Marks & Clerk appoints Aisling Cowell as Of Counsel

Law firm Marks & Clerk has made a significant appointment by bringing Aisling Cowell on board as Of Counsel. This move is aimed at bolstering the firm's growing AI, Cybersecurity & Data practice. By adding Cowell’s extensive expertise, Marks & Clerk aims to better assist clients navigating the increasingly complex landscape of privacy and regulatory challenges.

Cowell previously worked at a leading international law firm, where she served as an Associate in their Cybersecurity, Data Strategy and Privacy practice. With a background as a barrister, she offers a wealth of experience in advising multinational organisations on crucial issues such as cybersecurity incident preparedness and response, data protection, privacy law, and risk management. Her impressive portfolio includes handling major ransomware incidents, coordinating cross-border regulatory notifications, and liaising with law enforcement and regulatory bodies. Furthermore, she has advised boards and senior executives on governance and crisis management strategies.

Throughout her career, Cowell has represented a diverse array of organisations, which ranges from FTSE 100 companies and global technology firms to clinical research organisations and sports governing bodies. Her expertise encompasses not only cyber and operational resilience but also engagement with regulators in advocacy roles. This broad experience equips her to address a variety of related legal matters and positions Marks & Clerk to effectively navigate the complexities of today's regulatory environment.

In addition to her cybersecurity and privacy accomplishments, Cowell brings substantial experience in litigation, regulatory defence, internal investigations, and white-collar crime. She has offered clients guidance on complex legal issues related to anti-bribery, fraud, sanctions, and export control, ensuring a commercially-focused approach to managing intricate regulatory risks. Her achievements in pro bono work were also noted, as she was 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, expressed enthusiasm for Cowell's addition, stating that "AI, cybersecurity and data regulation are increasingly critical business issues for organisations operating in every sector." She further emphasised that Cowell’s exceptional experience greatly enhances the firm's capability to support clients facing high-stakes cyber incidents and regulatory investigations.

Cowell herself shared her excitement about joining Marks & Clerk, remarking that "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." She highlighted the firm’s reputation for helping innovative businesses manage risk while maximising their asset value. Cowell looks forward to collaborating with her new colleagues to help clients adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, cybersecurity, and data.

Before her tenure at Debevoise & Plimpton, Cowell completed her pupillage at a top criminal law chambers, where she acquired extensive experience in various criminal and regulatory matters, earning the Middle Temple Pupil Advocacy Prize during her time there. She holds an LLB from Durham University and has amassed several accolades, including the BPP Excellence and Advocacy Awards, the Durham Award, and the Targetjobs Law Undergraduate of the Year Award, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the legal field.