Data Protection & Information Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
(020) 7400 8000About
Provided by Bristows LLP
With one of the biggest and most well-known teams in Europe, Bristows is the go-to firm for pragmatic, expert-informed data protection advice.
We specialise in developing practical and proportionate compliance programmes for organisations, large and small and we have considerable expertise in building GDPR programmes.
We help companies ensure that specific technology-based products and services meet legal requirements at all stages of development. We understand how technology works at a data level in AI & machine learning, Adtech, facial recognition, digital health, app development and cloud computing, and regularly advise on related issues.
We are constantly advising organisations on how to ensure their internal and external data flows are lawful, based on the US Privacy Shield and EU Standard Clauses. We have also have a specialty in developing Binding Corporate Rules for both controllers and processors, and have drafted and negotiated BCRs for some of the world’s largest most well-known companies, with the ‘lead authority’ in the UK, France, Germany or the Netherlands.
We frequently help our clients to respond to complex data subjects’ rights requests, whether this involves advising on the best approach or taking the drafting on ourselves.
We also have experience in coordinating data and cyber security plans as well as incident response plans and data breach notifications. We can call on many years of experience, assisting clients in many of the world’s largest breaches.
Chambers Review
Bristows' extremely experienced and accomplished data team specialises in data protection from both advisory and contentious perspectives. It provides compliance advice to multinational companies concerning emerging technologies and data handling regimes, and the lawyers regularly work with clients on data breaches. The team enjoys a reputation as a go-to practice for cross-border privacy disputes and regulatory concerns.
Work Highlights
- Bristows advised TikTok on its appeal against the ICO’s GBP12.7 million monetary penalty issued for breaches concerning children’s data, age verification and transparency.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Bristows has very high-calibre lawyers."
"The team offers extensive expertise in and deep understanding of the complexities of data protection laws. They stay ahead of legislative changes so that their advice is always up to date."
"They have the skill and knowledge to tailor their advice to the specific needs of my sector. They are also flexible in their approach, ranging from conservative to aggressive as needed."
"The lawyers provide very smart, practical, tech-savvy counsel. Bristows’ privacy practice thinks creatively."
"Bristows' team is very pragmatic and to the point. They don't overcomplicate things. They think like in-house lawyers and are my go-to."
"Bristows has very high-calibre lawyers."
"The team offers extensive expertise in and deep understanding of the complexities of data protection laws. They stay ahead of legislative changes so that their advice is always up to date."
"They have the skill and knowledge to tailor their advice to the specific needs of my sector. They are also flexible in their approach, ranging from conservative to aggressive as needed."
"The lawyers provide very smart, practical, tech-savvy counsel. Bristows’ privacy practice thinks creatively."
"Bristows' team is very pragmatic and to the point. They don't overcomplicate things. They think like in-house lawyers and are my go-to."
Notable Practitioners
Mark Watts demonstrates an exceptional knowledge of compliance and enforcement in the data protection market and offers extensive experience in the representation of clients before regulatory bodies. He counts some of the best-known global companies, including tech giants, among his clients.
"Mark is very thoughtful, insightful and always calm and collected. He has essentially all of the excellent qualities you want in your external counsel but which you don't always get."
"He is utterly pragmatic, proactive and creative. Paired with his unparalleled knowledge of the privacy landscape, he is one I would always trust with the most important strategic matters."
"Mark is great with strategy as well as great in highly complex situations and cases."
Marc Dautlich has pre-eminent knowledge of the use of data in the technology market, including the fintech sector. His impressive practice sees him advise clients on a wide array of matters, including compliance and breach response.
"Marc is absolutely first-rate for complex data protection matters."
"Marc is always a pleasure to work with. He is reassuring and extremely responsive, and his breadth of knowledge is always expanding."
"Marc is great."
Hannah Crowther is regularly called upon to provide data protection advice to high-profile companies. Her capabilities span a broad spectrum of matters ranging from adtech strategic advice to 'right to be forgotten' strategy development.
"Hannah is a joy to work with. She is incredibly bright and knowledgeable but down to earth and pragmatic – the ideal aide for a stressed general counsel."
Jamie Drucker regularly handles data protection matters for a wide client base, including those in the technology sector and consulting companies. As well as advising on GDPR compliance, his experience includes assisting with data subject access requests.
"Jamie is responsive and has both excellent technical skills and commercial awareness."
"Jamie is creative, responsive, and adept at breaking down complex legal matters."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bristows LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Bristows LLP
Alex Keenlyside
Charlie Hawes
Emma Macalister Hall
Erik Muursepp
Faye Harrison
Fiona Campbell
Jamie Witton
Katy Gibson
Mac MacMillan
Head of Department
Michael Edgar
Rebecca Andersen
Rob Graham
Rob Powell
Rosalie Hayes
Victoria Baron
Industries
Provided by Bristows LLP
Associations
Automotive
Aviation
Biotech
FMCG
Financial services
Food and Beverages
Healthcare
IT
Insurance
IoT
Local Authorities
Media
Medical Devices
Pharma
Publishing
Robotics
Social Media
Technology
Telecoms
fintech