Vanessa is a technology and data lawyer who has been at the forefront of advising clients using internet-enabled business models for over 20 years. She specialises in advising VC-backed, high-growth businesses during their scale-up journey on a general counsel-like basis, particularly those who are data-rich and use SaaS, platform, or marketplace models. Her practice has a focus on two of the biggest growth areas in the digital economy: data platforms and gig/talent platforms.
Vanessa has extensive expertise in applying traditional regulations to new online business models (e.g. data protection, employment, tax, sector-specific regulations), advising on structure, contracts, intellectual property, and data protection. She works with client product teams to ensure compliance by design and advises on legal strategy, and user experience.
Having registered the company that became Ocado as a trainee, her career began with advising early UK internet giants including Tesco, Amazon, Google and Apple. She’s worked across e-commerce, mobile, apps, digital media, big data, and the gig economy.
Vanessa chairs the Open Knowledge Foundation, which is a pioneer in openness and data literacy, including developing the Open Data Commons licences. She holds CIPP/E and CIPM certifications.
Expertise
Please note: The experience list above may include examples of work completed prior to joining Keystone Law.
Recognition
“Vanessa is very responsive and always willing to help.”
“Vanessa is a market expert.”
“Vanessa is commercial and pragmatic, not overly theoretical, providing clear and confident advice even on complex issues.”
“Vanessa is strongly client-focused.”
“Vanessa is great. She provides commercially astute, pragmatic and legally sound advice on challenging topics. That is all underpinned by a deep understanding of her sector.”
“When it comes to novel technology and complex commercial arrangements, Vanessa is simply the best.”
“She has an innovative, pragmatic and commercial approach to issues.”
“She has a very good grasp of detail and is quick to understand the varied positions and the legal options.”
“She has an amazing ability to understand a client's needs and always offers commercial and pragmatic advice.”
“She has a standout strength in providing pragmatic, creative, legally sound solutions to complex challenges.”
“Vanessa is great to work with and I really value her advice.”
“Vanessa is consistently excellent and technically sound.”
“Vanessa Barnett is a great lawyer with exceptional client handling skills.”
“Vanessa Barnett takes the time and effort to understand the underlying technology and business model like no other lawyer, so her advice is super-focussed.”
“Vanessa Barnett takes the time and effort to understand the underlying technology/business model like no other lawyer, so her advice is super focussed.”
“Vanessa Barnett always delivers considered, pragmatic and commercially realistic advice. She's a real trusted advisor.”
“Vanessa's sensible and pragmatic approach ensures that we are making the right decision for our business. If I have an issue, Vanessa is the first person I call.”
“Vanessa is simply one of the best lawyers I've ever worked with. She is exceptionally smart - for one, she was literally the only lawyer who understood our product and business model. She is also commercial, and does not get hung up on things that don't matter when concluding negotiations with customers.”
“Vanessa Barnett of Keystone Law is a "very sensible, very good lawyer" according to market sources. She advises on commercial and regulatory issues relating to advertising, marketing and sponsorship and has a background in IP law. ”
“Vanessa Barnett ‘knows the law and is very commercial,’ sources say.”
“Vanessa Barnett is ‘an excellent facilitator’ and a ‘clear and pragmatic lawyer’.”
“Vanessa Barnett recommended for ‘great technical skills without being overly legalistic.”
“Vanessa Barnett is admired for her ‘broad industry knowledge, commercial approach and exceptional work ethic.”
“Has impressed clients with her ‘clear-cut communication style and tenacious work ethic.”
