Harper James Solicitors double up on data protection expertise with two new appointments

Harper James Solicitors is pleased to announce the expansion of its data protection team with the appointment of two industry-leading solicitors. David Sant and Becky White join our national team who have helped support more than 1,700 clients with all their legal service needs. 

David Saint joins the firm as a commercial technology and data protection solicitor after working in in-house legal teams at the BBC and Oxford University Press. At the BBC, David supported the Future Media and Technology Division, advising on significant technology service agreements with suppliers. He also worked in the BBC’s Intellectual Property legal team, advising on copyright and trademark matters. He then joined Oxford University Press, as the global publisher’s in-house adviser on digital collaborations, copyright, licensing, and general commercial matters, including setting up self-service contract templates. Originally trained as a software developer, David’s technical knowledge combined with his legal expertise means he’s perfectly placed to advise technology companies on their legal needs.

His specialisms include:

• drafting/negotiating commercial and technology agreements
• data protection issues, with a particular emphasis on digital collaborations
• website terms and conditions and privacy policies
• legal issues in the creative industries, particularly publishing and copyright related

‘In the short time I’ve been at Harper James, it has been fantastic to advise such a wide range of clients on technology and commercial issues,’ David says. ‘I’m really pleased to be able to use my software background and in-house legal experience to get to grips with the issues and provide clients with practical, straightforward advice. It’s a great team at Harper James and I can see why clients are attracted to the firm. It’s not just the value for money and innovative pricing models that appeal: the breadth and quality of services is very impressive.’

Data protection and privacy expert Becky White started out at DAC Beachcrofts nearly 20 years ago before moving in-house, gaining experience in a variety of different sectors, notably construction and engineering, oil and gas and recruitment. Most recently she worked for a boutique commercial law firm specialising in the IT and digital sector. Her clients have ranged from start-ups and SMEs to multinationals such as Chevron and Atkins. She was previously data protection officer to a well-known energy company. 

Becky has extensive knowledge and experience of data protection and privacy law, and is able to advise organisations of all sizes on their privacy compliance requirements. Becky is highly experienced in negotiating, drafting and agreeing commercial contracts and advising on the most effective and appropriate legal structures, including SaaS agreements, joint venture agreements and confidentiality agreements.

Commenting on her appointment, Becky said: ‘I am delighted to be joining such an innovative and progressive firm. Harper James’ business model is unique and the culture of the firm is so different from more traditional law firms. The balance the firm strikes between competitive rates for clients and home-based working for solicitors is a win-win for ambitious businesses and lawyers alike. I’m confident that my background in privacy and data protection, along with my commercial experience in industry, will mean that I can be an excellent resource and a good fit for Harper James’ clients.’