Steven De Schrijver, Astrea
In this article, Steven De Schrijver at Astrea assesses the development of autonomous robots and the legal challenges that they pose.
Who’s Who Legal brings together Bradley Joslove at Franklin, Laura Liguori at Portolano Cavallo Studio Legale and John Beardwood at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin to discuss recent developments in the field of data, including the effects of the GDPR, the increasing amount of fintech-related work, the legal challenges posed by cloud solutions and the future of the practice.
Who’s Who Legal brings together Michael Schmittmann at Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek and Henry Levine at Levine Blaszak Block & Boothby to discuss recent consolidation within the sector, the increasing focus from competition authorities and the growing role of in-house counsel in the space.
By Robert Bond, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
In this article, Robert Bond discusses the growing prevalence of drone technology in industries today, highlighting it as an example of the way in which the pace of technology now often outstrips legal and regulatory frameworks, leaving businesses exposed to potential risk.
In the very first edition of Who’s Who Legal: Data we recognise 762 leading lawyers in the field of information technology. The individuals selected are world leaders in their ability to handle complex transactional issues, including outsourcing matters or regulatory matters, as well as resolving disputes concerning licensing and content issues, among others. The very best individuals, as identified in our research, are written about below.
This year’s research identifies 423 eminent data privacy and protection lawyers. The individuals listed here have expertise in outsourcing, contractual matters and compliance to ensure that company and individual data remains private.
We also highlight 197 leading data security lawyers for their expertise in helping companies keep control of data protected by security systems and infrastructure.
In this section, we list 39 eminent consultants and analysts in the field who are recommended for their work in data analytics, digital forensics, and IT and technology matters. These experts assist corporations and lawyers in matters requiring widespread data analysis and investigation of data relating to audits, investigations and disputes.
The experts listed in this year’s guide are spread across nine jurisdictions, with those based in the US and Europe featuring particularly prominently.
This section identifies 485 leading lawyers from 297 law firms worldwide who are highlighted for their expertise in the field of telecommunications and media. Those identified boast extensive experience advising on a vast array of transactional and regulatory matters affecting large and small corporations in the sector.
The practitioners listed in this year’s guide are spread across 64 countries, with those based in Europe comprising more than 50 per cent of the total listings. Leading international law firm Bird & Bird boasts a particularly strong presence, with 13 practitioners based across Europe and Asia recognised as leading experts in the field. Baker McKenzie and CMS also demonstrate strength in the telecoms and media sector, achieving an impressive 11 nominations each.
Data protection, privacy and security are increasingly important matters for businesses of all types. Long the preserve of tech specialists who were the only ones to understand its arcane workings, governments in Europe, the US and Asia are now getting to grips with it and ramping up regulations in the wake of recent data hackings on an unprecedented scale. Moreover, data protection is an aspect that encompasses not only IT, IP, and media and telecoms, but also employment matters and freedom of expression. No longer for the privileged few, the law on data has exploded in recent years, with many law firms looking to cement their position as leaders in the field.
We recognise over 800 IT specialists and over 400 telecoms and media experts, covering a broad range of commercial and regulatory matters in these sectors. Below we provide a snapshot of the most highly regarded individuals and law firms in our research.
The practice of technology, media and telecoms, once a highly specialised and standalone practice area, is now an important field of expertise among law firms as technology increasingly permeates all areas of business. The growing importance of managing the risks and rewards of the digital age is a great boon for TMT lawyers, as is the ever-changing legislation governing its practice. The best law practices are reactive to this ever-changing market. TMT sector groups are being structured in a way that mirrors industry trends, combining multiple practice areas and substantive areas of knowledge, as well as sensitive fee structures. At the same time, clients are becoming much more aware of the underlying risks and are more sophisticated in their choice of legal counsel. Here we highlight some of the most significant developments in the industry and how it is affecting the legal marketplace.
The 2016 edition of Who’s Who Legal: Telecommunications Media & Technology lists an extensive 928 information technology lawyers alongside 432 telecommunications and media specialists, from 618 firms across 78 countries.
Bird & Bird leads our listings with large and dedicated IT and telecoms teams that feature in 15 jurisdictions. Baker & McKenzie also performs exceptionally well in both segments, with impressive global TMT practices. Fieldfisher boasts some of the best European regulatory and transactional lawyers in the sector. DLA Piper is strongly represented, particularly in the US, Europe and the Middle East. Hogan Lovells performs especially well in the US and European IT markets, while Olswang earns considerable recognition for its telecoms practice in Europe and the Far East.
The most highly regarded practitioners in the information technology, and in telecoms and media segments are also recognised in this section.
Big data is seen by many as the driving force within the market this year. The growth in data harvesting has been the catalyst behind the recent increased focus on data protection by governments globally, and the mounting pressure on companies to build security controls into products.
Our previously distinct Information Technology and Telecoms & Media editions have been amalgamated to form Telecommunications Media & Technology 2015, which comprises 716 IT specialists alongside 317 telecoms and media experts from a combined 539 firms across 60 countries.
We have highlighted five firms that stand out for their international reputation in our research. Bird & Bird is the preeminent force in this market, with listings in eight European countries, as well as in China and Hong Kong. Baker & McKenzie provides cutting-edge expertise with a large contingent of leading practitioners across its extensive network. DLA Piper displays its global reach with recognition in nine countries; following closely behind, Hogan Lovells achieves numerous listings in Europe, the US and Asia. Similarly, Fieldfisher is famed for its TMT practice group and is considered by many to be a dominant firm in the UK and European market.
We also select the most highly regarded individuals in the world, for both the information technology and the telecoms and media segements.
Click on the name of an expert below to view their profile. Experts shaded in blue have professional biographies in one or more practice areas.
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It is not possible to buy entry into any Who's Who Legal publication
Nominees have been selected based upon comprehensive, independent survey work with both general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only specialists who have met independent international research criteria are listed.
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