Steven Farmer

Steve is wonderful to work with … an excellent lawyer with a common-sense approach.

—Chambers UK

Steven Farmer leads the firm’s UK and EU Technology and Trade Regulatory teams. He is also global co-chair of the firm’s Privacy, Data Protection & Cybersecurity team.

Steven advises clients looking to launch or expand in the UK/EU, while navigating complex legal issues. His client relationships encompass a range of sectors, including technology, financial services, energy, manufacturing, aviation, education and defense.

He regularly advises on regulatory compliance in the pre- and post-incident environments, often dealing with government/regulator investigations and audits. On the trade regulatory side, his areas of experience include export controls, economic and trade sanctions, foreign direct investment, anti-money laundering, product launches and supply chain issues. On the technology regulatory side, he has been recognized as one of the world’s leading “40 under 40” data privacy lawyers, advising on a range of privacy and cybersecurity strategies and policies. He also advises on issues related to the latest technological developments, such as artificial intelligence (AI) (leading the firm’s UK and EU AI Task Force). Steven also has experience in advising on technology and e-commerce-related transactions and the monetization and protection of IP rights.

Steven is recognized by some of the leading legal directories and publications for his work, including Legal 500 (“Next Generation Partner”), Chambers, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal: Data, Global Data Review and World Export Control Review.

Representative Experience

Advised American multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation in connection with technology and trade regulatory issues in EMEA, including in the context of government investigations and audits.
Advised oil super major on global trade compliance, guiding the company through complex regulatory challenges across multiple jurisdictions in connection with worldwide energy projects.
Advised global manufacturer on all aspects of its privacy and cyber resilience compliance activities.

Advised Californian tech giant on day-to-day global trade compliance, including connected to the building of data centres globally to support its applications.

Advised leading Silicon Valley agentic AI company in connection with its international expansion.

Advised a number of Cypriot banks and the Cypriot banking sector on trade compliance, supporting their frontline role in navigating global financial regulatory challenges.

Advised various airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and lessors on trade compliance related to Russia, Iran, and other high-risk jurisdictions.

Advised multiple unmanned aircraft system and counter-drone companies on trade compliance, including foreign defense sales, licensing, classification, brokering, and enforcement matters.

Professional Highlights

Recognized by The Legal 500 UK for TMT (2022 – 2026); Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity (2022 – 2026), and Trade (2026).
Recognized by Chambers UK for Sanctions (2026).
Recognized by Best Lawyers as one of the “Best Lawyers in the UK.”

Recognized by Global Data Review as one of the world’s 40 leading data lawyers under 40.

Recognized as a leading data lawyer by Who’s Who Legal: Data.

Recognized by World Export Control Review as drawing on “in-depth knowledge of Trade measures” and having a “nuanced understanding of related political, policy and diplomatic content.”

Often quoted in the press (e.g., recently quoted in Politico, The Sunday Times, the Wall Street Journal, City AM and on the BBC).

Has authored numerous articles appearing in trade and legal press.

Education

Queen Mary College, University of London, 2012
Certificate, Trade Mark Law and Practice

University of Bristol, 2008
Diploma, Intellectual Property Law and Practice

Nottingham Law School, 2004
Diploma, Legal Practice

The University of Manchester, 2002
LL.B. (Hons)

Admissions

England and Wales

Areas of Focus

Practices

Representative Experience

Professional Highlights

Steven's Insights