Barnsley-based digital specialist law firm expands

After operating for just over one year, a barnsley-based law firm has expanded into larger offices.

Digital Law UK, which is believed to be the only specialist digital law firm in the UK, provides advice on digital issues from data protection and copyright to social media policies and Freedom of Information.

The firm, established in the Digital Media Centre by solicitor Peter Wright and his wife, US attorney Heather Anson, in March 2014, has relocated into a bigger office in the same building and appointed a practice manager, Stephen Bailey.

Digital Law UK, which is being given free advice by support programme Enterprising Barnsley, which is run by Barnsley Council, aims a turnover in the second year to be double the first.

Two-thirds of the firm’s clients, which are based across Europe, the US and Canada, are in the creative and digital industries sector, but it is now taking on an increasing number in the financial and legal sectors.

Peter Wright said: “It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, you need to make sure you comply with all the rules surrounding data and keeping it safe. And the laws are very complex. Getting it wrong can be costly and can damage your reputation.

“One area that is definitely on the increase is dealing with cyber attacks. And you have to remember with those that if you lose data you may get sued by the people whose data you have lost. So these are areas you need to take seriously, no matter what your business.”

Peter has been commissioned by the Law Society of England and Wales to draft a cyber security guide for law firms.

DigitalLawUK is also developing an app for clients, with the support of Enterprising Barnsley.

Peter added: “Enterprising Barnsley has been fantastic. The business would not be in the position it is now without it. To think we have come this far in just over a year is amazing.”

Steve Hawkins, of Enterprising Barnsley, commented: “This firm is truly unique and it shows that a brilliant idea can really flourish given the right support.

“It’s also great to that they set up home in the Digital Media Centre and decided to stay there. It just shows it is a great place for creative and digital industries to start and grow.”