Melissa Hall
Legal DirectorMelissa Hall is a Legal Director in our Commercial team, advising organisations across the private, public and third sectors on data protection, governance, technology and commercial matters.
She helps clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory and digital landscapes, providing practical advice that is both legally robust and easy to implement.
Melissa has particular expertise in data protection and UK GDPR, commercial and IT contracts, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, anti-bribery and corruption, and charity governance. She works closely with organisations to manage risk, support innovation and ensure compliance, while helping them achieve their wider strategic objectives. Her data protection practice includes advising on data subject access requests, personal data breaches, marketing practices and contractual arrangements for data processing, as well as delivering tailored training to organisations.
Known for her pragmatic and sector-focused approach, Melissa delivers clear, commercial solutions that help clients make confident decisions. She works extensively with organisations in the technology, life sciences and charity sectors, advising on emerging issues relating to data, cyber security and AI, as well as governance, fundraising and brand protection. As co-lead of MFMac's Life Sciences sector, she supports organisations operating in a highly regulated and fast-evolving environment, helping them navigate legal and commercial challenges at every stage of growth.
Melissa is recognised by both Legal 500 and Chambers for her work in the technology and charity sectors, and is also a Notary Public.
Areas of Expertise
Commercial Contracts
Intellectual Property
Regulatory & Compliance
Data Protection & UK GDPR
Charities & Third Sector
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Manufacturing, Media & Technology
Technology
MedTech, BioTech & Digital Health
Cyber Security & Cyber Crime
Data & Cyber Security Incidents
Information Technology
Article
UK Biobank's Data Breach: Lessons Learned for International Sharing of Health Data
UK Biobank, a UK health research charity holding decades of de‑identified participant health data, recently discovered that datasets shared with approved academic researchers were listed for sale on a Chinese shopping website.
Podcast
Charity Compliance Update: ICO Enforcement, Soft Opt‑Ins and Legitimate Interest
This podcast explores the impact of some of the changes introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, lessons emerging from recent ICO action, how charities can approach soft opt-in with confidence, the wider implications of the Birthlink case and data protection considerations when carrying out prospect research.