Department profile
11KBW

Data Protection

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


11KBW

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Data Protection - London (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

11KBW is a market-leading chambers able to boast the most extensive data protection law capability at the London Bar. It has an excellent track record in cases brought under the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts, with the barristers regularly acting for the ICO, individuals, companies and public sector bodies. Some notable recent cases include Clearview AI v ICO and O’Carroll v Meta. One source notes them as "the go-to set. The barristers have a great understanding of the law and are thoughtful from a strategy point of view."

Mark Dann is the Senior Clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • 11KBW provides excellent clerking support and has a very friendly clerking team.

    Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • This set has first-class clerking and client-friendly counsel.

    Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Mark Dann is a superb head clerk and runs a great team - nothing is too much trouble.

    Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • 11KBW has a phenomenal clerking team.

    Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are excellent. They are really responsive, collaborative and helpful in helping us interface with the court.

    Data Protection respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsAnya Proops
    Star IndividualsAnya Proops

    Anya Proops

    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 an all-round star performer. Her advocacy skills are excellent as is the strategic approach and thinking which she brought to the matter.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • There is absolutely no one else who is better than Anya. She is the oracle for protection law. When it comes to the intersection between law and business, she is unparalleled.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • She is one of the founders of modern data protection litigation, be that anything from mass claims to regulatory investigations, there is nothing she has not seen, done or established the law on.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Anya is a world-class silk, who works tirelessly to deliver a first-class service to her clients.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Star IndividualsTimothy Pitt-Payne
    Star IndividualsTimothy Pitt-Payne

    Timothy Pitt-Payne

    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.

    • Timothy provides top-class work product, support and outcomes.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Timothy is a brilliant advocate. He is a genuine standout expert in his field, and a true pleasure to work with.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Timothy has a large intellect and has subject matter expertise. He is second to none as an advocate.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1David Glen
    Band 1David Glen

    David Glen

    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 is very good on paper. He is very responsive, good with clients, and is an expert in data protection.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Julian Milford
    Band 1Julian Milford

    Julian Milford

    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 absolutely superb. He is one of the best advocates I have seen. He is also very user-friendly.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Julian's knowledge of data protection law and enforcement strategy is unparalleled.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Julian is an exceptional lawyer.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Rupert Paines
    Band 1Rupert Paines

    Rupert Paines

    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 a leading light in data protection litigation. His advice is always clear, concise and practical. He is clear and thoughtful, tactical in his approach.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is a data privacy expert. Rupert really understands the strategy in those types of cases.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Zac Sammour
    Band 1Zac Sammour

    Zac Sammour

    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 very bright, capable and easy to engage with. He is very strong technically.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Zac is excellent.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is down to earth, bright, and speaks in clear, simple English. He is commercial and pragmatic.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Andrew Sharland
    Band 2Andrew Sharland

    Andrew Sharland

    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 has an affable, down-to-earth style. He has both a good manner and grasp of broader strategic points in a case. He is calm and methodical, which judges respond very well to.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Hannah Ready
    Band 2Hannah Ready

    Hannah Ready

    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.

    • She is a bold and brilliant lawyer with amazing tactical judgement.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Hannah is very good to work with. She is very collaborative and excellent on paper.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Heather Emmerson
    Band 2Heather Emmerson

    Heather Emmerson

    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.

    • Heather is a knowledgeable barrister.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • She is almost an encyclopaedia of data protection law. Heather is extremely clever, astute and very hard-working.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Julian Blake
    Band 2Julian Blake

    Julian Blake

    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 an exceptional advocate, who is highly persuasive and articulate. He presents complex legal arguments clearly and precisely.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Julian is a very able and highly personable advocate with incisive judgement and good humour.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Julian is a truly outstanding advocate with compelling written work. He has an ability to block out the noise and laser in on the nub of the issue. He has a clear understanding of commercial reality.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Peter Lockley
    Band 2Peter Lockley

    Peter Lockley

    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.

  • Band 2Raphael Hogarth
    Band 2Raphael Hogarth

    Raphael Hogarth

    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 a brilliant lawyer, who is completely delightful to work with. He is phenomenal.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Stephen Kosmin
    Band 2Stephen Kosmin

    Stephen Kosmin

    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.

    • Stephen is absolutely extraordinary. He is an expert, who is humble, thorough and charming.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Stephen is calm and unflustered. He is sensible and a safe pair of hands.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Stephen is meticulous and thorough. He is a very calm and methodical advocate.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Daniel Isenberg
    Band 3Daniel Isenberg

    Daniel Isenberg

    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.

    • He provides excellent and timely advice.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is really detail-oriented and provides excellent results.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Harini Iyengar
    Band 3Harini Iyengar

    Harini Iyengar

    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 is a joy to work with. Her careful case preparation and warm good humour make it a pleasure to work on even the most challenging of cases with her.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Jamie Susskind
    Band 3Jamie Susskind

    Jamie Susskind

    Jamie Susskind acts in sophisticated data protection cases concerning unlawful data professing and data breaches. He has noteworthy expertise advising on issues surrounding emerging technologies, such as facial recognition and AI.

    • Jamie is a very strong advocate. He is very personable.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Katherine Taunton
    Band 3Katherine Taunton

    Katherine Taunton

    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 very hard-working. She really rolls her sleeves up. Her written work and pleadings are very good, and she is very smooth with clients.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Leo Davidson
    Band 3Leo Davidson

    Leo Davidson

    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 my go-to barrister for information tribunal matters. He is cool, calm and collected, equally great with the lay client and those instructing him, and a gentle but persuasive hand.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Leo is a superb operator. He is clever, hard-working and a team player.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Leo is very thorough, and he is a good advocate. He works hard and is well-liked by clients.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Michael White
    Band 3Michael White

    Michael White

    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 very responsive, pragmatic and straightforward to deal with.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingBen Mitchell
    Up and ComingBen Mitchell

    Ben Mitchell

    Ben Mitchell is well regarded for his ability to handle complex data protection and information law cases, such as data breach claims and freedom of information appeals.

    • Ben is excellent. He is a good advocate.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Ben is a great advocate, who is very approachable and has great depth of knowledge.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Ben understands the client's needs and attitudes towards litigation. He is approachable and easy to work with.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingOliver Jackson
    Up and ComingOliver Jackson

    Oliver Jackson

    Oliver Jackson has noteworthy strengths representing claimants and defendants in Freedom of Information requests and enforcement matters. He regularly appears in the First-tier and Upper Tribunal.

    • Oliver is an extremely good advocate. He is very thorough and helpful throughout.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is exceptionally user-friendly and very detail-focused. He is able to turn things around quickly and produce high-quality output.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is a good advocate, who makes sensible points.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksChristopher Knight
    New SilksChristopher Knight

    Christopher Knight

    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 has an incredibly sharp mind. He is commercial and pragmatic in his approach.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Christopher is probably the best barrister I have ever instructed.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • He is an oracle of knowledge. Christopher is strategically sharp and a brilliant advocate. He inspires confidence when he is on our cases.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksRobin Hopkins
    New SilksRobin Hopkins

    Robin Hopkins

    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 easy to work with. He is bright and responsive.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Robin is an excellent senior junior, who is very user-friendly. He is able to digest and get to the crux of the problem. He can help a client with the technical side.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
    • Robin is a pleasure to deal with. He is extremely bright, sharp and a brilliant advocate.

      Data Protection respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksTom Cross
    New SilksTom Cross

    Tom Cross

    Tom Cross KC 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.

Ranked Barristers at 11KBW (24)

London (Bar)

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership