About

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

Provided by Chambers
Data Protection & Information Law - UK-wide
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

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

Provided by Bristows LLP
  • 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

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Mark Watts
Mark Watts
Head of Data Protection & Information Law
Star Individuals

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
1
Marc Dautlich
1
Band 1

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
U
Hannah Crowther
U
Up and Coming

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
Jamie Drucker
Associates to watch

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

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Data Protection & Information Law

Mark Watts
Mark Watts
Head of Data Protection & Information Law
Star Individuals
Marc Dautlich
1
Marc Dautlich
1
Band 1
Hannah Crowther
U
Hannah Crowther
U
Up and Coming
Jamie Drucker
Jamie Drucker
Associates to watch

Members

Provided by Bristows LLP

Alex Keenlyside

Charlie Hawes

Emma Macalister Hall

Erik Muursepp

Faye Harrison

Fiona Campbell

Jamie Witton

Katy Gibson

Mac MacMillan

Mark Watts

Mark Watts

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