Osborne Clarke focuses its practice on technology, media, and telecoms sectors, enabling it to advise on online advertising and marketing, virtual and augmented reality, as well as e-commerce. The team advises large multinational technology companies on data protection issues as well as retail, healthcare, hotels, and leisure industries. The practice is led by Joanne Zaaijer, who is well-versed in many areas of data privacy including cross-border data transfers, GDPR compliance, implementing privacy policies, and telecom specific legal and regulatory data issues. Senior associate Dewi Harkink joined the firm in April 2023 from Van Iersel Luchtman Advocaten and combines his specialist knowledge in IT with data privacy and data protection.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dewi Harkink has thorough knowledge of all privacy related matters and is able to provide practical advice in a swift and efficient manner.’
‘The team members strive to understand our technology and business in detail. Joanne Zaaijer is a great professional who combines excellent knowledge of data privacy, a sense of urgency, flexibility and a practical approach to legal advice. ’
‘I have worked with Joanne Zaaijer from this team and I really appreciated her pragmatic approach on GDPR. She can explain very clearly what GDPR entails and how this should be translated into our daily practice.’
‘What makes Osborne Clarke's team truly unique is the in-depth expertise of its members. They possess a profound understanding of data protection laws and their knowledge is not only comprehensive but also continually updated to reflect the ever-evolving legal landscape. In addition, the team has a client-centric approach while dealing with the cases. Furthermore, they excel at explaining complex legal matters, providing clients with clear and accessible understanding throughout the process, thus empowering them to make informed decisions.’
‘I would like to express my appreciation for the exceptional work Joanne Zaaijer have consistently delivered during our professional collaborations. Her standout qualities have made a lasting impression on me. Her profound understanding of the data protection & privacy law is truly remarkable. Her ability to navigate complex legal issues with precision and her talent for addressing complex case details have not only impressed me but also played a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes for our clients. Joanne’s unwavering commitment to the best interests of her clients is also truly commendable. She approaches each case with a genuine passion, ensuring that the clients' needs are met comprehensively.’
‘Joanne Zaaijer is very knowledgeable and stands out for her practical and solution-oriented approach, ensuring that clients receive not only sound legal advice but also actionable recommendations that align with their business objectives. Joanne maintains composure in high-pressure situations and is friendly and approachable, making it easy for clients to communicate their concerns and questions. ’
‘Osborne Clarke's data privacy team is very knowledgeable, on top of most recent developments and very hands-on. Response time is superb, advice is pragmatic and pro-active. We have not worked with the partner of this team, only with Dewi Harkink, the senior associate on the team. That is a compliment in itself, to both the team, the partner but mainly to the senior associate.’
‘Dewi Harkink is very dedicated, an expert in the data privacy field and truly a trusted advisor. He is smart, pragmatic and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Meta (previously Facebook)
- Henkel
- HEMA
- Adidas
- Sonos
- Weight Watchers
- Cairn
- Baxter
- Oaky
- Levi9
Work highlights
- Assisting Meta with a wide variety of matters on a continuous basis, mainly in relation to Facebook, Instagram and general advertising matters.
- Advising Google Ireland Ltd. on the Digital Services Act and updates on a regular basis on the local implementation of the Omnibus Directive and the effect it has on Google's services in the Netherlands.
- Advising Henkel on data protection law, including providing training to its employees who are responsible for certain processing operations, advice in the event of data breaches, assessing its data processing role with third party vendors and assisting with the review and negotiation of data protection agreements.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Joanne Zaaijer, Coen Barneveld Binkhuysen