Privacy & Information Security Law Blog

For the third year in a row, Hunton & Williams LLP has been named the top firm for privacy by Computerworld magazine. In its third annual report on top privacy advisers, the poll surveyed corporate privacy leaders in North America and Europe. The firm was ranked #1 by the respondents overall and by those in the Fortune 1000. When respondents were broken out by industry, Hunton & Williams topped the list as “providing the best privacy advice” in every industry category, including the financial, technology, consumer products and retail, healthcare, media and entertainment, and manufacturing sectors.

In addition to the practice listing, seven privacy professionals at the firm are listed as “top global experts on data privacy and protection.” Lisa Sotto, head of Hunton & Williams’ Privacy and Information Management practice, was ranked first by the Fortune 1000 respondents. Sotto also received the top ranking by respondents overall. Marty Abrams of the firm’s Centre for Information Policy Leadership and Bridget Treacy of the firm’s London office are both ranked in the top 10 by overall respondents. Fred Cate, Aaron Simpson and Elizabeth Johnson are also listed among the top privacy professionals.

“Our privacy practice is known throughout the world for its deep experience, breadth of knowledge and outstanding client service,” said Wally Martinez, managing partner of Hunton & Williams. “It is particularly rewarding to see this reinforced by being recognized as a leader for three years in a row and to see so many of our attorneys listed.”

Overbrook Research, an independent public opinion consulting firm, conducted the survey this year, sending it to more than 2,000 corporate leaders around the world responsible for data protection in their organizations. The criteria used to rank firms included a firm’s experience, practical advice, global staff, timely and thorough work, and interdisciplinary perspective.

“We’ve made a clean sweep three years in a row,” said Sotto. “We rank at the top in the U.S., Europe and Asia and across most subject categories. This is due to our superb team of privacy attorneys and professionals, and it is gratifying that our clients have honored us this way.”