Ranking tables

Data Protection | UK Bar

London (Bar)

Data Protection covers all aspects of law surrounding the control of information by both public and private sector bodies. Many individuals acting in this arena advise clients on the development of binding corporate rules and other issues relating to international data transfers. The section also includes work arising from Freedom of Information Act requests. Another significant type of work involves the defence of clients facing potential fines for data protection breaches, levied by the Information Commissioner's Office, and the Financial Services Authority.

Rankings overview for Sets

All Sets profiles

1
Band 1
  1. 11KBW
    1
    11KBW
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked
    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 SMO v TikTok and Experian v Information Commissioner. The set possesses "a great selection of barristers to choose from with a broad range of expertise."
2
Band 2
  1. 5RB
    2
    5RB
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 2 | 7 Years Ranked
    5RB's barristers are capable of handling a range of complex cases brought under the Data Protection Act. The team offers substantial expertise in matters arising out of mass data breaches and also has experience advising on freedom of information requests. It is perhaps the strongest set in the market for claims brought against the media under both data protection and defamation or privacy law, as demonstrated by recent instructions in cases such as ZXC v Bloomberg. The barristers' varied client base encompasses media organisations, leading technology companies and high-profile individuals.
  2. Matrix Chambers
    2
    Matrix Chambers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Matrix Chambers can boast considerable talent across the media and technology sectors and also fields capabilities in counselling public bodies on the use of data. The barristers are routinely retained by claimants and defendants in leading claims spanning data breaches, GDPR compliance and the right to be forgotten. The set also enjoys a strong track record of involvement in headline-grabbing media cases and often provides go-to counsel for large players in this space including Google and Facebook.
  3. Monckton Chambers
    2
    Monckton Chambers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 2 | 11 Years Ranked
    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. Notable recent cases include a group claim against the Police Federation following a data breach. The set also has a particularly strong track record in representing the Information Commissioner.
3
Band 3
  1. Blackstone Chambers
    3
    Blackstone Chambers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    The barristers at Blackstone Chambers possess notable data protection and freedom of information law experience, especially in relation to the intersection of data protection, public and human rights law. The barristers are highly sought after by individuals, organisations and government entities for a range of cases heard before the highest courts. Recent highlights include key roles in Liberty/Privacy International v Security Service, concerning MI5's systems for holding data; and HM Attorney General v BBC, a claim for an injunction to prevent Panorama revealing the identity of a person it claimed was an MI5 agent.
4
Band 4
  1. 39 Essex Chambers
    4
    39 Essex Chambers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked
    39 Essex Chambers can boast an impressive record of involvement in widely discussed data protection cases. Members of the set have experience acting in matters relating to GDPR, DPA and freedom of information arising from a range of areas including national security and education. The set's noted information law capabilities extend to information governed by the Environmental Information Regulation, making it a popular choice for a broad range of cases in the area.
  2. Cornerstone Barristers
    4
    Cornerstone Barristers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 4 | 2 Years Ranked
    Cornerstone Barristers comes highly recommended for its work in data protection law. The lawyers act in novel data protection cases, often as a result of data breaches or ransomware attacks, or those involving the Freedom of Information Act. Barristers are called upon to act for the full gamut of government organisations, individuals and companies. Notable work includes Maurizi v ICO and CPS, a freedom of information case related to Julian Assange's extradition. One source comments: "I have found Cornerstone Barristers to be excellent over a number of years at dealing with complex matters, and I feel confident in their hands."
  3. Doughty Street Chambers
    4
    Doughty Street Chambers
    Data Protection
    2024 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked
    Doughty Street Chambers is noted for its expertise in data protection cases arising out of unlawful disclosures of personal information. The set's members are well versed in data protection disputes involving public bodies, notably police departments. Complementary areas of strength include human rights-driven privacy claims. Recent matters handled by Doughty Street barristers include Pilgrim v Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police, a civil action against the police arising out of a mistaken inclusion on the Police National Computer and subsequent arrest.