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GDPR and Your Business: How GDPR Solicitors Can Help You Stay
Compliant
In today's digital age, data protection has become a paramount concern for
businesses across the globe. With the introduction of the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, the European Union set stringent rules for how
businesses must handle personal data. Whether you are a small start-up or a large
corporation, staying compliant with GDPR is crucial to avoid hefty fines and
reputational damage. This is where data protection lawyers, come into play, offering
expert guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of the regulation.
Understanding GDPR and Its Importance
The GDPR is a regulation that governs how personal data of individuals within the
European Union (EU) should be collected, stored, processed, and shared. It aims to
give individuals greater control over their personal data while imposing strict
obligations on organizations that handle such data. These obligations cover a wide
range of activities, including obtaining explicit consent from individuals, ensuring
data security, and providing transparency about how data is used.
Non-compliance with GDPR can result in significant fines, with penalties reaching up
to €20 million or 4% of a company’s global annual turnover, whichever is higher.
Given these severe consequences, ensuring compliance with GDPR is not just a legal
requirement but also a safeguard for your business's reputation and trustworthiness.
How GDPR Solicitors Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant
GDPR compliance can be complex and may require businesses to make several
changes to their data processing practices. GDPR solicitors, with their expertise in
data protection law, can help businesses stay compliant through the following
means:
1. Conducting Data Protection Audits
One of the first steps in ensuring compliance is identifying what personal data your
business holds and how it is processed. GDPR solicitors can conduct comprehensive
data protection audits, evaluating your business’s current data processing activities.
These audits will help determine whether your current processes align with GDPR
requirements and pinpoint areas that need improvement. The solicitor can assist in
categorizing data, ensuring that you are not holding more data than necessary and
that you are using it for lawful purposes.
2. Creating and Implementing Data Protection Policies
GDPR solicitors can help your business develop tailored data protection policies that
align with GDPR. These policies might include guidelines on how to collect, store, and

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process personal data. They can also ensure that your organization has proper data
retention policies in place and that data is erased when no longer needed. Having
robust data protection policies can demonstrate your commitment to data privacy,
both internally and to customers, thereby fostering trust.
3. Handling Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs)
Under the GDPR, individuals have the right to access the personal data you hold
about them, request corrections, and even ask for it to be deleted. These are known
as Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs). GDPR solicitors can assist in developing
procedures for responding to DSARs within the required one-month timeframe,
ensuring that requests are handled promptly and appropriately. Failure to meet
these requests within the stipulated time can result in penalties, which makes legal
advice essential in this area.
4. Providing Advice on Consent Management
One of the cornerstones of GDPR compliance is obtaining clear and unambiguous
consent from individuals before processing their data. GDPR solicitors can guide
businesses on how to create valid consent forms and how to handle situations where
consent is withdrawn. They can also help develop systems for tracking and managing
consent, ensuring that all consent records are up to date and easily accessible.
5. Data Breach Management and Reporting
In the unfortunate event of a data breach, GDPR imposes strict reporting
requirements. Businesses are required to report certain types of data breaches to
the relevant authorities within 72 hours of discovery. GDPR solicitors can provide
valuable assistance in preparing data breach response plans, training staff to
recognize breaches, and ensuring timely notification to both authorities and affected
individuals, if necessary. Their role is essential in mitigating the damage caused by
breaches and minimizing the risk of non-compliance.
6. Training and Awareness
GDPR solicitors can help businesses train employees on data protection best
practices. This includes educating staff on recognizing phishing attempts, secure
handling of personal data, and maintaining confidentiality. By investing in GDPR
training, businesses ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities
under the regulation, reducing the risk of accidental breaches.
7. Representing Your Business in Case of Non-Compliance
If your business faces scrutiny from regulatory bodies or is subject to an investigation
for non-compliance, GDPR solicitors can represent your interests. They can help
negotiate settlements, handle legal proceedings, and reduce the likelihood of
substantial fines. Their expertise ensures that your company has a strong defense
against allegations of GDPR violations.

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Conclusion
The GDPR is a crucial regulation for businesses that process personal data, and
compliance is mandatory for avoiding significant penalties. GDPR solicitors play an
essential role in guiding businesses through the complex requirements of the
regulation. From conducting audits to responding to data breaches, these legal
professionals help ensure that your business remains compliant and secure.
Engaging with a GDPR solicitor is not only an investment in legal protection but also
a commitment to maintaining your customers’ trust and safeguarding their personal
information.