This year we highlight 516 market-leading data privacy and protection lawyers for their outstanding work assisting clients with compliance projects, outsourcing and contractual matters, helping to ensure data remains private and secure. We also identify 243 superb data security practitioners for their experience and expertise counselling companies on how to ensure their data is protected effectively.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firms
With more than 35 years of experience in the field, Robert Bond stands out as an authority on privacy and security law.
The “excellent” Christopher Millard is touted as a “mastermind” with three decades of experience advising on an array of regulatory matters including data privacy and protection and cloud issues.
Toby Crick earns plaudits for his expansive knowledge of IT matters as well as his top-notch advice on compliance issues.
Mark Watts is renowned as “the go-to data privacy lawyer” thanks to his impeccable understanding of GDPR issues and immense experience in regulatory enforcement proceedings and data privacy litigation.
Phil Lee is a “fantastic data lawyer” who excels at advising corporates on transatlantic and European data protection compliance issues and disruptive technologies.
Hazel Grant is highlighted for her “in-depth knowledge of data protection matters”, as well as her “strong communication skills and wealth of experience in the field”.
Tim Van Canneyt is highly sought after by clients in the healthcare industry and life sciences sector for his profound knowledge of data protection compliance and e-commerce issues.
Robert Shooter is an “absolutely delightful technology lawyer” with a wealth of knowledge pertaining to outsourcing and procurement, cloud services and data protection clauses.
Jürg Schneider is an “extremely talented data specialist” who is “vastly experienced in data protection” and regularly advises Swiss and international clients on cross-border security issues and compliance programmes.
David Vasella is a “sup erstar in the area of data privacy law” and comes highly recommended for his “substantial business acumen and strong academic background”.
Michael Isler is a “tremendously knowledgeable all-rounder with experience working across a multitude of industries”. He provides “excellent business-oriented advice” on issues of digitisation and data protection law compliance.
Peter Bräutigam is “certainly among Germany’s top data privacy lawyers” and has an “outstanding presence in the market spanning from his decades of experience”. He advises on outsourcing, IT agreements and cyber security.
Daniel Rücker draws recommendations for his detailed knowledge of IT compliance matters, e-commerce, data protection and cyber security law.
Thomas Thalhofer is highlighted as a “market-leading technology lawyer” with in-depth knowledge pertaining to data privacy and cutting-edge artificial intelligence issues.
Ruth Boardman is “simply excellent” with “unrivalled knowledge of data privacy and GDPR law”.
Ariane Mole is highlighted for her “strong expertise in data protection” and regularly advises multinationals on GDPR compliance and cyber security matters.
Graham Smith is a seasoned lawyer who comes highly commended for his “impressive knowledge of internet and regulatory law”.
Tobias Bräutigam receives widespread praise as a “sensational data protection specialist” who regularly advises Finnish and international companies on data transfers and GDPR compliance.
Martin von Haller Grønbæk enjoys a stellar reputation for his two decades of experience advising clients in emerging industries on e-commerce and IT security issues.
Niko Härting is celebrated for his wealth of knowledge regarding IT security law and GDPR compliance.
Martin Schirmbacher is recognised as a go-to lawyer for GDPR and e-commerce issues.
Philipp Schröder-Ringe earns plaudits for his top-drawer work advising domestic and international clients on data protection compliance and IT platforms.
Fabian Reinholz is a “terrific lawyer with a deep understanding of data law” including data protection pertaining to intellectual property, e-commerce and advertising campaigns.
Eduardo Ustaran maintains a strong international reputation for his top-tier advice to multinational companies on AI issues, compliance programmes and cybersecurity policies.
Massimiliano Masnada is a “fantastic litigator” who earns acclaim for his adept handling of contentious and non-contentious proceedings before the Data Protection Authority.
Nicola Fulford is well versed at navigating clients through the complexities of data transfers, compliance strategies and marketing consents.
Other leading individuals
Austria
The “absolutely phenomenal” Axel Anderl at DORDA is a “prominent lawyer” who has “excellent business acumen along with outstanding legal skills”, making him a “top choice for data privacy issues”.
Rainer Knyrim with Knyrim Trieb is “one of the greatest data protection lawyers in Europe” according to impressed peers who point to his two decades of experience in the field.
Gerald Trieb enjoys a strong reputation for his encyclopaedic understanding of data protection law.
Roland Marko of Wolf Theiss is a go-to lawyer for cybersecurity and cloud issues as well as IP litigation.
Belgium
At Astrea, Steven De Schrijver is recognised for his “outstanding work on the privacy and protection of personal information” and comes highly sought after by an array of high-profile clients.
The “excellent” Cédric Burton at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is a pre-eminent cybersecurity and data privacy specialist who regularly advises international clients on compliance issues and data breaches.
Christopher Kuner stands out for his stellar data privacy compliance advice that draws upon his decades of experience in the field.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tanja Savičić from Dimitrijević & Partners comes “highly recommended” as a “first-class data lawyer” who is “truly reliable and professional”. Peers note that she is a “real expert on data security matters”.
Bulgaria
At Dimitrov Petrov & Co, George Dimitrov is touted as a “mastermind” and “market-leader” with two decades of experience advising corporate and government entities on the full range of data privacy issues and ICT law.
Desislava Krusteva is “undeniably one of the best data protection lawyers in Bulgaria” claim market sources who laud her “in-depth legal knowledge and experience”.
Czech Republic
Richard Otevřel from Havel & Partners is renowned in the European market for his “sweeping knowledge of data protection law”.
Robert Nespurek is an “outstanding practitioner for ICT law matters, data protection and e-commerce issues” comment peers.
Denmark
Michael Hopp at Plesner is considered an authority on GDPR matters and regularly advises high-profile clients on security breaches, risk assessments and data transfers.
Pia Kirstine Voldmester at Bruun & Hjejle is a prominent data protection lawyer with vast experience advising listed and unlisted companies and financial institutions on GDPR compliance.
Tanja Blichfeldt Johnsen with NOVI Attorneys is a “highly responsive and extremely knowledgeable figure” with a “detailed understanding of personal data law” and a “strong ability to find solutions that balance legal requirements with the practical realities of businesses”.
England
Bridget Treacy with Hunton Andrews Kurth maintains a finereputation for her exceptional work advising insurers, reinsurers, financial institutions and multinational companies on cloud-related data protection issues, data breaches and compliance programmes.
Rosemary Jay has an encyclopaedic knowledge of data privacy and protection law thanks to her two decades of experience in the field.
At Reed Smith, Cynthia O’Donoghue is renowned for her top-notch advice on cyber security issues, smart technology, AI and e-commerce matters.
The “excellent” Richard Kemp at Kemp IT Law possesses an “incredibly detailed and sophisticated understanding of complex and developing areas of data law”.
William Long from Sidley Austin is revered for his work for clients in the banking, life sciences and TMT sectors, including advice on GDPR concerns, data breaches, social media issues and the full range of related regulatory matters.
Francesca Blythe is renowned for her top-tier advice regarding implementation of data protection compliance projects.
Geraldine Scali at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner receives effusive praise for her longstanding practice which encompasses security breach responses, data protection litigation and GDPR compliance advice.
Finland
Eija Warma-Lehtinen at Castrén & Snellman is “clearly a leading light in data protection” with “immense experience and expertise in the field”. She “knows Finnish privacy law and the DPA like the back of her hand”.
France
The “fantastic” Claire Bernier from ADSTO is highlighted for her “strong expertise, especially in cybercrime and data security”.
Florence Chafiol of August & Debouzy is a go-to lawyer for splendid advice on day-to-day data privacy matters as well as large-scale regulatory investigations.
Raphaël Dana with Dana Avocats is distinguished by peers for the breadth of his experience. He advises financial institutions as well as companies from an array of industries and sectors on the full spectrum of personal data and cybersecurity matters including contentious proceedings.
Thierry Dor at Gide Loyrette Nouel earns acclaim as a “longstanding specialist” who excels in regulatory investigations and at providing clients from the healthcare, TMT and life sciences sectors with top-drawer data protection compliance advice.
Germany
Stefan Schicker at SKW Schwarz is an “excellent lawyer” who garners commendations for his unrivalled expertise in data protection compliance and digitisation.
Philip Kempermann of Heuking Kühn Lüer Wojtek is widely recommended for his extensive experience advising clients from a broad range of industries on IP issues and data protection regulations.
Peter Huppertz at Hoffmann Liebs is celebrated as a “top lawyer for data privacy and TMT matters” and is considered “a pleasure to work with” by peers.
Flemming Moos with Osborne Clarke is a “renowned data privacy expert” with expansive knowledge regarding data protection audits and compliance projects.
Isabell Conrad at CSW stands out as a “leading lawyer” with “excellent communication skills” and for her “impressive pragmatic and solution-oriented approach to complex data privacy matters”.
Hungary
Tamás Gödölle with Bogsch & Partners draws praise due in particular to his expertise in IP and data protection issues.
Ireland
Philip Nolan at Mason Hayes & Curran is a “terrific lawyer” who is “head and shoulders above everybody else” according to market commentators who claim that “he may well be the very best data lawyer in Ireland”.
Israel
Nimrod Kozlovski at Herzog Fox & Neeman is highlighted for his impressive regulatory knowhow as well as his legal understanding of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Italy
Laura Liguori of Portolano Cavallo is a “vastly experienced data privacy lawyer” with a splendid reputation for advising clients on data mining issues, whistleblowing schemes and data transfers.
Rocco Panetta from Panetta & Associati applies in-depth experience acquired working at the DPA to his exceptional data privacy practice.
Netherlands
Hester de Vries at Kennedy Van der Laan comes highly recommended for her expertise in GDPR compliance and regulatory investigations.
At Van Doorne, Elisabeth Thole has amassed “significant skill and knowledge along with a wealth of experience and great judgement”. She is highly sought after for data transfers, security breaches and GDPR compliance advice.
Nicole Wolters Ruckert with Allen & Overy is renowned for her superb advice pertaining to data protection compliance and regulatory enforcement proceedings.
Quinten Kroes at Brinkhof is a “great all-round data privacy lawyer” comment peers who note his broad expertise in contentious and non-contentious matters.
Norway
Arve Føyen at Advokatfirmaet Føyen Torkildsen is a seasoned lawyer who maintains a strong reputation as a “heavy hitter” in the data privacy and protection space, with extensive experience advising on cloud matters, data privacy disputes and compliance issues.
Portugal
Mónica Oliveira Costa from Coelho Ribeiro e Associados is an “outstanding lawyer” who excels at advising domestic and international clients on whistleblowing schemes, GDPR compliance and IT law issues.
Sweden
Henrik Bengtsson with Delphi is distinguished by his strategic approach to and stellar track record in complex data privacy disputes.
Switzerland
At Niederer Kraft Frey, Clara-Ann Gordon is celebrated for her “wealth of experience working on cloud services issues” and is hailed a “superb data privacy specialist” thanks to her “excellent business understanding and pragmatic approach to contentious and non-contentious matters”.
Roland Mathys at Schellenberg Wittmer is a “vastly experienced lawyer with an immaculate understanding of ICT law”. He is “renowned for his companionable approach” and “impressive technical skill” as well as his detailed knowledge of emerging technologies and related data protection issues.
From Laux Lawyers, Christian Laux is nominated for his sterling advice on data protection issues arising from large-scale corporate M&A transactions, and on cybersecurity matters. He is a “leading lawyer” who is “not shy to dive into complex technical and legal details”.
Nicole Beranek Zanon at de la cruz beranek “combines technical expertise with an expansive knowledge of data protection law” and is “fantastic at providing clients with pragmatic solutions” with “particular expertise in the area of fintech and cryptocurrency”.
Carmen De la Cruz is a seasoned lawyer who enjoys a strong reputation for her encyclopaedic knowledge of cross-border data transfers and data protection regulations.
At Vischer, David Rosenthal is hailed a “pioneer of Swiss data protection law” and is well respected for his encyclopaedic knowledge of the field.
Rolf Auf der Maur is a “longstanding presence in the data privacy market in Switzerland” who is “particularly active in the digital advertising space”. He comes highly sought-after by clients in the media and entertainment industries.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firms
Charles Morgan is renowned for his broad expertise spanning cyber security issues, data breaches, regulatory compliance and the implementation of AI governance policies.
Barry Sookman stands out as a “heavy hitter” with a wealth of knowledge pertaining to anti-spam law, cross-border compliance issues and the full range of IP matters.
Paulo Marcos Rodrigues Brancher regularly and skilfully advises Brazilian and international companies on data protection issues.
Thiago Luís Sombra is a leading name in dispute resolution in Latin America who is revered for his detailed understanding of data privacy regulations.
Fabio Kujawski is well versed at providing multinationals from the TMT sector and entertainment industry with top-notch advice regarding data privacy regulations.
Randy Sabett comes highly esteemed for his extensive experience advising healthcare companies, retailers and financial institutions on cybersecurity issues, data breaches and regulatory requirements.
Julie Wicklund is a seasoned lawyer with a profound knowledge of data protection issues relating to cross-border corporate transactions.
Other leading individuals
Argentina
The “outstanding” Pablo Palazzi of Allende & Brea is an “excellent data privacy adviser” who is “renowned across Latin America” for his “vast knowledge of Argentinian law, legislative developments and policy matters”. He is commended by clients for his “clear, concise and pragmatic advice”.
Diego Fernández with Marval O’Farrell Mairal is a “rigorous, hardworking and well-organised lawyer” who possesses “immense knowledge on the legal aspects of data protection and fintech matters”.
Florencia Rosati from Beccar Varela applies close to three decades of experience to her top-tier practice which includes contentious and advisory data protection matters.
Brazil
Fábio Luiz Barboza Pereira at Veirano Advogados is well versed at advising clients from a spectrum of industries on IP and personal data protection issues.
At Montaury Pimenta, Machado & Vieira de Mello, Dirceu Pereira De Santa Rosa is “very well respected for his longstanding experience in the field” working on privacy policies and consumer protection issues on behalf of domestic and international businesses.
Gustavo Artese of Viseu Advogados is touted by peers as “a true pleasure to work with”. He is “well connected with privacy stakeholders” and has “a highly impressive level of knowledge regarding data privacy law”.
Canada
Lisa Lifshitz at Torkin Manes is a go-to for US companies seeking advice on Canadian data protection regulations and is highly sought-after for her adept handling of data breaches and cloud issues.
Peter Ruby at Goodmans is a “superb litigator with a quick and incisive wit”. He excels in complex data privacy disputes and investigations.
At Borden Ladner Gervais, Daniel Michaluk is an “extremely thoughtful and responsive practitioner” who is “meticulous and detailed in his approach”. He possesses a “deep knowledge of data privacy law” and is “regularly engaged in huge files” including anti-spam matters, cyber claims and data breaches.
USA
The “awesome” Miriam Wugmeister from Morrison & Foerster is recognised for her “expansive knowledge of international privacy laws” spanning from decades of experience resolving data security breaches and compliance matters.
Stephen Wu with Silicon Valley Law Group receives effusive praise for his first-rate work on the cutting-edge of AI and robotics compliance and governance matters and is noted for his “extraordinary understanding of GDPR issues”.
Dov Scherzer at Polsinelli is a longstanding figure with a wealth of knowledge and experience advising healthcare and InsurTech companies on cloud matters and cross-border consumer protection issues.
With more than 35 years of experience, David Bodenheimer of Nichols Liu is celebrated for his stellar track record in cybersecurity disputes as well as his significant expertise in data privacy compliance.
Tanya Forsheit at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is a national and international leader in the data privacy field, with a raft of blue-chip clients in her portfolio.
Marc Zwillinger of ZwillGen is a superlative name in data regulation and in relation to security matters, with particular experience acting for internet clients.
James Halpert of DLA Piper is a “key name” in the space and one of North America’s best-known figures for data privacy and protection, including compliance and regulatory issues.
Christopher Wolf at Hogan Lovells continues to garner widespread recommendations for his legendary practice and experience across the data field, including policymaking.
Stuart Ingis of Venable is a longstanding name in the space, with more than 20 years’ experience across internet and wide data-related matters.
Global Elite Thought Leaders
Data Privacy & Protection
Data Security
Leading firm
Sajai Singh earns acclaim for his 25-plus years of experience advising multinationals on privacy issues spanning from large-scale corporate transactions.
Probir Roy Chowdhury comes highly recommended for his immense knowledge of data protection and e-commerce matters.
Other leading individuals
Australia
Philip Catania at Corrs Chambers Westgarth has amassed a wealth of high-profile clients thanks to his stellar work on complex data breaches and AI issues.
Hong Kong
Mayer Brown is home to Gabriela Kennedy is an “absolute authority in the field of data privacy and protection” according to impressed clients who laud her “excellent communication skills and extremely practical advice”.
Anna Gamvros at Norton Rose Fulbright is noted for her strong track record in data breach responses, e-commerce projects and cybersecurity matters across an array of industries.
Singapore
Joyce Tan of Joyce A Tan & Partners is highlighted for her “vast knowledge of internet law, e-commerce matters and data protection issues”.