A&O Shearman boasts a comprehensive data protection and privacy practice, with vast expertise across compliance, transactions, cybersecurity, and disputes. The team is adept at helping industry leading clients navigating evolving regulations and legislation linked to data and privacy. Members of the team are skilled at advising on digital transformation projects linked to artificial intelligence and fintech. Peter Van Dyck sits at the helm of the practice, representing domestic and international clients on privacy and data protection-related matters. Filip Van Elsen is key to the team, with specific expertise in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. Sarah De Wulf is noted.

The Brussels office of Bird & Bird’s global data protection team frequently works on cross-border matters, working closely with international offices of the firm. Practice leader Benoit Van Asbroeck is recognised for his wide-ranging expertise, covering areas such as e-commerce, digital marketing, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Hein Hobbelen brings significant experience in representing clients before the European Commission and other sector-specific regulatory bodies.

The team at CMS is highly regarded for its expertise in information technology law, data privacy, and tech-related intellectual property matters. Noted by one client as being a ‘pleasure to work with, an expert in privacy matters and always available’, Tom De Cordier leads the practice. The firm boasts a strong cybersecurity practice, providing guidance on cybersecurity compliance and managing cyber incidents. With a focus on multijurisdictional matters, the department works closely with the firm's international offices to deliver coordinated solutions. Thomas Dubuisson is a key member of the team, advising clients on GDPR compliance and a wide range of privacy-related issues.

The team at Fieldfisher is led by Olivier Proust, who specialises in privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity, alongside Tim Van Canneyt, an expert in data protection and e-commerce. Recognised for providing ‘pragmatic, high-quality solutions’, the team’s varied workload extends to advice on GDPR and cybersecurity topics, with particular expertise in the NIS2 Directive and EU data-related legislation. Advice on compliance with the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act is another area of strength of the group which has particular expertise in the technology, finance, life sciences, and energy sectors.

The TMT practice at Linklaters ‘comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in data protection’, and is led by Tanguy Van Overstraeten, who brings over 35 years of experience and specialises in data protection and information governance projects. The team advises on a wide range of issues, including international data transfer projects, GDPR compliance, AI, and the Internet of Things. With a strong international network and in-depth knowledge of the European regulatory landscape, the practice is well-positioned to handle complex cross-border matters. Guillaume Couneson is also a key figure, with a focus on data protection, outsourcing, and electronic communications. Valérie Heremans left the firm in June 2024.

Timelex is commended for its ‘expert knowledge of privacy and data protection‘ with a team that is ‘very knowledgeable and very easy to work with’. The firm acts for a wide range of governments and leading companies, advising on compliance issues and data protection litigation. The group advises across a range of industries, spanning biotech, real estate, and energy. Key names include Jos Dumortier, who is a ‘real trailblazer‘, the ‘brilliant’ Hans Graux, and GDPR expert Frederic Debusseré.

Led by Cédric Burton, the practice at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati ‘excels in handling high-stakes regulatory investigations, representing clients in complex cases across multiple jurisdictions’. The team leverages deep expertise across privacy and data protection laws, as well as evolving EU regulations. GDPR compliance is a focus of the team, along with handling data protection authority investigations and managing cybersecurity issues for a range of leading clients. Yann Padova is a key member of the team, working across both the Brussels and French offices. Laura De Boel and Nikolaos Theodorakis are also noted.

Led by the highly regarded Gerrit Vandendriessche, who is skilled in GDPR compliance and frequently represents clients before Belgian courts, the team at ALTIUS boasts vast experience in navigating complex data protection matters. Renowned for its expertise in direct marketing laws, electronic communications, national identifiers, and health data, the group is particularly strong in data protection-related litigation. Key team member Jan Clinck specialises in data protection and new technologies, while Mathieu Maniet is noted for his expertise in telecom regulatory laws, further enhancing the team’s comprehensive offering.

Elisabeth Dehareng heads the ‘available, efficient, professional, and straight to the point’ practice at Baker McKenzie BV/SRL, with extensive expertise in privacy, data, and digital regulatory matters, and a particular focus on upcoming European digital regulations. The team advises a diverse client base across sectors such as retail, food, tourism, and life sciences, showcasing its ability to provide tailored guidance on complex, sector-specific challenges. Raphaël Hendrickx, a key figure in the team, is highly regarded for his work on technology regulatory and telecom-related issues.

The practice at Cooley LLP combines ‘a unique expertise on data law with a perfect knowledge of the technology industry’. Patrick Van Ecke leads the practice, which is distinguished by its strong multijurisdictional capabilities, bolstered by a number of dual-qualified lawyers. The practice is particularly sought after by clients in the life sciences and technology sectors, offering noteworthy experience in cross-border matters. Enrique Gallego Capdevila is key to the practice, routinely representing clients in litigation before EU data protection authorities. Yasmin Roland‘s focus areas include compliance and risk management.

Covington & Burling LLP boasts an extensive data privacy and cybersecurity practice, advising high-profile pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients. The team frequently acts in significant investigations by European data protection authorities. Members of the practice are particularly renowned for their regulatory expertise, including team head Daniel Cooper, who is not noted for his experience appearing before the CJEU. Kristof Van Quathem is key to the practice, and advises on data protection, data security, and cybercrime.

Under the leadership of Heidi Waem, who specialises in all aspects of privacy and data protection work, including data protection litigation, and Kristof De Vulder, DLA Piper‘s team is highly skilled in navigating EU data regulation and frequently represents major Belgian and international clients before the Belgian Data Protection Authority. The group advises across a broad range of sectors, including commerce, financial services, energy, and the public sector. Simon Verschaeve, whose ‘attention to detail, availability and communication skills are excellent’ is also recommended.

A boutique firm specialising in data protection law, the practice at Faros is noted for its strong litigation capabilities and breadth of expertise. The team advises on GDPR implementation, data protection compliance, and ePrivacy law, while also keeping clients abreast of the curve on evolving regulations such as the EU AI Act. Led by founding member Anouk Focquet, the firm offers tailored, high-level advice to clients, allowing them to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with precision and clarity, and is noted for offering the ‘perfect combination between profound legal knowledge and solution-oriented pragmatism’.

Led by Jörg Hladjk, a trusted advisor on emerging EU data and cybersecurity regulations, the practice at Jones Day is dedicated to cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection. With a client base spanning traditional telecom, IT, and big data companies, the team offers expertise in GDPR compliance, while also advising on cyberattacks, M&A transactions, and guiding critical infrastructure companies through upcoming EU regulations. The group benefits from the firm’s cross-disciplinary strengths, including telecoms, M&A, healthcare, and dispute resolution. Laurent De Muyter is a key figure, frequently representing clients before the EU Commission and national regulators, with additional expertise in antitrust enhancing the practice’s comprehensive offering.

Loyens & Loeff has a ‘great data protection and cybersecurity team’, acting for high-profile clients across the social media, e-commerce, telecoms, automotive, and life sciences sectors. Leading the team is Stéphanie De Smedt, a ‘highly available and splendid communicator with in-depth knowledge in data protection and cybersecurity combined with thorough knowledge of the industry and sector.’ Nina Orlic is ‘also excellent’.

Osborne Clarke‘s practice offers extensive data privacy advice, with expertise in all aspects of data protection law, including GDPR compliance and complex multijurisdictional data transfer projects. A number of leading Belgian and international clients rely on the capabilities of the practice in the life sciences, retail, real estate, and financial service sectors. Advising on developments in artificial intelligence and blockchain is another strength of the team. Leading the team are Benjamin Docquir and Laurens Dauwe, both with expertise in internet and communications-related matters. Docquir also has expertise in satellite and space law.

The team at Crowell & Moring is recognised for its ‘strong communication’, along with being ‘very helpful in making complex matters clear and understandable’. Led by Frederik Van Remoortel, the practice is adept at handling data protection compliance, GDPR, and AI-related matters. Van Remoortel has extensive corporate knowledge, while Sari Depreeuw‘s practice focuses on copyright and digital law, along with new technologies. New to the team is Edward Taelman, who joined the practice in March 2024 from A&O Shearman. Taelman has experience advising on complying with evolving digital regulations.

Deloitte Legal’s data protection and privacy team is renowned for its data protection compliance work, advising clients on data ownership, localisation, retention, and transferability matters. Led by Matthias Vierstraete, the practice works closely with other departments of the firm, particularly the M&A and financial services practices. William-Jan Cosemans has expansive expertise across IT matters, and acts for high-profile media, sports, and retail clients.

For one client, the team at Eubelius ‘excels at combining practical, business-focused advice with strong commitment to legal compliance.'Members of the team are particularly skilled at handling GDPR-related matters, along with large data projects, complex privacy matters, and aiding in internal investigations. Anneleen Van De Meulebroucke heads the practice, and is recognised for her ‘solid experience, up-to-date knowledge of enforcement practices, and deep understanding of retail media trends’.

Entrusted by leading tech and pharmaceutical companies, the practice at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP regularly advises on a number of privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity matters. GDPR compliance, complex cybersecurity incidents, and data breaches are all within the remit of the practice. David Dumont leads the team, with experience in cross-border EU matters,  the implementation of data transfer mechanisms, and ransomware attacks. Anna Pateraki is key to the team.

Keller and Heckman LLP houses an ‘organised and specialised team in the ad tech industry that is not easy to find nowadays’, with expertise in complex privacy and adtech work. Team head Peter Craddock ‘combines impressive expertise of complex European privacy law issues with a strong technical understanding of how the industry works’, covering both advisory matters as well as the representation of clients before data protection authorities.

Liedekerke‘s practice is ‘excellent and highly qualified’, combining expertise in intellectual property, information technology, and data protection. The team is adept at handling matters both nationally and internationally, with experience handling advisory, litigation, and transactional work. The practice frequently handles compliance audits and data implementation projects, and advises on the use of data by public authorities. Leading the team is Etienne Kairis, with a focus on working with clients in the automotive sector, and expertise in distribution law and fair trade practices.

The ‘ responsive and competent’ practice at Lydian is commended for its ‘good knowledge and expertise’. The team handles a wide range of privacy and data-related cases, and advises high-profile clients in the technology, retail, telecommunications, energy, and insurance sectors. Privacy risk management, GDPR compliance, and cross-border data transfers are all mainstays of the team’s work. ‘Highly skilled privacy and IT lawyer’ Bastiaan Bruyndonckx leads the team, and is ‘very competent and easy to deal with’.

Morrison Foerster‘s data protection practice is a one-stop-shop for data protection and cybersecurity matters, handling complex privacy and data security issues in Belgium and internationally. Social media giants, cloud data providers, and ad-tech companies all rely on the expertise of the team. Alex van der Wolk co-chairs the global privacy and data security practice of the firm, frequently advising clients on investigations by data protection authorities. Lokke Moerel is renowned for her knowledge of emerging technology and digital transformation governance. Alja Poler De Zwart and Marijn Storm are noted.

Led by Patrice Vanderbeeken and Alain Strowel, the data protection practice at Pierstone works on high-profile matters related to the digital economy for its clients and frequently acts in cross-border data projects. The practice is highly multilingual, with many members of the practice able to practice in multiple languages, extending its cross-border capabilities. Vanderbeeken is a skilled technology lawyer, representing a number of leading tech and gaming companies, while Strowel has extensive IP expertise. Jeanne Jacobs is noted, covering the full range of data protection laws and compliance topics.

Simmons & Simmons has ‘among the most knowledgeable lawyers in the life sciences sector’, and for one client, is the ‘go-to team for data privacy advice’. Advising national and international clients on evolving Belgian and European regulations, particularly in the healthcare, technology, and financial services sectors is a focus of the team, along with assisting clients with the digitalisation of their companies. Olivier Mignolet is commended for ‘his humility and honesty, coupled with deep expertise in the life science sector’, and leads the team with Alejandro Guerrero. Jérémie Doornaert is for one client ‘one of the best experts in Belgium on privacy and data protection’.

The practice at Van Bael & Bellis is ‘extremely knowledgeable on EU data privacy laws and on the interaction of data privacy laws between EU member states’, frequently advising clients on GDPR compliance, data protection, cybersecurity, and cross-border data transfers. Members of the team regularly work with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as US research companies. ‘Stand-out individual’ Thibaut D’hulst leads the team, with a focus on domestic and European data protection and compliance. Dariusz Kloza is noted.

AContrario.Law is commended for its ‘good knowledge and pragmatic approach’, and has extensive experience in the field. The team is well-versed at handling GDPR matters, assisting domestic and international companies in GDPR compliance with ‘exceptional knowledge of the market’. Team head Magali Feys is an ‘absolute authority in her field’, focusing on developing data protection strategies for technology companies. Also leading the team is Tim Wulgaert, with expertise in artificial intelligence frameworks. Jelle Cousyns is noted.

Alston & Bird LLP‘s privacy, data strategy, and cyber practice is particularly recommended for established experience in security incident response and data protection compliance, with the team’s portfolio including advice on data breach investigations and the avoidance of future incidents. Wim Nauwelaerts is the head of the practice, with vast expertise acting for multinational companies across privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity law. Paul Greaves and Alice Portnoy are key names in the team.

Lexing yields expertise across privacy and data, IT law, and media law, working closely with local public authorities, public investment companies. Jean-François Henrotte leads the team, acting as the managing partner of the firm and an integral member of the Lexing Network. Henrotte has extensive knowledge of data protection regulation and negotiation skills. Fanny Coton is a key member of the team, and is an expert in GDPR, compliance, and litigation.

Monard Law‘s practice is ‘very professional, very responsive and always looking for the right balance in resolving conflicts’. The team boasts expertise across all aspects of privacy and data protection matters, both domestically and internationally, and is recognised by clients for its ‘expertise in GDPR law’. Team head Kristof Zadora is ‘known for and unanimously praised for his limitless dedication and unique abilities’. Jill Leen is ‘very responsive, proactive and has the right values’.

Simont Braun’s data and privacy practice combines its vast knowledge of the sector with expertise in financial regulatory work and IP law, allowing the team to take a multidisciplinary approach to complex matters for leading clients. members of the team frequently represents clients before the Belgian courts and Data Protection Authority. At leadership level is Joan Carette, with extensive expertise in FinTech. Also leading the practice is Emmanuel Cornu, a specialist in intellectual property law, and Eric De Gryse, an IP litigation specialist.

The team at Stibbe boasts a ‘superb combination of high-quality individuals, that cooperate throughout the entire practice.' Compliance advice related to data protection matters, international data flows, and representing clients before the domestic data protection authority are all within the remit of the team that ‘stands out for its exceptional knowledge base’. Leading the practice is Erik Valgaeren, with 30 years of experience in data and privacy work. Carolien Michielsen focuses on evolving technologies including artificial intelligence, cloud and blockchain work, as well as e-privacy.