In this series, we introduce some of the people that make up Stephens Scown. We learn about their expertise, what drew them to join the legal profession and find out a little bit about who they are outside of work.
Here we introduce Leanne Yendell, Solicitor in our Data Protection and Technology team.
Can you share with us a little bit about your role and a typical day?
My primary responsibility is to help my clients navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding data protection and privacy regime of England and Wales. I do not really have ‘typical days’, per say, due to my incredibly diverse portfolio of work. I can often move between assisting organisations with building their compliance infrastructure such as policies, procedures, agreements and system auditing – to rapid incident response involving fast-paced, mitigating advice. I also take pride in having a collaborative approach with my clients; often facilitating education on the subject through training sessions, presentations and discussions between senior leadership members.
Why did you choose to specialise in your area of law?
In our modern age, our data reflects the fabric of our being, our thoughts, opinions, beliefs, experiences, behaviours, preferences, relationships, and even our DNA. This means that data use can be powerful but also gives rise to profound risks.
The draw for me was the human dimension of this practice area. Having started my career in family law, which also focused on human dignity and welfare during life’s vulnerable moments, I moved into data as I could see the developing, long-term impact of ever more advance, and potentially invasive, technologies and practices.
But the risks are not on individuals alone. Organisations, too, are navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape. There is rapid regulatory development which can expose businesses to reputational damage, financial risk and operational challenges if unmet.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I see my role as dual-purpose – supporting organisations build awareness, embed good practice and uphold legal principles while also safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people behind the data. As my matters are more often at the complex end of the scale, it is a really rewarding to know that my involvement has created a more positive outcome for all those impacted by an issue, whether it be ensuring an employer does not overstep the mark in monitoring its employees or settling a long-running data dispute where, on first glance, there was no way forward.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be and why?
I love ancient history and would probably be an archaeologist. Much like law, archaeology is about investigation, interpretation, understanding context and making informed conclusions.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
We have a toddler and so most of my time is currently dedicated to navigating life with our little whirlwind. She is at a really fun age and, like me, she is very curious. We spend our time exploring and experiencing new things, from travelling to new countries to simple pleasures such a trips to the beach with family and friends. We are also renovating our house so that takes up a lot of time.
What does it mean to work for Stephens Scown, what makes us different?
Data protection and privacy law is a relatively niche area of legal practice and is often treated as an add-on to broader commercial teams by other firms. What stood out for me is that Stephens Scown was one of only a handful of firms in the South West with a team solely dedicated on this complex and evolving field. This level of focus and specialisation allowed me to develop as a true matter expert, meaning our client’s benefit from experienced and in-depth advice rather than a generalist approach.