Member Spotlight: Ilieva Voutcheva & Co. Law Firm, Bulgaria

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.

Building on More Than a Century of Success

Founded in 1906 in Providence, Rhode Island, Hinckley Allen has grown from a regional law firm into a dynamic, multidisciplinary business law powerhouse with offices across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New York.

The firm continues to strategically expand into new locations by attracting and retaining top talent to serve clients across practice areas, industries, and matter complexity. Recently opened offices in Fort Lauderdale and metro St. Louis have quickly become two of the firm’s highest-performing locations, underscoring its forward-thinking approach of aligning its top-tier practices with opportunities in high-growth markets

Focused on Today, Planning for Tomorrow

A full-service business law firm, Hinckley Allen’s core practices include construction and public contracts, corporate and business transactions, litigation, real estate, and trusts and estates. While construction and real estate are foundational, the firm’s capabilities extend into energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, sports and entertainment, and international trade. With a strong focus on emerging fields such as AI, cybersecurity, and data protection, Hinckley Allen is well-positioned to help clients address the unique and evolving business challenges they face.

Numerous Hinckley Allen lawyers have been recognized as distinguished leaders, “Go To” lawyers, lawyers to watch, and many practices and lawyers are ranked in Chambers USA, Legal500, Benchmark Litigation. This year the firm earned 100 rankings in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, and has been named a Best Places to Work in a number of its geographies.

A Culture of Excellence & Empowerment

“People want to join our firm because we don’t just say we care, we show it through our inclusive, supportive environment and meaningful relationships we build with our clients and colleagues,” said Hinckley Allen Partner John H. Sokul, Jr.

The firm’s guiding principle, ‘Hinckley Allen Cares,’ reflects a deep commitment to supporting and empowering everyone to thrive. This ethos permeates every level of the organization, fostering collaboration and collegiality that lead to better outcomes for both clients and employees. Commitment to groups such as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, the Women’s Forum, and Pro Bono Committee demonstrates the firm’s dedication to nurturing a culture where all voices are heard and appreciated.

People Make the Difference

The firm’s greatest asset is its people. Powered by significant growth, Hinckley Allen has preserved and elevated a culture of collaboration and disciplinary excellence that clients experience in every interaction. Its ability to assemble cross-disciplinary teams ensures that complex matters are addressed from every perspective.

“Our firm’s deep bench allows us to bring all types of skillsets to actively solve our clients’ challenges, making us a unique place to seek counsel,” said Sokul.

This approach has led to notable successes, including high-profile litigation wins and major development projects like Rock Row and Tuscan Village, where the firm advised on financing and construction for transformative mixed-use developments.

Globalaw: Connecting for Success Across Borders

Through its membership in Globalaw, Hinckley Allen leverages trusted relationships with legal professionals worldwide to seamlessly assist clients with cross-border business matters.

An example of this is when we had the pleasure of helping an international manufacturing company, CMZ, open its first U.S. office in Massachusetts, thanks to the referral from Moore & Van Allen. Our efforts encompassed leasing, construction, corporate and employment law, as well as navigating the US visa process.

Since joining the network in 2018, the firm has embraced opportunities to collaborate globally, hosting the first post-COVID Globalaw meeting in 2021 and participating in member programs such as the Real Estate initiative.

The appointment of Jessica Y. Wang, Hinckley Allen Partner and NextGen superstar, to Globalaw’s Board of Directors enhances the firm’s influence and connectivity within the network, strengthening its ability to serve clients worldwide.

“Regardless of geography, law firms around the world grapple with remarkably similar issues, challenges, and opportunities,” said Wang. “We regularly seek insight from fellow Globalaw firms to help our clients successfully navigate international business issues.”

To learn more, visit hinckleyallen.com.