Richard Lawne | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I specialise in guiding clients through the complexities of global privacy and digital regulations, ensuring their operations align with current laws and best practices. I work with a broad range of clients, from startups to multinational corporations, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of digital law.

My expertise extends across key regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ePrivacy Directive, UK Data Protection Act, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). Beyond navigating specific legal requirements, I advise clients on the strategic aspects of digital regulation and best practices. I have particular expertise in the integration and deployment of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, as well as compliance with digital safety laws.  

In my day-to-day practice, I handle a variety of privacy and regulatory issues, such as negotiating customer agreements, managing vendor relations, implementing data transfer arrangements, advising on data breach responses, and developing GDPR-compliance and comprehensive global privacy programs. I also advice on digital and offline marketing compliance, alongside other digital regulatory compliance challenges. I have extensive experience coordinating large, multi-jurisdictional projects with a European focus, delivering practical and actionable advice tailored to the unique needs of each client.

I hold dual qualifications as a lawyer in the UK and California, being admitted to the Roll of solicitors in England and Wales and the State Bar of California. Additionally, I am an active member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), holding certifications in European law (CIPP/E), US law (CIPP/US), and privacy management (CIPM). I also hold a Master of Studies in AI Ethics and Society from the University of Cambridge.

Authored pieces

All Resources
A digital illustration of a padlock made from glowing white dots on a grid of purple and black dots. The grid pattern gives it a pixelated appearance, representing digital security.
Data and Privacy
Podcast

Bytesize Legal Update – Top 5 things you need to know about the UK DUA Act 2025

16.07.2025
At the end of last month the UK passed the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 updating a wide swathe of Data Protection Laws there. But amongst all of the niche tweaks and technical tinkering, what are the important changes which businesses need to know?
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A digital illustration of a globe made up of interconnected blue and pink lines and dots, against a dark background with scattered light dots. The image conveys a futuristic, technological world linked by data networks.
Data and Privacy
Podcast

Bytesize Legal Update: Automated decision making back in the spotlight

01.04.2025
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Close-up of a glowing circuit board with vibrant blue and pink lines forming intricate patterns against a dark background, representing technology and electronic connections.
Technology
Podcast

Bytesize Legal Update - The EU AI Act becomes law - what now?

23.07.2024
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Podcast

Automation Unwrapped: In conversation with Frank Gonnello from Cruise

27.02.2024
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Webinar

Webinar: Generative AI – Privacy Risks & Challenges

23.02.2024
You can now watch 'Generative AI: Privacy Risks & Challenges (what we know now but didn't in November 2022)' on demand.
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