Data Protection Solicitors | GDPR Compliance & Privacy Law
Data protection law affects every organization handling personal information. From GDPR compliance to privacy policy development, data protection requirements are complex and constantly evolving. Our specialist data protection solicitors ensure your organization meets all legal obligations while supporting business growth.
What Our Data Protection Solicitors Can Help With
- GDPR Compliance: Comprehensive compliance audits and implementation
- Privacy Policies: Compliant privacy notices and cookie policies
- Data Transfer Agreements: International data transfers and Standard Contractual Clauses
- ICO Investigation Defense: Regulatory investigation management and enforcement proceedings
- Data Subject Rights: Handling access requests and erasure demands
- Data Processing Agreements: Controller-processor contracts and joint processing
- Privacy Impact Assessments: DPIAs for high-risk processing activities
- Consent Management: Valid consent frameworks and withdrawal mechanisms
GDPR Compliance Framework
Core Compliance Requirements:
- Lawful Basis: Identifying valid legal basis for each processing activity
- Data Minimization: Processing only necessary personal data
- Purpose Limitation: Using data only for specified purposes
- Accuracy: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records
- Storage Limitation: Retention schedules and deletion procedures
- Security: Technical and organizational measures (TOMs)
Organizational Requirements:
- Data Protection Officer: DPO appointment and independence
- Records of Processing: Article 30 documentation requirements
- Privacy by Design: Embedding privacy in systems and processes
- Staff Training: Data protection awareness and competency
- Vendor Management: Third-party data processing oversight
- Incident Response: Breach detection and notification procedures
Privacy Policies and Notices
Transparent privacy information is legally required:
- Website Privacy Policies: Comprehensive information about data processing
- Cookie Policies: Compliant cookie consent and management
- Employee Privacy Notices: Workplace data processing transparency
- Customer Privacy Notices: Clear communication of data use
- Marketing Communications: Consent and opt-out mechanisms
- CCTV Signage: Surveillance privacy information requirements
International Data Transfers
Transferring personal data outside the UK requires legal protection:
Transfer Mechanisms:
- Adequacy Decisions: EEA countries and adequate third countries
- Standard Contractual Clauses: EU and UK SCCs for international transfers
- Binding Corporate Rules: Intra-group transfer frameworks
- Certification Schemes: Approved certification for data protection
Transfer Risk Assessment:
- Third country surveillance laws and government access
- Local data protection laws and enforcement
- Additional safeguards and technical measures
- Data subject redress mechanisms
Data Subject Rights Management
Individuals have extensive rights over their personal data:
Access Rights (Article 15):
- Responding to subject access requests within one month
- Providing copy of personal data and processing information
- Identity verification and legitimate request assessment
- Excessive or unfounded request charges
Other Data Subject Rights:
- Rectification: Correcting inaccurate personal data
- Erasure: Right to be forgotten and deletion obligations
- Restriction: Limiting processing in certain circumstances
- Portability: Providing data in machine-readable format
- Objection: Stopping processing based on legitimate interests
- Automated Decision-Making: Rights regarding profiling and algorithms
ICO Enforcement and Investigations
ICO has significant enforcement powers for data protection breaches:
Investigation Process:
- Initial Assessment: ICO review of complaints and breach notifications
- Information Requests: Formal requests for documents and explanations
- Site Visits: ICO inspections and evidence gathering
- Preliminary Findings: Draft findings and opportunity to respond
- Final Determination: ICO decision and enforcement action
- Appeals Process: First-tier Tribunal appeals and judicial review
Enforcement Powers:
- Administrative Fines: Up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual turnover
- Enforcement Notices: Orders to comply with data protection law
- Stop Processing Orders: Prohibition on specific processing activities
- Criminal Prosecution: Serious breaches may result in criminal charges
- Director Disqualification: Personal liability for company directors
- Audit Powers: Compulsory audits for public authorities
Data Protection Impact Assessments
DPIAs are mandatory for high-risk processing activities:
When DPIAs are Required:
- Systematic monitoring of publicly accessible areas
- Large-scale processing of special category data
- Systematic evaluation or scoring of individuals
- Automated decision-making with legal effects
- Processing vulnerable individuals' data
- Innovative technology use with privacy risks
DPIA Components:
- Description of processing activities and purposes
- Assessment of necessity and proportionality
- Identification of privacy risks to individuals
- Measures to address and mitigate risks
- Stakeholder consultation where appropriate
- ICO consultation for high residual risks
Special Category Data
Sensitive personal data requires additional protection:
Special Category Types:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Political opinions and religious beliefs
- Trade union membership
- Genetic and biometric data for identification
- Health information
- Sex life and sexual orientation data
Processing Conditions:
- Explicit consent from data subjects
- Employment law obligations and rights
- Vital interests protection
- Legitimate activities of foundations and associations
- Manifestly made public by data subject
- Legal claims establishment or defense
Data Protection Costs
Compliance Services:
- GDPR compliance audit: £2,000-£10,000
- Privacy policy development: £500-£2,500
- Data processing agreements: £750-£3,000
- DPIA preparation: £1,000-£5,000
Investigation Defense:
- ICO investigation response: £2,500-£15,000
- Enforcement notice appeal: £5,000-£25,000
- Administrative fine appeal: £10,000-£100,000+
- Criminal defense: £7,500-£50,000
Employee Data Protection
Workplace data processing has specific considerations:
- Recruitment Data: CV processing and background checks
- Employee Monitoring: Email monitoring and CCTV surveillance
- Performance Management: Performance data and disciplinary records
- Health Data: Occupational health and medical information
- Payroll Data: Financial information and tax records
- Exit Procedures: Data deletion and transfer to new employers
Marketing and Communications
Data protection affects all marketing activities:
- Email Marketing: PECR compliance and consent requirements
- Telemarketing: TPS registration and legitimate interests
- Direct Mail: Postal opt-outs and data protection compliance
- Profiling: Automated decision-making and customer analytics
- Social Media: Platform data sharing and privacy controls
- Third-Party Lists: Data acquisition and due diligence
Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Data Protection
- GDPR Specialists: Solicitors exclusively focused on data protection law
- ICO Experience: Proven track record in regulatory proceedings
- Practical Approach: Business-focused compliance solutions
- Technical Understanding: Knowledge of data systems and technology
- International Expertise: Cross-border data transfer specialists
- Training Programs: Staff education and awareness development
Data protection compliance protects both your organization and the individuals whose data you process, building trust and avoiding regulatory penalties.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.
