Ranking tables
Data Protection | UK Bar
London (Bar)
Rankings overview for Sets
Star Individuals
Band 1
- Catrin Evans KCMatrix Chambers
- Hugh Tomlinson KCMatrix Chambers
- Philip Coppel KCCornerstone Barristers
Band 2
- Andrew Sharland KC 11KBW22 Years Ranked
- Ben Jaffey KC Blackstone Chambers21 Years Ranked
- James Eadie KC Blackstone Chambers27 Years Ranked
- Julian Milford KC 11KBW11 Years Ranked
- Sara Mansoori KC Matrix Chambers20 Years Ranked
- Victoria Wakefield KC Brick Court Chambers13 Years Ranked
- Rory Dunlop KC39 Essex Chambers
Band 3
- Estelle Dehon KC Cornerstone Barristers9 Years Ranked
- Kate Gallafent KC Blackstone Chambers23 Years Ranked
- Aidan Eardley KC5RB
- Jonathan Barnes KC5RB
- Lorna Skinner KCMatrix Chambers
- Oliver Sanders KC1 Crown Office Row
- Richard Hermer KCMatrix Chambers
- Stephen Cragg KCDoughty Street Chambers
Band 1
- David Glen 11KBW17 Years Ranked
- Edward Craven Matrix Chambers10 Years Ranked
- Rupert Paines 11KBW6 Years Ranked
- Julianne Kerr MorrisonMonckton Chambers
Band 2
- Ben Silverstone Matrix Chambers11 Years Ranked
- Ian Helme Matrix Chambers17 Years Ranked
- Julian Blake 11KBW9 Years Ranked
- Nikolaus Grubeck Monckton Chambers10 Years Ranked
- Peter Lockley 11KBW4 Years Ranked
- Tom Cross 11KBW11 Years Ranked
- Zac Sammour 11KBW4 Years Ranked
- Clara Hamer5RB
- Hannah Ready11KBW
- Heather Emmerson11KBW
- Jacob Dean5RB
- Jonathan Scherbel-Ball5RB
- Laura Elizabeth JohnMonckton Chambers
Band 3
- Aaron Moss 5 Essex Chambers5 Years Ranked
- Conor McCarthy Monckton Chambers7 Years Ranked
- Daniel Isenberg 11KBW4 Years Ranked
- Eric Metcalfe Monckton Chambers9 Years Ranked
- Harini Iyengar 11KBW9 Years Ranked
- Jason Pobjoy Blackstone Chambers8 Years Ranked
- Aidan WillsMatrix Chambers
- Claire OvermanDoughty Street Chambers
- Felicity McMahon5RB
- Greg Callus5RB
- Jennifer Thelen39 Essex Chambers
- Kate Wilson5RB
- Richard Munden5RB
- Stephen Kosmin11KBW
- Tim James-MatthewsMatrix Chambers
Up and Coming
- Gayatri Sarathy Blackstone Chambers3 Years Ranked
- Raphael Hogarth 11KBW1 Years Ranked
- Ben Hamer5RB
- Ruchi ParekhCornerstone Barristers
- Will PerryMonckton Chambers
All Sets profiles
Band 1
1 11KBWData Protection2024 | Band 1 | 12 Years Ranked11KBW is a market-leading chambers able to boast the most extensive data protection law capability at the London Bar. It has an excellent track record in cases brought under the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts, with the barristers regularly acting for the ICO, individuals, companies and public sector bodies. Some notable recent cases include SMO v TikTok and Experian v Information Commissioner. The set possesses "a great selection of barristers to choose from with a broad range of expertise."
Band 2
2 5RBData Protection2024 | Band 2 | 7 Years Ranked5RB's barristers are capable of handling a range of complex cases brought under the Data Protection Act. The team offers substantial expertise in matters arising out of mass data breaches and also has experience advising on freedom of information requests. It is perhaps the strongest set in the market for claims brought against the media under both data protection and defamation or privacy law, as demonstrated by recent instructions in cases such as ZXC v Bloomberg. The barristers' varied client base encompasses media organisations, leading technology companies and high-profile individuals.2 Matrix ChambersData Protection2024 | Band 2 | 10 Years RankedMatrix Chambers can boast considerable talent across the media and technology sectors and also fields capabilities in counselling public bodies on the use of data. The barristers are routinely retained by claimants and defendants in leading claims spanning data breaches, GDPR compliance and the right to be forgotten. The set also enjoys a strong track record of involvement in headline-grabbing media cases and often provides go-to counsel for large players in this space including Google and Facebook.2 Monckton ChambersData Protection2024 | Band 2 | 11 Years RankedMonckton Chambers exhibits pronounced expertise in data protection as well as cases governed by information law, encompassing FOI and EIR. The barristers are highly knowledgeable on the workings of the data protection regulations in the context of public law and human rights law. Notable recent cases include a group claim against the Police Federation following a data breach. The set also has a particularly strong track record in representing the Information Commissioner.
Band 3
3 Blackstone ChambersData Protection2024 | Band 3 | 10 Years RankedThe barristers at Blackstone Chambers possess notable data protection and freedom of information law experience, especially in relation to the intersection of data protection, public and human rights law. The barristers are highly sought after by individuals, organisations and government entities for a range of cases heard before the highest courts. Recent highlights include key roles in Liberty/Privacy International v Security Service, concerning MI5's systems for holding data; and HM Attorney General v BBC, a claim for an injunction to prevent Panorama revealing the identity of a person it claimed was an MI5 agent.
Band 4
4 39 Essex ChambersData Protection2024 | Band 4 | 10 Years Ranked39 Essex Chambers can boast an impressive record of involvement in widely discussed data protection cases. Members of the set have experience acting in matters relating to GDPR, DPA and freedom of information arising from a range of areas including national security and education. The set's noted information law capabilities extend to information governed by the Environmental Information Regulation, making it a popular choice for a broad range of cases in the area.4 Cornerstone BarristersData Protection2024 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedCornerstone Barristers comes highly recommended for its work in data protection law. The lawyers act in novel data protection cases, often as a result of data breaches or ransomware attacks, or those involving the Freedom of Information Act. Barristers are called upon to act for the full gamut of government organisations, individuals and companies. Notable work includes Maurizi v ICO and CPS, a freedom of information case related to Julian Assange's extradition. One source comments: "I have found Cornerstone Barristers to be excellent over a number of years at dealing with complex matters, and I feel confident in their hands."4 Doughty Street ChambersData Protection2024 | Band 4 | 3 Years RankedDoughty Street Chambers is noted for its expertise in data protection cases arising out of unlawful disclosures of personal information. The set's members are well versed in data protection disputes involving public bodies, notably police departments. Complementary areas of strength include human rights-driven privacy claims. Recent matters handled by Doughty Street barristers include Pilgrim v Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police, a civil action against the police arising out of a mistaken inclusion on the Police National Computer and subsequent arrest.