Data privacy and data protection

William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP is reputed for advising on the negotiation of data protection contracts, regulatory aspects, cyber incidents, data transfer, GDPR compliance, and direct marketing laws. Leading the team is Leo Moore, specialising in transactional matters, outsourcing, and the commercialisation of emerging technologies. David Cullen is well-versed in contracts covering the design, development, and implementation of IT projects. Both Rachel Hayes, who stands out for her deep insight into international personal data flows and breach management, and AI expert Barry Scannell, who regularly advises on the interface between automated decision making and profiling, were promoted to partner in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The new TechReg tool developed by the William Fry technology team was particularly innovative. We found this tool incredibly useful in helping us gain a clear understanding of the company's obligations under the new EU Digital Reform Package legislation, in high priority areas like AI and data security. This tool assisted both the in-house team and key stakeholders in the organisation in quickly and effectively getting to grips with a vast range of new EU legal requirements.’
‘I work in an extremely innovative company that consistently launches new products and offerings that push boundaries in the retail utility space. WF are consistently able to advise us on our legal and data protection queries often on a very short deadline.'
‘Very experienced and successful with helping firms in obtaining licences from the CBI. Also, closely involved with new technology/sectors, e.g. digital assets.'
‘William Fry has extensive experience advising large data controllers on compliance projects which few firms can rival.'
'Their approach is pragmatic but compliance focused, and their track record in regulatory engagement provides insights which are invaluable to businesses who wish to develop a productive relationship with regulators.'
‘Rather than simply restating the law, Leo Moore and Rachel Hayes focus on providing actionable solutions to compliance issues. They are diligent and conscientious in working to the brief provided.’
‘The Technology team in William Fry boasts a great culture and high standards of work produced. The individuals comprising the team work well together and are very focused on delivering high quality and commercially focused legal advice. The team is forward-focused and boasts with experts in areas intersecting with data protection, such as AI and Fintech, which makes the advice ever more valuable.’
‘Rachel Hayes is very smart, sharp and her ability to give relevant and business-focused advice is very valuable; her recent promotion to partner comes as no surprise. She truly is the data protection queen!'

Key clients

LinkedIn Ireland
Tesco
PrepayPower
J&E Davy
FBD Insurance plc
Doyle Hotel Group
Hudson Advisors L.P.
Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland
The Irish Times
CHDI Foundation Inc.
Riot Games

Work highlights

Advised the European headquarters of LinkedIn on data protection matters.
Advised Tesco Ireland Limited on some of its most complex, technical data protection mandates relating to its employee assistance programme in Ireland.
Advised the Irish Times on a number of data protection and EU technology regulation workstreams.