Heidi Waem
DLA PiperDLA Piper fields a ‘very talented’ core team focused on data protection and cybersecurity work, nestled within the firm’s wider IPT practice; Heidi Waem, who is singled out by one client as an ‘expert in the field’, leads the dedicated group and was promoted to partner in May 2023. The department is well known for representing major industry players in dealings with the Belgian Data Protection Authority at all stages, and is also noted for its digital strategy work. Kristof De Vulder leverages his expertise in the technology sphere to provide support.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The DLA Piper team is very talented, focusing on delivering pragmatic and efficient advice.’
‘Heidi Waem and Simon Verschaeve are pragmatic and solution oriented.’
‘The lawyers are responsive, have a good understanding of our business, and are highly capable of summarising complex technical issues. The practice stands out for its litigation capabilities, the excellent quality of its advisory work and the knowledge maintained by the team on upcoming EU legislation.’
‘Heidi Waem is our go-to adviser. She demonstrates extensive experience in data protection and commercial matters and is highly appreciated for the quality of her work, her clear communication and her respect for timelines.'
'Simon Verschaeve was fully available, able to explain complex issues in simple words and pleasant to work with.’
‘Heidi Waem and Simon Verschaeve are brilliant professionals in their sphere, ready to help even on short notice in urgent cases, their advice is always helpful.’
'Heidi Waem is extremely approachable and easy to work with. She displays a strong affinity with how data protection considerations can help enable business as opposed to blocking it. I also want to emphasise the incredibly knowledgeable Simon Verschaeve - his academic background and tenure shines through in the best possible way when providing us with advice.’
‘Heidi Waem is an expert in the field: she easily picks up on difficulties in the interaction/friction between data protection legislation and other legislation. In the same vein, she also thinks from the business perspective and how data protection requirements and business can be aligned with each other. She is also very hands-on, flexible and responsive as needed to tackle the issues at hand.'
Key clients
- bpost NV
- SD Worx People Solutions
- Levi Strauss & Co
- NMBS/SNCB (Belgian railways)
- Randstad
- Royal Antwerp Football Club
- Kinepolis
- SkeyDrone
- Luminus
- Cegeka
- Duracell
- Q8
- Vaillant
- Myria
- Nexuzhealth
Work highlights
- Advising bpost on various issues, including upcoming EU data legislation, as well as acting in proceedings before the Belgian Data Protection Authority.
- Represented NMBS in appeal proceedings before the Brussels Market Court against the decision of the Belgian Data Protection Authority relating to its Hello Belgium Railpass.
- Assisted a public entity with strategic advice and a detailed transfer impact assessment in relation to the cloud migration of a large amount of sensitive health data.
Lawyers
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.
Heidi Waem, Kristof De Vulder