Joanne Elieli
Partner
Joanne is a partner in Stephenson Harwood's London office and is the firm's cyber lead, specialising in complex cyber, data and technology related disputes and investigations. She has a wealth of experience in providing clients with strategic advice in relation to data breaches and cyber incidents, and in handling associated follow-on litigation. In particular, she is regularly involved in defending claims brought in relation to alleged breaches or infringement of data protection laws.
Joanne is a CIPP/E certified privacy professional and advises both domestic and international clients on various contentious matters pertaining to cyber, data and technology.
Joanne's cyber practice includes disputes relating to breaches of cybersecurity laws and the recovery of sensitive data and confidential information, as well as advising on all aspects of data breaches and cyber incidents – from the preventative mitigation of cyber risk to crisis response (including reporting and notification obligations) to follow-on litigation and collective actions.
Joanne's data practice includes disputes and investigations (both internal and regulatory) relating to breaches and/or infringements of the UK GDPR and the DPA 2018 (amongst others) and in respect of cookies and adtech.
Joanne's technology practice includes all types of disputes arising from the use and misuse of technology, across all industry sectors. In particular, this includes: disputes relating to distressed technology projects, such as IT outsourcing and software development, most often in the context of delays, defects, scope creep and/or failure to meet project milestones; and disputes arising from software/hardware implementation, website designs, payment systems and the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Joanne has held her Higher Rights of Audience (enabling her to act as a solicitor-advocate in all English civil courts) since 2016; she has experience appearing in a variety of courts and tribunals. She also has substantial mediation experience. Outside of her fee earning practice, Joanne is passionate about pro bono and DE&I, and is a regular speaker on matters pertaining to diversity in the legal profession.
