Independent editorial overview of leading London practices advising on data breach litigation, GDPR compliance disputes and privacy claims. This guide highlights firms with expertise in collective actions, regulatory investigations, misuse of private information, cyber claims and compensation cases. Interested in a professionally optimised subpage for your firm or as an individual lawyer, plus a trust badge if you haven’t received one? Please get in touch via our contact page.
The following firms are included based on directory recognition, casework and public lawyer profiles. Each firm includes three named lawyers and one or two authoritative references.
Top data breach and privacy law firms in London
- Mishcon de Reya LLP London
Renowned for privacy and reputation cases, advising claimants on misuse of private information and data breaches, alongside collective actions.
Notable lawyers: Emma Woollcott, Adam Rose, Anthony Julius.
Sources: 1
- Leigh Day London
Prominent claimant firm pursuing group data breach actions against major corporations and public authorities.
Notable lawyers: Sean Humber, Tom Short, Nichola Marshall.
Sources: 2
- Stephenson Harwood LLP London
Strong in data protection disputes and breach response, advising corporates and individuals on GDPR claims and litigation.
Notable lawyers: Susan Singleton, James Bickford Smith, Rachel Turner.
Sources: 3
- Hugh James London
Claimant firm handling high volume data breach compensation claims, with a growing London presence.
Notable lawyers: Mark Harvey, Ioan Davies, Claire Davis.
Sources: 4
- Irwin Mitchell London
National firm acting for claimants in privacy and data breach compensation claims, with regulatory expertise.
Notable lawyers: Yogi Amin, David Scott, Nicola Walker.
Sources: 5
- Farrer & Co London
Leading private client and media firm advising high profile individuals and institutions on privacy and data protection litigation.
Notable lawyers: Julian Pike, David Rintoul, Catherine Rustomji.
Sources: 6
- Pinsent Masons London
International firm advising on cyber incidents, regulatory investigations and data privacy litigation across multiple sectors.
Notable lawyers: Laura Gillespie, Jonathan Kirsop, Clare Francis.
Sources: 7
- Clyde & Co London
Global firm with a strong cyber risk and data breach defence practice, representing insurers and corporates.
Notable lawyers: James Cooper, Nigel Brook, Peter Beshar.
Sources: 8
- Fieldfisher London
Specialist in privacy, data and cybersecurity with strong claimant and defence litigation teams.
Notable lawyers: Hazel Grant, Phil Lee, Eduardo Ustaran.
Sources: 9
- Osborne Clarke London
Advises on data protection and privacy claims, including litigation and regulatory investigations.
Notable lawyers: Claire Temple, Nick Johnson, John Buyers.
Sources: 10
Frequently asked questions
What is a data breach claim
It is a claim for compensation where personal data has been unlawfully accessed, lost or disclosed due to an organisation’s failure to protect it.
Who can bring a data breach claim
Any individual whose personal data was compromised can bring a claim for financial loss or distress caused by the breach.
What is misuse of private information
A legal claim where confidential or private data about an individual is disclosed or published without consent.
How long do I have to bring a claim
Generally six years from the date of the breach for data protection or privacy claims, though earlier action is recommended.
What damages can be recovered
Compensation may include financial losses, emotional distress, reputational harm and future monitoring costs.
Do group actions exist for data breaches
Yes. Collective actions have been pursued in the High Court for large scale breaches involving thousands of individuals.
Can claims be settled without court
Yes. Many claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation before trial, saving costs and time.
What regulators oversee data breaches in the UK
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regulates data protection and can fine organisations for serious breaches.
Are claims available against public bodies
Yes. Public authorities can be liable if they mishandle personal data, subject to specific statutory defences.
How do I choose the right lawyer
Consider experience with group litigation, knowledge of data law, reputation in privacy disputes and recognition by independent directories.
Endnotes
- Mishcon de Reya firm site. Source: Mishcon.
- Leigh Day data claims overview. Source: Leigh Day.
- Stephenson Harwood data protection page. Source: Stephenson Harwood.
- Hugh James data breach claims. Source: Hugh James.
- Irwin Mitchell data breach services. Source: Irwin Mitchell.
- Farrer & Co data protection services. Source: Farrer & Co.
- Pinsent Masons data expertise. Source: Pinsent Masons.
- Clyde & Co cyber risk practice. Source: Clyde & Co.
- Fieldfisher privacy and security services. Source: Fieldfisher.
- Osborne Clarke information law services. Source: Osborne Clarke.
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