Jonathan Crass
Senior AssociateAbout Jonathan
Jon is a privacy law specialist who provides specialist privacy advice to Government and Commercial clients. He also advises on administrative law issues including merits and judicial review, statutory interpretation and secrecy provisions. Jon was recognised as a 2022 Rising Star by Australasian Lawyer.
What he does
Jon works with clients to navigate Australian privacy and secrecy laws, administrative law matters including both merits review and judicial review, and statutory interpretation matters.
Jon is highly sought after in the Information Law space and has extensive experience supporting clients complying with Commonwealth and State privacy laws. Jon is engaged by clients to provide expert privacy advice which includes understanding privacy obligations, undertaking Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA), handling complaints and regulator investigations, and responding to data breaches.
Jon regularly advises on broader privacy and technology issues, including artificial intelligence (AI), automated decision making, secrecy provisions, and digital transformation projects.
Jon has experience with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) having worked in London, UK for four years and assists clients with their compliance with the GDPR. Jon holds the CIPP/E certification from the IAPP.
Who he works with
Jon works with Commonwealth and State Governments, and public and private businesses.
Qualifications
Jon holds a Juris Doctor from Canberra University.
He also holds a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Graduate Diploma of International Affairs, and a Bachelor of Arts (Politics, National Security and International Relations).
Life before Sparkes
Before joining Sparkes in 2020, Jonathan worked as an in-house lawyer in London, UK in the telecommunications and transport industries. After a short time away from Sparkes, Jon re-joined the firm in 2024.
Life outside of Sparkes
Jon spends his time outside Sparkes with his family, finding new restaurants around Melbourne and trying new wineries around Victoria. Jon also enjoys classic (80s & 90s) movies, reading (mainly sci fi/fantasy), and playing online games with friends around the world.