Technology Law · European Union
Get Your Data Processing Agreements Drafted and Reviewed Properly
Whenever you hand personal data to a vendor — a CRM, a cloud host, a payroll provider — the GDPR requires a contract that pins down each party’s duties. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who drafts and reviews data processing agreements for organisations across Europe.
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Who this is for
If a third party touches your customers’ data, a data processing agreement is not optional paperwork
A data processing agreement, often called a DPA, is the contract required under the GDPR whenever one organisation — the processor — handles personal data on behalf of another — the controller. It must set out the subject matter and duration of the processing, the types of data involved, the security measures in place, and the parties’ respective obligations, including around sub-processors, data subjects’ rights and international transfers. This matters for SaaS companies, e-commerce businesses, marketing teams, HR departments and any organisation that relies on cloud, analytics or payroll vendors. Whether you act as controller or processor, we connect you with a lawyer who drafts and reviews these agreements so they reflect your real data flows and hold up across the countries where you operate.
Why agreements fail
Most DPAs are signed and filed without being checked
against how the data actually moves
A generic template or a vendor’s one-size-fits-all terms can leave duties unclear and liabilities open.
Generic templates that miss the point
A DPA that does not describe the actual categories of data, purposes and processing activities fails the GDPR’s requirement for a contract tailored to the specific processing — and leaves both parties exposed.
Unclear sub-processor terms
Many agreements do not properly cover which sub-processors may be used, how changes are authorised, and what happens when a new one is added — a frequent source of disputes and non-compliance.
Missing international transfer safeguards
If data flows outside the EEA, the DPA must include the appropriate transfer mechanism and safeguards. A contract that ignores this can render the transfer unlawful even if the rest of the agreement is sound.
What you get
A DPA that actually covers your processing
We only match you with lawyers who draft and review controller–processor contracts for organisations in your sector.
Tailored to your data flows
Your lawyer maps what data is processed, by whom, for what purpose and for how long, then drafts a DPA that describes your specific processing rather than a generic placeholder.
Clear roles and duties
You get explicit clauses setting out each party’s responsibilities, security obligations, breach notification duties and cooperation requirements, so there is no ambiguity about who must do what and when.
Sub-processor control
Your agreement sets out how sub-processors are authorised, tracked and changed, giving you real control and visibility over every downstream vendor that touches the personal data you are responsible for.
Transfer safeguards built in
Where data leaves the EEA, your lawyer ensures the correct transfer mechanism and safeguards are written into the agreement, so the transfer rests on a lawful basis.
Coverage
Data processing agreement lawyers across Europe
While the DPA requirements stem from the GDPR, national laws and supervisory authorities add their own expectations, and cross-border processing raises further questions, so the right lawyer is one who works with your markets and counterparties. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Data processing agreements — common questions
When do I need a data processing agreement?
You generally need one whenever a third party processes personal data on your behalf — for example a cloud host, CRM, payroll provider or analytics vendor. If you are the processor, you likewise need a contract with the controller setting out your duties.
What is the difference between a controller and a processor?
The controller decides why and how personal data is processed, while the processor handles the data on the controller’s instructions. The distinction determines which obligations fall on each party, and getting it wrong can have real consequences.
Can I just sign the vendor’s standard DPA?
You can, but you should review it first — a vendor’s standard terms may not match your actual processing, may omit required clauses or may allocate obligations in a way that does not suit you. A lawyer can check it against your specific situation.
What must a DPA include to be GDPR-compliant?
The GDPR lists mandatory contents, including the subject matter and duration of processing, the nature and purpose, the types of data and data subjects, and each party’s obligations. A lawyer can confirm the agreement contains everything required for your case.
What about sub-processors in my DPA?
The DPA should set out whether the processor may engage sub-processors, how that is authorised, and the duties that flow down to them. Without clear terms, changes to your supply chain can quietly break your compliance.
Do I need a separate DPA for international transfers?
If personal data is transferred outside the EEA, the DPA must incorporate an appropriate transfer mechanism and safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses or an adequacy decision. A lawyer can confirm which mechanism fits your transfers.
Free case review
Make your vendor contracts match your actual data flows
Tell us about your organisation and the vendors that handle your data, and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who drafts and reviews data processing agreements for businesses like yours — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.