Department profile

Data Protection

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

Monckton Chambers

Rankings

Ranked Barristers

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Data Protection - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Monckton Chambers exhibits pronounced expertise in data protection as well as cases governed by information law, encompassing FOI and EIR. The barristers are highly knowledgeable on the workings of the data protection regulations in the context of public law and human rights law. The set also has a particularly strong track record in representing the Information Commissioner. Notable recent cases include TikTok v ICO. One commentator noted: "Monckton Chambers consistently delivers high-quality legal advice and advocacy, with particular strengths in areas such as data protection and Freedom of Information."

Chris O'Brien is the Senior Practice Manager.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The clerks are always great to deal with. They are very responsive.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
The clerks provide an excellent level of service - professional, approachable, and highly responsive.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
The clerking team at Monckton is always responsive and willing to help.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Monckton is my favourite chambers. The clerks are responsive.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Star Individuals
Star Individuals
Gerry Facenna
Gerry Facenna KC tends to a varied client base of individuals and organisations which request and hold information, and regularly acts for public authorities, including the Information Commissioner itself, offering advice on all aspects of data protection and freedom of information. He has an extensive track record of appearing in cutting-edge cases in forums including the Supreme Court and the CJEU.
He combines a very good understanding of technical matters with good judgement.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Gerry is peerless in matters combining information law and public law.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Gerry is a statesman of the data protection Bar. He can take complex technical details and present clear and concise advocacy on the points. He inspires confidence in clients.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Star Individuals
Star Individuals
Julianne Kerr Morrison
Julianne Morrison is highly proficient in public law matters with an information focus, including environmental, freedom of information and data protection cases. She draws on experience at many levels of the courts, with an affinity for representing claimants, data-controlling companies and public entities including the Information Commissioner.
Julianne is the data protection queen of the bar. She is a true expert on the letter of the law and the cases that have gone before. She is also sensible and considered.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Julianne is my go-to. If you are really trying to run technical points, you need to her on side. She is sensible, straightforward, and really cares about clients.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Julianne is very clever, and she gives good and practical advice that goes beyond the law. She understands clients' anxieties more than others and is genuinely empathetic.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 1
Band 1
Nikolaus Grubeck
Nikolaus Grubeck is a well-regarded barrister who tends to represent claimants or the Information Commissioner in important data protection cases. He is particularly experienced in matters concerning the use of personal data by large online companies.
Nikolaus provides clear, practical and commercially sound advice, and their depth of knowledge in this complex area is always reassuring. He is a pleasure to work with.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
He is very analytical, precise, and you can absolutely trust what he wants to do. His written work is also good.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 2
Band 2
Laura Elizabeth John
Laura Elizabeth John is frequently selected to represent the Information Commissioner, and accustomed to appearing as sole counsel against King's Counsel. Security clearance allows her to tackle sensitive matters relating to national security, including cases involving the disclosure of personal information by public authorities.
Laura is excellent.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 3
Band 3
Brendan McGurk
Brendan McGurk KC offers broad expertise in data law. In particular, he is noted for his experience in data breach matters as well as advising on GDPR compliance.
Brendan is good.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 3
Band 3
Conor McCarthy
Conor McCarthy has a well-recognised practice, appearing in major claims surrounding breaches of the Data Protection Act. He acts for both claimants and government departments.
Conor is fantastic. He is a good oral and written advocate. He is also practical and commercial in his approach.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Conor is a genuine pleasure to work with. He is extremely bright and had great attention to detail. He is approachable and will always make time for us.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 3
Band 3
Eric Metcalfe
Eric Metcalfe is regularly engaged in a wide range of data protection and freedom of information cases. He frequently acts for third sector clients, government departments and the ICO.
His advocacy skills are robust, sharp and to the point. He is very personable, easy to deal with, and is prompt and courteous in his interactions.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Eric is excellent.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Eric is very effective in court. He is very clever, pleasant to work with and makes everything easier.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Band 3
Band 3
Will Perry
Will Perry has a growing practice in the data protection field. He advises in relation to FOI and misuse of data matters and in novel issues related to AI. He acts for the Information Commissioner, among a wide variety of clients from public bodies to private individuals.
Will is excellent.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
Will is absolutely superb.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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Up and Coming
Up and Coming
Harry Gillow
Harry Gillow is regularly instructed by the ICO to handle information law matters in the Upper Tribunal. He has further expertise advising defendants and claimants in data breaches.
Harry is a very good advocate.
Data Protection respondentUK Bar
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