Reed Smith is one of just six firms nominated to be Law Firm of the Year in the data protection category, and Beijing-based partner Barbara Li is shortlisted for Lawyer of the Year also in the data protection category.

Reed Smith offers a full spectrum of data protection, privacy and cybersecurity services across its global network. The firm advises clients on the full life cycle of data management and protection, from conception of a project or product, involving the collection of personal information, through its handling, disclosure, transfer and deletion.

Li has a particular focus on the data, cyber, technology, MedTech and FinTech sectors, and has significant experience advising international and large Chinese companies, financial institutions and PE investors across industries. She regularly advises on data compliance, complex and high-stakes cross-border data transfers, digital transformation of businesses, data breach risk management, deployment of emerging technologies such as AI, big data and cloud computing, as well as joint venture and M&A transactions. As a widely recognised thought leader in the data protection and privacy field, Li was appointed vice chair of the Cybersecurity Sub-Working Group for the EU Chamber of Commerce in China. She also sits on the IAPP Women Leading Privacy Advisory Committee.

The awards will recognise leading legal practitioners in China from both private practice and in-house. The shortlist can be found on the Legal 500 website.

Winners will be announced at the Legal 500 China Awards ceremony on 7 December in Shanghai.