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Sean Illing

Sean IllingManaging Associate

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I work in two main areas: data, privacy & cyber, and employment law.

I am a member of Lewis Silkin's Data, Privacy & Cyber Group. I advise some of the world's leading companies on the adoption of global privacy strategies and on the full range of data protection/privacy issues including: data protection/privacy audits; data subject rights requests management; dealing with data breaches; extra-EEA data transfers; advising generally on data privacy policies/notices; handling Information Commissioner’s Office complaints, and other regulatory queries/investigations; and, helping clients update their data protection/privacy practices in light of Brexit. I also hold the CIPP/E data protection/privacy accreditation from the IAPP.

I deal with all general day-to-day employment queries and have significant expertise in the whole range of general employment issues: from hiring to firing and everything in-between. This includes drafting and reviewing policies, helping clients with family-friendly issues such as maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, advising on performance issues and terminations, as well as assisting clients with restructurings and redundancies.

I am also part of the Investigations and Regulatory group, with a focus on conducting investigations for clients in respect of serious allegations of wrongdoing.

My client base is broad, and includes various organisations across the advertising and marketing sectors.

My work is international and, as Lewis Silkin is part of the global Ius Laboris alliance of HR lawyers, often involves managing international projects.

Data, Privacy & Cyber 

As a specialist in Data & Privacy law, I am often asked to advise on the full range of Data & Privacy issues.

Examples of my recent work include:

  • conducting privacy impact assessments to mitigate the risk to clients of non-compliance with data privacy legislation
  • advising multi-national companies on extra-EEA transfers, privacy shield, and the new GDPR
  • advising on, and coordinating responses to, data subject access requests from employees
  • advising companies on employee monitoring and location tracking

Employment

I deal with all general day-to-day employment queries.

Examples of my recent work include:

  • successfully defending a large employer in relation to an indirect discrimination claim
  • acting as a point of contact for clients with any HR issues
  • advising clients in relation to TUPE

Awards

  • Legal 500 2023 (Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity) ‘I would recommend Sean Illing if you have any subject access requests to deal with, especially difficult and detailed ones with multiple litigation matters in the background and a wealth of documentation to go through. There is more law involved in this than most people know and he will guide you exceptionally through what can be a very difficult and stressful process.’ ‘Working with Sean Illing has allowed us to manage general privacy compliance in an efficient manner and most importantly in a manner which aligns to our business needs. Being given legal advice with a business driven focus is difficult to find, but we found that with Sean.’
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