Emma Butler

Partner, Co-Practice Head, Tech Transactions (EMEA and APAC)

Melbourne

+61 3 9679 3549 | +61 438 294 361

emma.butler@ashurstperkins.com

Overview

Introduction

For more than 20 years, Emma has helped her clients navigate their most critical cyber, data and technology challenges.

From start-ups to listed companies, clients rely on Emma Butler to navigate high-stakes legal challenges related to technology and data. Emma counsels her clients across a broad range of cyber, privacy, AI, telecommunications and technology matters, including advising on critical cyber incident readiness and response strategies, privacy and data risk management, "bet the business" technology projects and cutting-edge AI solutions. Emma also acts on M&A transactions, leading complex business separation and transition project streams.

Emma is highly regarded for her ability to provide pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions for clients operating in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem, where technology continues to challenge and outpace regulation. She has particular experience working with highly-regulated clients across Australia's critical infrastructure ecosystem, including in energy, water, transport, financial services, health, and telecommunications.

As a key member of Ashurst Perkins Coie's integrated legal and risk cyber team, Emma works with clients every day to prepare for, and respond to, critical cyber incidents. Alongside Ashurst Perkins Coie's cyber risk management team, Emma has advised on Australia's most significant cyber incidents, helping her clients navigate the evolving regulatory and legal risks posed by an ever-changing cyber threat landscape. She has led responses to significant cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks and large-scale data breaches, and regularly advises executive teams on proactive cyber resilience strategies.

Emma's experience also extends to frontier AI risk management, including advising on the design and implementation of AI risk frameworks and operational resilience strategies.

Emma is a recognized thought leader on cyber, privacy, data and AI, regularly speaking and publishing on the legal issues facing her clients. As one of Australia's leading cyber, data protection and technology lawyers, Emma is also ranked in Chambers Asia-Pacific and as a Leading Individual in Legal 500.