Emily Carter

Information law

Emily advises corporates, regulators, public authorities and individuals on complex information law matters.

She is particularly experienced in the management of sensitive information during investigations, inquiries, litigation and regulatory proceedings, including issues relating to disclosure, confidentiality, privilege and data protection.

Her work includes advising on:

• data protection issues arising from investigations, inquiries and litigation;
• complex and highly sensitive DSARs;
• Information Commission investigations, enforcement action and PECR compliance;
• UK GDPR compliance, including for overseas organisations operating within the UK;
• the use of personal data in the development and deployment of new technologies, including AI;
• Freedom of Information Act requests and appeals before the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.

Emily advises both applicants and public authorities on rights under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and writes and edits the data protection section of Cordery on Legal Services. She co-heads the firm’s information law team:

“What makes this practice unique is its rare blend of deep technical expertise, genuine commercial understanding, and an empathetic, human approach to client relationships.” (Legal 500, 2026)

Inquests, public inquiries and independent reviews

Having advised participants in some of the UK’s most significant inquiries, Emily has particular expertise in managing complex evidence, sensitive information and competing disclosure obligations.

Emily’s experience includes advising witnesses, information providers and core participants in a range of public inquiries, large-scale inquests and independent reviews, including:

• Grenfell Tower Inquiry
• Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
• Fishmongers’ Hall Inquests
• Isle of Man Covid Inquiry
• Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry
• Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry
• The FCA Independent Review of Connaught
• The FCA/PRA Independent Investigation into the Failure of HBOS
• The Davis Inquiry into the FCA’s Briefing of its Business Plan in March 2014
• Baha Mousa Inquiry
• Inquest into the Death of Jean Charles de Menezes

She advises and represents bereaved families, employers and other interested persons in inquests, providing clear guidance and practical support throughout the coronial process, from the immediate aftermath of a death through to the conclusion of the inquest.

She works closely with clients to ensure they are supported at every stage. She is experienced in cases involving suicide, the deaths of young people and workplace deaths, as well as inquests involving digital and social media evidence.

Criminal, regulatory and professional discipline proceedings

Emily’s background in criminal and regulatory proceedings, both defending and prosecuting, provides a strong foundation for her work advising those involved in investigations, enforcement action and disciplinary proceedings.

She has acted on behalf of a range of regulatory bodies including the Financial Reporting Council, the Security Industry Authority and the Health and Care Professions Council.

She continues to represent senior police officers of the Chief Police Officer’s Staff Association (CPOSA) in connection with disciplinary and criminal investigations, including those conducted by Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Her work includes

Emily has represented:

• The Bar Council as intervenor in The Chief Constable of Sussex Police and another -v- XGY [2025] EWCA Civ 1230 concerning the ambit and application of advocates’ immunity;
• Haringey Law Centre in Ayinde -v- London Borough of Haringey 2025 [EWHC 1383 (Admin) concerning fake citations in legal proceedings
• Applicant in NHS Business Services Authority v Information Commissioner and Spivack [2021] UKUT 192 (AAC) concerning availability of prescription data under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
• Financial Reporting Council in disciplinary proceedings against accountants and accountancy firms, including iSOFT and Silentnight

What clients and directories have said

“Emily Carter is a pioneer in the field of information law generally, specialising in data protection and cybersecurity issues. She is tough, hugely experienced and a joy to work with. Her knowledge of this fast-developing area is remarkable, making her an essential part of any team where data protection issues are likely to arise – I would have no hesitation recommending her.”Legal 500 UK 2024

“Emily Carter is hugely knowledgeable. She listens to the client and goes out of her way to work with you to assist.”Legal 500 UK 2024

“Emily Carter is superb, incredibly approachable and precisely the kind of solicitor a client wants when the going gets tough. She is hands-on and firm.”Legal 500 UK 2021

“Emily Carter is an immensely able professional. We have been working with her for five years now. What is outstanding is her capacity to manage complex issues in the wider context and to provide excellent legal advice, whilst still acknowledging the human realities which underpin public law issues. She is a consummate and caring professional and human being.”Legal 500 UK 2021

“Stand-out partner Emily Carter…. They are market leaders, but maintain a courteous manner in dealing with opponents, all the while protecting their client’s interests to the best of their ability. They are genuinely interested in and impressive contributors to public law.”Legal 500 UK 2021

Publications

• AI and access to justice: Deepening the divide? – Published in New Law Journal, August 2025
• The Evolving Challenge of Data Protection Laws  – Published in Solicitors Journal, Jan 2024
• Workplace Investigations: Common traps and how to avoid them – People Management, July 2023
• Information overload? The future of the ICO – Article written for Solicitors Journal, October 2022
• No time to waste in safeguarding children online – Article written for New Law Journal, October 2022
• Facial recognition in schools: innocuous or intrusive? Article written for Schools Week, July 2022