Professional Profile and Bio
Data protection has now become an essential area of European law.
As a French-qualified lawyer based in Brussels, Olivier is ideally located at the heart of Europe to monitor any legal developments in this fast-developing area of the law and to interact with representatives of the EU institutions and bodies.
As a privacy law specialist, he advises organisations of all sizes and across business sectors on all aspects of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and French data protection law, including to implement privacy policies and procedures, to conduct data protection impact assessments, or to handle data subject requests.
Olivier also frequently assists organisations with drafting, reviewing and negotiating data privacy clauses in customer or service agreements. Another area of his work consists in advising multinational organisations on what data transfer mechanisms to put in place when transferring personal data outside the EU (such as binding corporate rules or standard contractual clauses).
He advises organisations on how to handle data security incidents and when to notify the regulators or the individuals that are impacted by these incidents.
Olivier usually advises Data Protection Officers directly on their privacy compliance strategies but often I also act as an external DPO for many of our clients. Also, as the Data Protection Authorities become more resourceful, He assists companies during critical moments such as DPA inspections and advises them on how to respond to DPA inquiries.
Given the nature of data protection law, the GDPR is often at the intersection with other areas of law. Therefore, he advises clients in specific areas, such as consumer privacy, online e-privacy (i.e. direct marketing, cookies, etc.) and employee privacy rights (employee monitoring, whistleblowing, corporate investigations, e-discovery).
As a member of the IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals)'s Faculty, Olivier trains IAPP members each year on the CIPP/E certification program and speaks at many events that are organised by the IAPP. He also sits on MedTech Europe's Data Protection Committee as an external privacy expert.
He is an active contributor to our Privacy, Security & Information Blog and has written many articles both in French and English that were published in law journals.
Olivier is a member of the Paris and Brussels bars (E list for European lawyers).
*SRL Olivier Proust 0834.390.436
What others say…
Olivier Proust impresses clients for being very available, personable and incredibly informed in data protection and privacy - a real expert.
Olivier Proust is 'dedicated and committed'.
‘Olivier Proust is a recognised expert in his field He provides practical land straightforward advice on what the key issues are‘.
'Olivier Proust is fantastic He is a top legal mind in the area, sharp, diligent, hard working and incredibly personable‘.
Fieldfisher’s team provides ‘pragmatic advice’ on GDPR, data breaches and international data transfer matters, to name a few areas. Olivier Proust, who jointly heads the team with Tim Van Canneyt is ‘knowledgeable, responsive and very practical’.
Fieldfisher’s approach addresses data protection and privacy questions in a broad manner, while proposing business-friendly and long-term compliance solutions.” Another peer says that they have “good knowledge and expertise in constantly evolving areas such as IT and data protection.” Olivier Proust is highly thought of for his work handling data protection matters, in particular concerning privacy and cybersecurity. One impressed client notes: “He is pragmatic and understands the complexities and issues of multinational organisations.”
