Emma Godding

Experience

Emma is a Principal Associate in the firm’s Advisory Division. She specialises in supporting clients with all aspects of information law.

Emma trained and qualified as a solicitor in a local authority before going on to work in private practice, advising a range of housing, local authority, health and private sector clients.

Expertise

Emma advises clients in both the public and private sectors on data protection and freedom of information. Emma assists client by drafting data protection documentation such as policies and procedures. She advises on large scale data sharing arrangements and drafts appropriate agreements. Emma also advises on handling data breaches and makes representations on behalf of clients to the ICO in respect of data breach investigations. Emma also represents clients who are subject to data protection claims. Additionally, Emma regularly advises clients on the lawfulness of their proposed data processing activities, providing pragmatic solutions and identifying any risks.

Emma has a particular interest in advising on the Freedom of Information Act 2000. This involves advising clients on the disclosure of requested information, applying legal exemptions from disclosure and also representing clients where requests have been referred to the ICO and also in appeals to the First-tier Tribunal.

Notable projects

• Successfully representing a health sector client subject to an ICO investigation in relation to a significant data breach.
• Representing a housing client in responding to a claim for breaches of the data protection legislation from one of its tenants.
• Resolving a protracted dispute between a health sector client and an aggrieved member of the public by coordinating and preparing responses to a complex series of a FOIA.
• Advising a regulator on the lawful basis for the sharing of sensitive data with third parties.