David Varney Partner

David is a partner in the technology team and advises on a range of data protection, technology, intellectual property and commercial matters for clients in a number of sectors, including technology, financial services, media, retail and energy.

David has advised extensively on data protection and GDPR issues but also advises on technology-related transactions, including the outsourcing and procurement of technology products and services, software development and licensing, e-commerce issues, digital marketing, the development and exploitation of digital content and consumer issues. He also has extensive experience working on the commercial and intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions, with a particular focus on businesses in the technology sector.

David was recognised in the 2020 edition of Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ in IT and Telecoms and as an ‘Associate to Watch’ for Data Protection & Information Law in the 2021 edition of Chambers and Partners. David's 2021 Chambers profile also quotes "He is able to explain complex matters in a way that I understand" and "he provides clear and commercial advice."

David is a member of the Society for Computers and Law and the International Technology Law Association.

• Acting for market-leading listed companies and corporate clients across various sectors including financial services, insurance, retail, healthcare, energy and utilities on complex, strategic, business-critical and high-value digitisation and technology transformation projects, with particular experience of procurement of cloud services.

• Advising clients across multiple sectors (including technology, retail, utilities, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, education, real estate and charities) on GDPR and privacy compliance issues, including data sharing and processing arrangements, international transfers of data, responding to urgent cybersecurity incidents, ICO enforcement actions, e-privacy and electronic marketing issues, as well as data protection issues arising from Brexit.

• Advising customers and suppliers on software, data and technology licensing and procurement arrangements. David’s clients range from global suppliers of cloud services through UK-based corporates to emerging technology vendors.

• Acting for emerging and scaling technology and digital content providers, with a particular geographic focus on high-growth companies in Bristol and the South West.