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Piers Leigh-Pollitt

Partner & Compliance Officer for Legal Practice

[email protected]

+44 (0)118 951 6761

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Piers is a Partner specialising in employment and data privacy law, advising corporates and senior individuals on the full range of HR and workplace issues.

With over 25 years’ experience, Piers works with clients across a wide range of sectors, including wealth management and insurance / reinsurance, as well as senior executives needing strategic support on complex or sensitive workplace matters. Piers also advises HR teams, business leaders and in‑house legal counsel on regulatory and HR‑driven data protection issues. As the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice and Data Protection Manager, he combines legal expertise with a strong understanding of organisational pressures, providing clear, pragmatic and commercially focused guidance.

Piers is an experienced employment lawyer and data privacy specialist, heading the firm’s Data Privacy team and holding the Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection (UK GDPR). His background includes nearly a decade in employment and data privacy work within a major international law firm, where he developed particular expertise in HR‑related data protection matters. He co‑authored The Data Protection Act Explained, published by The Stationery Office, and has been a regular speaker at industry conferences and professional events, including those hosted by the Employment Lawyers Association. Clients value his practical approach, technical clarity and reassuring manner when dealing with high‑stakes matters ranging from severance arrangements to TUPE and restrictive covenants advice.

Areas of expertise

Complaints

Ignoring data privacy complaints risks regulatory action, fines, and reputational harm. Proactive handling demonstrates accountability, protects client trust, and ensures compliance in an environment where privacy standards are under constant scrutiny.

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Data Privacy Breaches

Data breaches can trigger severe fines, legal claims, and reputational damage. Acting fast and prioritising compliance protects your business, minimises disruption, and preserves client trust in an increasingly regulated environment.

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Data Protection Documentation

Strong data protection documentation is vital for compliance, risk management, and trust. Without it, organisations face regulatory penalties, operational disruption, and reputational harm – making proactive, expert support essential for business resilience.

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Data Protection Impact Assessments

DPIAs are essential for compliance and risk management. They identify privacy risks early, protect individuals’ rights, and safeguard your business from fines, reputational damage, and operational disruption.

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Data Retention and Record Destruction

Data retention and secure destruction are critical for compliance and risk management. Neglecting them invites fines, breaches, and reputational harm. Proactive policies safeguard organisations and demonstrate accountability.

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Employee Monitoring and Surveillance

Monitoring staff without care risks legal penalties and reputational harm. Organisations must act transparently, lawfully, and proportionately, balancing business needs with employee privacy to avoid costly mistakes.

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Employee Screening and Background Checks

Employers screen and check backgrounds to safeguard their business, ensure compliance, and protect workplace integrity. Taking this process seriously reduces risk, builds trust, and supports informed, strategic hiring decisions.

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Overseas Data Transfers

Overseas data transfers impact compliance, contracts, and reputation. Organisations must follow GDPR and global rules to avoid costly penalties, protect operations, and maintain confidence in international business relationships.

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Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations

Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations govern marketing, cookies, and telecoms security. Ignoring compliance risks fines up to £17.5m, ICO enforcement, and costly remediation. Proactive action protects your business and avoids severe financial consequences.

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Settlement Agreements and Negotiating Exits

Employees need to understand settlement agreements because they affect legal rights, future claims, and financial outcomes. Knowing their purpose ensures informed decisions, fair terms, and protection during a significant career transition.

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Contracts, Policies and Procedures

Drafted correctly, your contracts, policies and procedures will help you manage your business, comply with current legislation, and deal with many day-to-day employment matters, such as sickness absence and performance, more easily.

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TUPE

When you buy, sell, or restructure a business – or change service providers – TUPE regulations can have a major impact on your organisation. Getting it wrong can lead to costly claims, operational disruption, and reputational damage.

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