Emma Butler

Emma is recognised as a leading digital economy lawyer focusing on cyber security, data protection, complex digital transformation projects and related technology transactions.*

Clients rely on Emma to navigate high-stakes legal challenges, including advising on critical cyber incident readiness and response, "bet the business" technology projects and cutting-edge AI investments. Emma also acts on M&A transactions, leading business separation and transition project streams. She is highly regarded for her ability to provide pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions in an increasingly complex digital world.

As a key member of Ashurst's integrated legal and risk cyber team, Emma works with clients every day to prepare for, and respond to, critical cyber incidents. Alongside Ashurst's cyber risk management experts, Emma helps 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 is an active contributor to thought leadership on cyber and privacy law reform and regularly presents and leads panel discussions on cyber and data risk.

Emma has particular expertise working with highly-regulated clients across Australia's critical infrastructure ecosystem, including in energy, water, transport, financial services, health, and telecommunications. Emma also regularly advises government on cyber-related issues and high-risk technology projects.

*She is recognised as a Leading Lawyer in Chambers (TMT: Information Technology) and the Legal 500 (IT and Telecommunications) in 2024.