Allen & Overy Bolsters Cybersecurity Offering with Global Team Hire

Allen & Overy Bolsters Cybersecurity Offering with Global Team Hire

Allen & Overy (A&O) has significantly strengthened its cybersecurity capabilities with the recruitment of a five-strong partner team, bringing expertise across the US, UK, and APAC regions.

Led by global head of cybersecurity Ffion Flockhart, the team includes partners Anna Gamvros (Asia Pacific privacy and cyber), Charlie Weston-Simons, Ross Phillipson, and Anna Rudawski. Joined by counsel Steven Hadwin and eight associates, they offer clients "heavyweight, sophisticated capability" to manage cyber incidents and data risks from prevention to response.

This expansion reflects the growing complexity of cybersecurity threats, coupled with stricter data privacy regulations and increasing litigation. Cyberattacks can inflict substantial financial and reputational damage, making a comprehensive response critical.

The team's crisis response expertise, combined with A&O's existing data privacy, technology, and litigation strengths, creates a holistic solution for clients. This integrated approach positions A&O as a leader in the data protection landscape.

This move aligns with A&O's proposed merger with Shearman & Sterling, forming a powerhouse with nearly 4,000 lawyers, including 800 partners, across 48 offices. This global reach allows them to support clients with specialised cybersecurity expertise wherever they operate.

"The global risk landscape is constantly evolving," said Karen Seward, global co-head of litigation and U.S. co-chair. "This team's exceptional cybersecurity knowledge, alongside our existing data offering, positions us to be the world's best advisor for our clients."