Olivia Ward
Senior Associate
About
Olivia is a senior data privacy and AI regulation lawyer specialising in GDPR, AI governance and cross-border data compliance. She advises global technology, fintech, retail and financial services clients on high-risk, multi-jurisdictional matters, helping them navigate complex regulatory change and build practical, defensible compliance programmes.
Olivia has particular expertise in digital regulation, including EU and UK data protection law, the EU AI Act and the UK Online Safety Act. She advises on privacy-by-design, accountability frameworks, DPIAs, data subject rights and international data transfers, including EU-US Data Privacy Framework. She also counsels clients on AI-enabled products and high-risk automated decision-making, helping businesses balance innovation with regulatory expectations.
Olivia trained at Burges Salmon and, before returning to the firm, she spent several years at another leading law firm, where she led data privacy and digital regulation work from the firm’s San Francisco office, advising major US and global brands on UK and EU law.
Experience
- Global footwear brand: Advising on global privacy compliance, AI-enabled recruitment tools, data subject access request frameworks and third-party data processing contracts across multiple jurisdictions.
- Global agricultural science company: Supporting a cross-border data privacy programme spanning Asia, EMEA and the Americas, covering data protection, employment and trade compliance.
- UK fintech and global executive search firm: Reviewing and updating GDPR compliance documentation, including privacy notices, Records of Processing Activities and Data Protection Impact Assessments.
- Cloud contact centre and cybersecurity providers: Leading AI governance projects and EU AI Act readiness assessments, including system classification, risk documentation and required controls.
Credentials
- Admitted as a solicitor: England & Wales (2017)
- Olivia is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E)