons at Hogan Lovells is a highly respected lawyer who earns praise for his outstanding regulatory practice and his experience advising clients on their personal data issues.
India
Salman Waris at TechLegis Advocates & Solicitors draws plaudits for his “pragmatism when dealing with complex issues”, as well as his “international approach and ability to communicate with clients out of India”.
Singapore
Joyce Tan from Joyce A Tan & Partners is widely revered for her vast experience and immense knowledge of data protection regulations.
From WongPartnership, Chung Nian Lam stands out for his adept handling of contentious and non-contentious matters in the area of data protection law.
Rajesh Sreenivasan at Rajah & Tann Singapore is a “highly knowledgeable” professional who is well versed in handling matters relating to cybersecurity and data protection.