Globalaw Foundation Donates $17,000 to Fields of Joy Foundation & Banco Popular Foundation in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Globalaw, a leading network of approximately 80 independent law firms in over 60 countries, is pleased to announce it has once again been ranked as a Band 1 Leading Law Firm Network in the Chambers Global Guide for 2026. This is Globalaw’s sixth consecutive recognition. The network has also been ranked as a Leading Regional Law Firm Network in the Asia-Pacific region for the ninth year.

Chambers and Partners is widely regarded as the world’s leading independent legal ranking and research organisation. Rankings are based on in-depth research and interviews with law firms, lawyers and their clients in more than 200 jurisdictions worldwide.

“Globalaw is a strategically assembled network, defined by the high-quality and integrated approach of our member firms,” said Globalaw President Peter J. Brown, Partner at Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP in Canada. “We are proud to receive international recognition from Chambers and Partners for the network’s capacity to collaborate across jurisdictions and deliver exceptional depth and breadth of legal expertise in a comprehensive range of industries and practice areas.”

About Globalaw

Founded in 1994, Globalaw is a global band one Chambers-ranked leading network of approximately 80 independent law firms and 4,000 lawyers in over 60 countries. Our mission is to foster seamless legal collaboration among member firms and to help them deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions to their clients worldwide. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, global reach, and innovative approach to legal services. Visit www.globalaw.net to learn more.

Globalaw is pleased to announce that MVVP has joined the network!

Founded in 1995 by a group of passionate lawyers from diverse backgrounds who shared a vision of building a comprehensive, forward-thinking legal practice, MVVP has established itself as an independent, full-service law firm based in Brussels, Belgium. MVVP covers all key areas of business law, including corporate, employment, commercial, GDPR compliance, intellectual property and IT, media, real estate, and tax. Over the years, the firm's growth has been driven by strong partnerships and the integration of new talent, both internally and externally.

MVVP understands the nuances of global legal and business cultures. Operating in five languages (English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian), 50% of their work involves international clients or subsidiaries of foreign groups. They serve startups, SMEs, and multinationals across sectors such as advertising, media, technology, pharmaceuticals, and retail. The firm's work is evenly split between legal advisory (negotiations, contracts, training, regulatory compliance) and litigation (dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation), both in Belgium and at the European level. MVVP combines a personal approach, multidisciplinary expertise, and an international outlook to deliver tailored legal solutions that align with your needs and ambitions.

The firm's expertise is recognized by leading legal directories, including Chambers and The Legal 500. For more information, visit www.mvvp.be.

Fiercely independent and 100% Canadian

Founded in 1920, Gardiner Roberts LLP’s distinctive identity was shaped by the colourful characteristics, charm, and contributions of its founders, Harry Parkinson and H. Fred Parkinson, celebrated for his technical precision and meticulous appellate work, and Frederick G. “Big Daddy” Gardiner, a larger-than-life civil litigator and politician who became the first Chairman of Metropolitan Toronto.

Fiercely independent and 100% Canadian, Gardiner Roberts has grown deliberately to just over 100 lawyers, large enough to offer full-service solutions yet small enough to build deep client relationships.

“The firm has never believed in growth for growth’s sake,” said Gordon Hearn, Partner and Co-Chair of the Transportation and Logistics Group at Gardiner Roberts. “We base our organisational goals on keeping our clients’ businesses successful in the short term while evolving to meet their long-term interests.”

This approach has anchored the firm’s success for over a century.

Collegial, Collaborative Culture

Gardiner Roberts cultivates a notably collegial and collaborative culture where attorneys, professionals and students enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises open communication and teamwork, working alongside talented professionals committed to mentorship and development.

The firm actively fosters diversity, respect, and inclusion through progressive initiatives, including strategic recruiting, mentoring, networking, and comprehensive career development programmes. Gardiner Roberts has been listed among the Best Workplaces in Canada for Women and Inclusion by Great Place to Work

Giving back is embedded in the firm’s DNA. Through extensive pro bono work and community service, Gardiner Roberts nurtures both a sense of social responsibility and the professional development of its lawyers.

Comprehensive Legal Expertise

Gardiner Roberts offers comprehensive legal services across a broad range of practice areas, including business and corporate commercial, commercial real estate, employment law, energy law, financial services, health law, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation and dispute resolution, non-profit and charities, securities and corporate finance, tax and estate planning, and transportation and logistics.

Industry specialisation includes banking, finance, insurance, infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, media, mining, private equity and venture capital, and transportation and logistics

The firm’s diverse clientele spans Fortune 500 and international corporations, local businesses, and emerging start-ups.

The Gardiner Roberts Advantage

“The firm’s client-centric approach balances expertise, relevant experience, and responsiveness to deliver timely, custom-tailored solutions,” said Hearn.

Gardiner Roberts’ attorneys have earned national and international recognition from clients and peers for their ability to provide full-service law firm capabilities with the efficiency and agility of a mid-sized firm.

Combined with a collaborative culture and overall cost-effectiveness, this creates a distinct advantage over larger, siloed firms.

International Expansion Through Globalaw

Joining Globalaw in 2022 has elevated Gardiner Roberts’ international profile and generated referrals to and from other members.

“The network enables Gardiner Roberts to expand its reach and better serve clients by referring matters to trusted affiliates worldwide,” said Hearn.

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For more information, visit grllp.com.

Every new and existing creation of personal data carries some risk of a possible data breach. Every organisation and data user must have clear policies and procedures for best practices in reporting data breaches and responding to data leakage incidents.

Different jurisdictions have their own criteria or laws governing how organisations should respond to data leak incidents. Most require data users to take all reasonable steps to protect personal data from unauthorized or accidental access, taking into consideration the type of data, potential harm from a breach, and measures to maintain the data's integrity for those who have access to it.

This article provides an overview of the criteria and laws applicable in Globalaw’s Asia Pacific region, including Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Hong Kong

Business operators in Hong Kong are encouraged to voluntarily report data breaches in accordance with the best practices published by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD).

Currently, there are no specific criminal penalties for data breaches, although civil liabilities may arise from breaches of contract, confidentiality, and negligence.

The newly enacted Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance, expecting to take effect on 1 January 2026, will require the operators of crucial infrastructures in Hong Kong in eight industries — energy, information technology, banking and financial services, air transportation, land transportation, maritime transport, healthcare services, and telecommunications and broadcasting services — to implement security plans and protocols, and report on security incidents. Failure to comply will result in fines ranging from HK$500,000 to HK$5 million.

India

India’s forthcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) requires data breaches to be reported promptly to both the Data Protection Board of India and the data principal. If data fiduciaries fail to provide such notice, they could face severe penalties of up to approximately USD 24 million.

Japan

In the event of serious data security breaches in Japan, business operators are required to notify both the Personal Information Protection Commission (JPIPC) and data subjects. The Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) imposes criminal penalties for various improper handling of personal data as well as failure to comply with the JPIPC rectification requests and orders.

South Korea

For any leak of sensitive personal data in South Korea, business operators must notify the Korean Personal Information Protection Commission and the affected data subjects within 72 hours of discovering the leak. Criminal penalties apply to intentional or severe negligence (such as illegal data sales or leaks), along with administrative fines, corrective orders, potential suspension of processing, and public disclosure.

Taiwan

In Taiwan, the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) currently requires organisations to notify affected individuals of data breaches only after the relevant facts have been verified. Criminal penalties are imposed for intentional misconduct, with a tiered system of administrative fines for other violations. Notably, proposed amendments to the PDPA announced in March 2025 include increased reporting requirements, and business operators should closely monitor these upcoming changes.

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This article is part of a series by our Globalaw APAC Data Privacy & Protection Taskforce members.

Globalaw’s APAC Data Privacy & Protection Taskforce comprises 15 law firms in the Asia-Pacific region with specialized expertise in advising international companies on how to implement and manage a multijurisdictional data protection program. Taskforce member firms combine a strategic, business-minded approach with cross-border collaboration to help clients build and maintain sophisticated and resilient data practices, effectively mitigate and respond to incidents, and provide sophisticated representation to resolve disputes or regulatory investigations.

Explore the Globalaw APAC Data Privacy & Protection Taskforce brochure for more information and regional contacts.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information, including laws and statutes, cited are subject to change and is accurate as of 30 June 2025, but readers should verify such current status. We and our member firms shall not be held liable for any loss and/or damage incurred by any person acting as a result of the information contained in this article. Reliance on this content is at the reader’s own risk, and no attorney-client relationship is formed by reading or acting upon this article. Always seek professional legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.