Contributors
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has strengthened its UK-wide digital practice with a number of key appointments and promotions.
Simon Davis has joined as an associate and Barrister, specialising in contentious data protection and cyber security matters. Simon, who will be based in Bristol, has particular expertise in providing advice and support to clients who suffer personal data breaches, and acting in relation to related regulatory investigations and enforcement action.
Prior to joining WBD, Simon acted on a number of notable matters including a ransomware attack affecting a telecommunications business, a large scale business email compromise affecting a global insurer and a malware attack affecting a global online retailer.
He also has experience of providing advice and representation in relation to ICO enforcement proceedings, including successfully resisting a penalty notice concerning a telecommunication business's electronic marketing practices and PECR compliance, and an investigation concerning a financial services organisation's data processing activities and GDPR compliance.
Managing associate Katie Simmonds, an experienced data and technology lawyer, specialising in data privacy, cybersecurity, digital regulation and technology transactions, has also rejoined the firm.
Katie, who is based at WBD's London office, advises clients on a range of data-related issues, including data protection compliance, international data transfer requirements, advising on compliance with cookie laws and direct marketing rules and advising clients on their responses to regulatory investigations led by data protection and consumer authorities.
Her particular focus and interest is how the development of emerging technologies intersects with data privacy. In parallel, Katie advises on large scale technology projects, including advising clients in distress situations and on the renegotiation of IT contracts.
In the firm's recent promotions across its UK offices, Amy Prime was promoted to managing associate. Amy is a member of the commercial dispute regulatory team and has experience in a broad range of contentious matters ranging from the defence of a class action, oil and gas disputes, commercial contracts and advising on data protection breaches. Amy also plays an active role in the delivery of innovation across the firm, supporting WBD's ambition to become a market disruptor by providing outstanding client service delivery through innovation. Last year Amy led on the creation and implementation of WBD Clarity, a safe and secure online solution aimed at delivering a cost-effective response to manage data subject access requests. The initiative was recognised at last year's FT Innovative Lawyers Awards.
Jenny Gibbs was promoted to Associate – she has experience in commercial dispute resolution in the energy and technology sectors and is developing a focus in data protection and cyber security disputes.
Alastair Mitton, technology partner at WBD, commented:
"We're delighted to welcome Simon and Katie to our well established technology practice. Their specialist experience aligns perfectly with WBD's sector offering and will bring a significant amount of complementary expertise to the team. Their appointments, along with the promotions of Amy and Jenny, demonstrates our commitment to support our regional and national clients with the highest calibre lawyers."
WBD's digital practice advises clients across a large number of sectors and provides a fully tailored, personal service with clients able to access support ranging from a specific area of legal advice, such as within data protection and privacy law or cyber security law, to a comprehensive source of constant legal advice.
WBD is highly ranked in legal directories and in the Legal 500 published in September, clients described the digital team as having a 'pragmatic and can-do approach' and 'excellent expertise in relation to complex and sophisticated matters.'
In a world where connectivity and collaboration go hand-in-hand, WBD recently launched its re:connect campaign, which provides insights and advice to businesses to help them build operational resilience, minimise data risks and cyber threats, and shape their technology infrastructure to navigate complex regulations in an evolving global environment. Visit our re:connect hub for more information: re:connect hub.
