The team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth is noted for its ‘excellent, deep and holistic subject matter expertise’, acting on a range of data and cyber matters for both public and private sector clients. Team head James North in Sydney has particular expertise advising on the data aspects of cross-border M&A transactions alongside a wider information security practice. Also in Sydney, Eugenia Kolivos ’is an expert in this field‘, advising on privacy reforms, privacy policies and data protection in addition to cross-jurisdictional data protection and overseas data disclosure. Melbourne-based Philip Catania is praised as an 'absolute expert' and has a strong track record on large data breaches, both domestic and international, and bolsters the team’s international expertise providing advice for clients in regards to GDPR compliance. Arvind Dixit in Melbourne focuses on information technology work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team are well regarded in the sector and bring to the table diverse experience and well balanced legal advice and guidance. They are open to debate, understanding and challenging client risk and advocating for streamlined solutions.'
  • 'Excellent, deep and holistic subject matter expertise. The firm has a broad range and level of experience which provides for a sound client outcome. The team are highly intelligent and motivated to provide our organization the best possible advice and guidance.'
  • 'Eugenia Kolivos is an expert in this field and takes a commercial view to ensure the advice is tailored to our business.'
  • 'Their strengths lie in their expertise of the law and how the law can be applied in a commercial setting. They are exceptionally responsive, take the time to understand the problem we are solving for and provide tailored commercial advice.'
  • 'Phil Catania is an absolute expert in privacy, data and cyber who is exceptionally well connected in Australia and overseas. He is very proactive, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and approachable. He goes to great lengths to understand client needs and deliver.'
  • 'Corrs have their finger on the pulse - with broad and deep legal, regulatory and commercial knowledge, but a good eye to what is likely coming in Australia in the future.'

Key clients

  • Carsales
  • Flybuys
  • Qantas
  • QIC
  • NSW Government
  • Google / Alphabet
  • Adobe
  • Square/Block
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) / X15 Ventures
  • Australian National Broadband Network (nbn)
  • Splunk
  • Okta
  • Capital One
  • ANZ
  • National Australia Bank (NAB)
  • Westpac
  • TPG Telecom
  • FNZ

Work highlights

  • Acted for Flybuys in relation to its complex data protection considerations and arrangements with Australia’s two largest grocers, Wesfarmers and Coles, in connection with the inclusion of Bunnings and Officeworks into the Flybuys program.
  • Advising QIC on all aspects of its new online shopping and e-commerce marketplace, Shopindee, including in the context of significant data, security, and privacy considerations.
  • Advising REA on a range of privacy and data related matters associated with the operation and growth of the REA platform and its core product offerings, including in the context of data enrichment, and advertising.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

James North

Other key lawyers

Eugenia Kolivos, Arvind Dixit, Philip Catania, Justin Gay