Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has appointed David Varney as a partner, further strengthening its national digital practice as demand continues to grow for advice on technology transactions, data protection, AI governance and cybersecurity. David joins the firm's Bristol office and will work with clients and colleagues across our UK and US platforms.
He brings more than 15 years' experience advising businesses on complex digital and technology matters across a range of sectors, adding further depth to WBD's offering in this strategically important area.
David advises on commercial technology transactions, digital transformation projects, IT outsourcing, software development and licensing, cloud services, digital marketing, data protection, e-privacy, IoT and cybersecurity. He also supports clients on the development, implementation and governance of emerging technologies, including AI, and has significant experience helping organisations respond to cyber incidents and evolving regulation.
His practice spans global technology providers, UK corporates, PLCs and high-growth businesses, with experience across sectors including energy and utilities, data centres, real estate, retail, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and the digital creative economy. He also advises on the commercial, technology, data and intellectual property aspects of corporate transactions, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors.
David's appointment adds further depth to WBD's capabilities in technology, privacy, cybersecurity and AI, and enhances its ability to support clients on major digital transformation programmes, technology-led products and services, and complex regulatory issues. It also supports the continued growth of the firm's digital practice nationally.
David has been recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 for his work in information technology and data protection, and co-authored the inaugural Chambers and Partners guide to artificial intelligence law, practice and development in the UK. Before joining WBD, he was a partner at Ashfords and Burges Salmon, having trained at Allen & Overy.
David Varney said: "Womble Bond Dickinson has a strong platform for technology, data and digital work, with the scale, sector strength and transatlantic reach to support clients on increasingly complex issues. Businesses are facing rapid change across technology procurement and development, data use, cybersecurity, AI and digital regulation, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the firm to help clients manage risk and realise opportunities in this evolving landscape."
Paula Bartlett, Partner and Head of the UK Commercial team at Womble Bond Dickinson, said: "David is an excellent addition to our digital practice. He brings deep technical expertise, strong commercial judgement and broad sector experience, further strengthening the support we provide to clients on technology, data, cybersecurity and AI matters. His appointment reflects our continued investment in areas of strategic importance to clients, and we are delighted to welcome him to the firm."
David is a member of the Society for Computers and Law and the International Technology Law Association. His appointment underlines WBD's continued investment in strategically important areas as clients navigate digital transformation, data governance and emerging technologies.
The appointment comes alongside WBD's latest round of senior promotions, effective 1 July 2026, recognising the talent and expertise of lawyers across the firm's UK offices and key practice areas.
Three lawyers have been promoted to partner: Harriet Campbell in the Private Wealth team, Stephen Dagg in the Real Estate team, and Todd Rayner in the Corporate and Commercial team, all based in Newcastle. A further four lawyers have been promoted to legal director: Joanne Anderson, Alice Causer and Paul Rosenzweig in Newcastle, and Amy Hodge in Southampton. The promotions follow another year of growth for WBD and underline the firm's continued focus on building specialist capability across the sectors and services most important to its clients.
