Mishcon de Reya has announced that Paolo Sbuttoni and Aselle Ibraimova have joined its Innovation department as Partners in London. Their arrivals further strengthen the firm’s data, cyber and technology offering and support its strategic focus on the Innovation Economy, a key growth area under the firm’s Vision 2030 strategy.
Paolo Sbuttoni is an international technology, data protection and commercial lawyer with more than 20 years’ experience. Dual-qualified in England & Wales and Hong Kong, Paolo advises on data protection and cybersecurity compliance, technology transactions (including major cloud and outsourcing projects) and AI and other evolving technologies. He brings significant cross-border experience, having spent 13 years practising in Hong Kong before returning to the UK in 2023. Paolo joins Mishcon de Reya from Foot Anstey, where he helped grow the firm’s technology and data capabilities, and previously practised at Baker McKenzie in Hong Kong, where he led the Hong Kong technology and data team.
Aselle Ibraimova joins the firm’s Data team with expertise in data protection, cybersecurity and AI. She advises clients on a broad range of compliance, governance and incident response matters, and has particular experience in evolving cybersecurity regimes including NIS2 and DORA, as well as data sharing, data training issues, and complex outsourcing and technology contracts. Her clients span the media and entertainment, healthcare, technology and financial services sectors. Aselle also brings valuable in-house experience from roles at the BBC and Cerner, now Oracle Health, which gives her a strong understanding of how businesses operate and the demands placed on in-house legal teams. She joins Mishcon de Reya from Reed Smith, where she was Counsel, having previously practised at Squire Patton Boggs.
Jeremy Hertzog, Chair of Innovation at Mishcon de Reya, commented: “Paolo and Aselle are excellent additions to our Innovation department. Their combined expertise across technology, data, cyber and AI significantly strengthens an area of strategic importance for the firm. As we continue to build our Innovation Economy offering, their experience advising clients at the cutting edge of technological change, both in the UK and internationally, will be invaluable. We are delighted to welcome them both to Mishcon de Reya.”
Paolo Sbuttoni commented: “I am delighted to be joining Mishcon de Reya at a time when demand for legal advice on technology, data, AI and cybersecurity is growing so rapidly. The firm’s strength in innovation, its international outlook, and its commitment to Hong Kong and other key growth markets make it a compelling platform for my practice. I look forward to helping clients navigate complex technology and data issues across the UK and internationally.”
Aselle Ibraimova commented: “I am very pleased to be joining Mishcon de Reya’s Innovation department. The firm has an excellent reputation in data and technology, and I am excited by the opportunity to contribute further expertise in data, AI technology and cybersecurity compliance. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients address evolving regulatory and operational challenges.”
James Boyle, Partner and Head of the Data Group at Mishcon de Reya, added: "Paolo and Aselle joining the team represent a significant step forward for us, and underscore the remarkable growth trajectory we have been on. Their combined expertise in data protection, cybersecurity and AI brings real depth to our offering at a time when client demand in these areas has never been higher. This continued investment in top-tier talent reflects our ambition to be the go-to firm for businesses navigating the most complex data and technology challenges. I am thrilled to welcome them both to the team."