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Data Protection

The General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 governs the area of data protection in Ireland. 

The compliance requirements related to data protection have dramatically increased, and data controllers and processors must have an in-depth understanding of their duties and responsibilities, or risk potentially crippling financial penalties.

As a modern firm focused on providing exceptional, partner-led service to all clients, regardless of their size, we will provide the legal advice and representation you need to meet your compliance obligations.  And should a breach occur, we will provide an emergency response and ensure an independent investigation is conducted and evidence relevant to defending a claim collated.

What is the General Data Protection Regulation?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union regulation and is the primary law relating to how both public and private organisations protect EU citizen’s personal data.  Its aim is to harmonise data protection legislation across all EU member states.  Companies based outside the EU which process EU citizen’s data must also comply with the GDPR.

There are strict requirements of compliance under Data Protection legislation for both data processors and controllers to ensure that individuals’ data privacy rights are respected.

Our corporate team, led by partner, Gríana O’Kelly , advises companies on all aspects of privacy and data protection both in the workplace and in carrying out their businesses.  Gríana holds a certificate in Data Protection Practice from the Law Society of Ireland.

We have implemented bespoke data protection policies for clients to ensure that they comply with the law on data protection and that proper practices are adopted by companies on a day to day basis in the handling of personal data.  In addition, we can review your supplier contracts to ensure any third parties which process data on your behalf meet their data protection compliance obligations.

We can deal with all aspects of data protection compliance from initial queries to the full implementation of data protection policies for firms and companies.  By instructing us, you can be fully confident that you have the information and support you need to ensure compliance across all your business sectors.

We advise on all areas of data protection and privacy including:

  • What are your obligations under Data Protection Law?
  • Does your business need to adopt changes to ensure compliance under GDPR?
  • Data protection registration;
  • Data protection policies and procedures;
  • Where a data processor is engaged, ensure data protection standards are maintained;
  • Data Protection audits;
  • Lawful use of image capture technology, CCTV and other processing equipment;
  • Data protection in the workplace including presenting to key employees;
  • Reviewing data subject requests for access and possible exemptions;
  • Restrictions on exporting data outside the EEA;
  • Right to privacy under the Irish constitution.

What organisation manages data protection in Ireland?

The Data Protection Commission is the body which oversees data protection in Ireland and is the national supervising authority for the purposes of the GDPR.  If your organisation has appointed a Data Protection Officer, you will need to inform the Commission.

We have been advising on data protection for many years and can advise you on any aspect of dealing with the Data Protection Commission.

Why choose Lavelle Partners to advise and represent you on data protection matters?

  • We are a partner-led firm, meaning the partner you meet will manage your case and be available to you if you have any questions.
  • Our Solicitors are approachable, intelligent, and pragmatic. 
  • When it comes to commercial law matters, we find out what success means for you and then work tenaciously to achieve your objectives.
  • Our clients remain with us long-term and most of our new clients come to us via referrals.  In addition, most team members have been with the firm for 15-30 years.  We know our clients, their families and their businesses inside out and this helps us provide exceptional service and gives people confidence in the quality of the advice and representation they receive.
  • Our advice is to the point; we will not ask you to choose between five different options, we will advise which one will protect and promote your best interests.

What our clients say

‘They have a professional but friendly approach which is beneficial particularly when the matters at hand can have periods that are stressful. The ability to reduce tension is matched with clear communication even when dealing with complex situations where decision making is required by the client. It is a rare skill to maintain this approach, with integrity intact, with all the engaged parties. In short they win with people.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘Lavelle partner Gríana O’Kelly encapsulates all the qualities of the M&A team. As with other firms, Lavelle’s are competent and efficient, Ms O’Kelly is no different and you feel that she cares, a good outcome for you is a good outcome for her. It is a refreshing experience to have when travelling through a legal process.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘I engaged with Lavelle partners when acquiring a business, and I found the service outstanding. The team made the experience as seamless as possible for me. The team were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, approachable, professional and efficient.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘The practice were very well regarded in the market for Commercial, M&A and Employment Law work. We had heard of their reputation from other companies. They were very engaged in understanding what their client wanted to achieve and understood their concerns. Their lines of communication were clear and timely. They used their technology to deliver efficient results and a good level of transparency. Their people were easy to deal with and also you had a sense of confidence in what they were doing. Overall they were approachable, professional and focused on the end result for the client.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘The individuals worked as team and built up a level of trust with the client. They were approachable and listened to any concerns the client had at any stage. They were also technically very good at understanding and managing the transaction. From the senior partners to the associates dealing with the case, there was a feeling that whatever the situation, the team could handle the problems facing the client.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘Fast execution, in depth knowledge, excellent advice.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘We have been working with Lavelle Partners for four years across a number of departments and I must say that all our engagements and interactions with all of their staff have been overwhelmingly positive. As a client, you really feel that they have your best interests at heart – they are very client focused. They are very quick to understand their clients’ business and needs. Their ability to collaborate and work as a team and transfer knowledge about a case or client, particularly across departments, is second to none, and from the client’s view it is absolutely seamless.’

The Legal 500, 2023

‘Gríana O’Kelly is our primary contact on the business side and she’s great – very quickly comes up to speed and understands our requirements, and deals with things quickly and thoroughly, spotting any potential issues and dealing with them along the way.’

The Legal 500, 2023

For further information on data protection in Ireland, please contact Gríana O’Kelly,  Lavelle Partners in confidence on (01) 644 5800.


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