Marks & Clerk has appointed Aisling Cowell as Of Counsel, further strengthening the firm's growing AI, Cybersecurity & Data practice and enhancing its ability to support clients through complex privacy and regulatory challenges.
Aisling joins from a leading international law firm, where she was an Associate in the firm's Cybersecurity, Data Strategy and Privacy practice. A barrister by background, she brings extensive experience advising multinational organisations on cybersecurity incident preparedness and response, data protection and privacy law, regulatory investigations and risk management.
Her work has included major ransomware and cyber incidents, coordinating cross-border regulatory notifications, engaging with law enforcement agencies and regulators, and advising boards and senior executives on crisis management and governance issues. She has acted for a broad range of organisations, including FTSE 100 companies, global technology businesses, asset managers, clinical research organisations, entertainment companies and sports governing bodies. She has advised companies on a wide range of related matters, including cyber and operational resilience and advocacy-focussed engagement with regulators.
Alongside her cybersecurity and privacy expertise, Aisling has significant experience in litigation, regulatory defence, internal investigations and white-collar crime matters. She has advised clients on cross-border anti-bribery, fraud, sanctions, export control and corruption investigations, providing commercially focused advice on complex legal and regulatory risks. She was also shortlisted for the Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year at The 2025 Bar Pro Bono Awards.
Fiona Phillips, Practice Lead for AI Cybersecurity & Data at Marks & Clerk, said:
"AI, cybersecurity and data regulation are increasingly critical business issues for organisations operating in every sector. Aisling's exceptional experience advising clients through high-stakes cyber incidents, regulatory investigations and complex cross-border matters significantly enhances the support we can provide to clients navigating an increasingly demanding risk landscape. Her arrival is an exciting step forward for our practice and demonstrates our continued investment in this strategically important area."
Aisling added:
"I am delighted to join Marks & Clerk at a time when organisations are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities arising from digital transformation, cybersecurity threats and evolving regulatory requirements. What particularly attracted me to the firm is its combination of deep technical expertise, international reach and strong reputation for helping innovative businesses protect and maximise the value of their assets. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients manage risk, respond to incidents and navigate the rapidly evolving AI, cybersecurity and data landscape."
Before joining her previous firm, Aisling completed her pupillage at a leading criminal law chambers where she defended and prosecuted in a variety of criminal and regulatory matters and received the Middle Temple Pupil Advocacy Prize. She holds an LLB from Durham University. During her studies she received numerous awards, including the BPP Excellence and Advocacy Awards, the Durham Award, and the Targetjobs Law Undergraduate of the Year Award.
Aisling's appointment has been covered by Solicitors Journal here.
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