Hester de Vries

Specialismen

Naleving privacywetgeving / Bescherming persoonsgegevens / Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming (AVG) / Smart City

Profiel

Hester adviseert bedrijven over de vele aspecten van gegevensbeschermingsrecht, privacy en technologie. Ze ondersteunt zowel Nederlandse als internationale ondernemingen en overheidsorganen bij kwesties rondom de (EU-)privacyregelgeving. Ze adviseert ook over de impact van privacy bij grote bestuurlijke projecten en over de complete implementatie van privacy compliance in bedrijven en organisaties. Daarnaast ondersteunt ze bij onderzoeken en handhavingstrajecten van de toezichthouders, de Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP) en de Autoriteit Consument & Markt (ACM).

Hester is voorzitter van de Vereniging Privacy Recht en bestuurslid van de Vereniging Privacy Recht Advocaten. Daarnaast is zij hoofddocent van de specialisatieopleiding voor privacy recht advocaten en docent bij de Grotius opleiding IT-recht, auteur van Tekst & Commentaar Privacy- en telecommunicatierecht, redacteur van het tijdschrift Privacy en Informatie en universitair docent aan de Universiteit Utrecht.

Aanbevelingen

Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: Data Protection - Ranked

A client reports that Hester De Vries is "an extremely intelligent and talented lawyer with in-depth knowledge of privacy law and the exchange of data." In addition to her experience in data sharing mandates, Hester De Vries represents clients in GDPR disputes and advises on the use of biometric data under data privacy regulations.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 - Data Privacy and Data Protection Tier 1

Under the leadership of the highly experienced Hester de Vries, Kennedy Van der Laan's privacy team is a key name for mandates spanning the data and technology sectors; the group also advises on the full range of data matters with a notable focus on commercial data issues and big data work. The practice's expertise includes advising on matters in the media, telecoms, financial and healthcare sectors, and has recently expanded to include issues relating to smart cities. Quirine Tjeenk Willink is another key name, and combines her privacy experience with expertise in administrative enforcement law. Senior associates Rosalie Brand and Elise Troll are also singled out.

Leading individuals

Hester de Vries

Quirine Tjeenk Willink

Chambers Europe 2021 - TMT: Data Protection - Ranked

Hester de Vries is a distinguished practitioner with extensive experience in data protection compliance matters. She also represents clients in litigation concerning data breaches and privacy impact assessments.

Who's Who Legal 2021 - Thought Leaders Global Elite - Data - Data Privacy & Protection

Hester de Vries is ranked by WWL as a Global Elite Thought Leader on Data Privacy and Protection.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Data Privacy and Data Protection - Tier 1

The Kennedy Van der Laan team is noted for combining its legal expertise with a thorough understanding of the technologies involved. The practice assists clients with all the various uses of commercial data, including big data, and advises on contractual and regulatory matters as well as investigations and enforcement cases. Its broad client roster includes those in the financial, healthcare and transport and logistics sectors. Hester de Vries, who has a background at the Dutch Data Protection Authority, is highly recommended and Quirine Tjeenk Willink is considered 'best in class' for complicated cases.

Chambers Europe 2020 - TMT: Data Protection - Band 1

Hester de Vries is a distinguished practitioner with extensive experience in data protection matters, spanning from compliance and regulatory aspects of intra-group data exchanges, to investigations related to access to sensitive personal data.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2019 - Industry focus: Information Technology

Kennedy Van der Laan is highlighted for its 'fast and in-depth advice, ability to understand business problems, and for offering the right solutions'. In addition to outsourcing and other IT projects, the team also handles IT disputes, e-commerce mandates, cybercrime, and public procurement matters. Patrick Wit is in demand for his 'negotiation expertise', while other well-regarded partners include Joost Linnemann, Hester de Vries, and Christoph Jeloschek; senior associate Joost Schmaal is also a name to note. The team counts TNT, McDonald’s and Stichting BKR among its broad client base.

Chambers Europe 2019 - TMT: Data Protection - Band 1

Hester De Vries is "an authority" on data protection in the Netherlands, according to one interviewee who elaborates: "Her contacts with the data protection authority are valuable and she knows how to identify and downsize risks." She predominantly handles advisory and compliance matters.

Chambers Europe 2018 - Privacy - Band 1

"Hester De Vries is characterised by clients as "empathetic and a real expert on data protection." She advises on data protection across numerous industries, including healthcare and the financial sector. One client particularly appreciates her way of incorporating innovation and detail into her work, saying: "We have fun working together and that relationship creates creativity and excellent pieces of work," while also noting that the "very detailed phase" of her advice means "everything is 100% effective."

The Legal 500 EMEA - Privacy - Ranked

"Kennedy Van der Laan’s team is led by Joost Linnemann, with support from Reinoud Westerdijk, outsourcing expert Patrick Wit and data protection specialist Hester de Vries. Microsoft, ABN Amro and Capgemini are clients. Litigator and arbitrator Christoph Jeloschek made partner in January 2017; Joost Schmaal is also recommended."

Recent Werk

Adviseert een cliënt die werd getroffen door een groot datalek, onder meer over risicoanalyse en handhaving;
Assisteert een internationaal koeriersbedrijf bij het verkrijgen van goedkeuring door de toezichthouder voor Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) voor de uitwisseling van persoonlijke gegevens binnen de groep en het coördineren van de BCR-implementatie in meer dan 62 landen;
Assisteert het nationale register van binnenlands krediet in gerechtelijke procedures met betrekking tot de bescherming van persoonsgegevens.