Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

IT and telecoms in North West

Addleshaw Goddard

Addleshaw Goddard‘s comprehensive practice covers both major procurement projects and litigation in the IT and Telecoms space. Standout work includes the firm’s representation of Soteria in a case before the Court of Appeal concerning the interpretation of a standard exclusion clause, overturning a precedent which would have had far reaching commercial consequences within the industry. On the non-contentious side, the firm is known for its expertise in cloud matters, enterprise resource planning and AI. The team is led by James Whittaker, who regularly acts on large scale outsourcing arrangements. Phil McGough handles transactional IT and telecoms work, while Paul Bentham is an expert on systems implementations. Also key are Nadine Waters, who works on outsourcing, and data protection specialist Claire Edwards.

Practice head(s):

James Whittaker


Other key lawyers:

Paul Bentham; Phil McGough; Nadine Waters; Claire Edwards


Testimonials

Consistently the strongest and best IT/outsourcing team in the North West.

Nadine Waters – for many years a rising star in this field, Nadine offers a winning blend of technical excellence, deep experience, deal-making nous, and a “no nonsense, plain speaking” attitude which clients absolutely love.’

‘Phil McGough – fantastically experienced in this area, Phil has exceptional legal knowledge and a tenacious attention to detail, which ensures he delivers the best outcomes for his clients. He has spent his career closing major deals, and knows exactly what he is doing in high-pressure negotiations.

Key clients

The Co-operative Group Limited


Reckitt Benckiser plc


Bruntwood Group of companies


PZ Cussons plc


McDonald’s Restaurants Limited


ASDA Stores Limited


Matalan


Diageo Group Plc


United Utilities


Work highlights


  • Acting for Soteria Insurance Limited against IBM in its successful appeal concerning a major IT contract for a new IT platform.

DLA Piper

The DLA Piper team, led by IT procurement specialist Sarah Bell and national practice head John McKinlay, is recommended for both public sector IT systems upgrade and expansion projects and private sector transactions and ongoing work in the IT space. Lee Brierley is a further key name for tech procurement projects in the North West. Peter Brook is recommended for vast experience of high level public sector IT infrastructure renewal work, while legal directors Paddy Dwyer and Gemma Cowap assist with procurement and outsourcing projects as well as general technology contractual matters. Associates Naomi Ross and Matthew Cliff, who work on commercial side tech matters, are also notable. The practice is split between the firm’s Manchester and Liverpool offices.

Practice head(s):

John McKinlay; Sarah Bell


Other key lawyers:

Lee Brierley; Peter Brook; Paddy Dwyer; Gemma Cowap; Matthew Cliff; Naomi Ross


Testimonials

‘The practice provides us with a lead contact, in our case a commercial lawyer, who then works cross functionally at DLA Piper to identify the resources we need – having access to this global network is very important for us as a start-up’

‘Our lead, Naomi Ross, stands out in her professional approach, ability to understand the brief almost immediately and to provide reliable advice.’

‘I have always been impressed by the service provided, speed of response and their pragmatic approach.-they do not over complicate matters.’

‘I have worked with Lee Brierley for many years. I always value Lee’s opinion and advice drawing upon his wide ranging experience and consiglieri skills. He is highly regarded in the market, technically astute and commercially focussed. He is a “completer” and solution driven. I consider Lee to be a trusted business advisor and great to work with.’

‘Excellent company to work with. Very approachable, great availability, and can explain legal issues to the layperson.’

‘Dealt with Peter Brook who was excellent. He was able to explain an issue, and explore solutions with the client. Very much focused on getting a workable solution for the client, and setting the tone for a long term relationship with a public sector supplier.’

‘The DLA Piper Team has strength in depth; able to provide expert/skills on the multitude of topics as/when appropriate.’

‘The DLA Piper team are highly skilled, but work in a collaborative and personal way. Peter Brook and Sarah Bell stand out as partners who have a wealth of experience that they are able to apply, and are able to support & communicate complex legal issues to the non legal team.’

Key clients

Aerocloud Systems


AO World


Biffa Group


Bodycote


Calisen Group (Holdings) Limited


HMRC


Key Group


MS3 Networks


My Clever Group


N Brown


Nichols PLC


Orcha Health Limited


Simply Asset Finance


Talk Talk


The Co-operative Bank PLC


The Hut Group


Transparity Solutions Limited


Transport for Greater Manchester


Work highlights


  • Advising the Greater Manchester Authority on two competitive procurements for (i) a driver standards monitoring system, and (ii) an audio visual announcement system in support of bus franchising within Greater Manchester.
  • Advising National Grid with regards its IT transformation programme involving the creation of template contracts for the purchase of technology services. This has included liaising with colleagues in the US.
  • Advised The Hut Group and its e-commerce services division, THG Ingenuity, on a strategic deal with Philip Morris International (“PMI”) in respect of its smoke-free products.

DWF

DWF represents a number of telephone network providers, including EE and BT. The practice’s specialism is telecoms real estate and infrastructure, with the team overseeing transactions in this area and helping its clients to ensure their equipment complies with new building safety regulations. Catherine Haslam is recommended for work relating to the interplay of real estate and telecoms. Further standout work includes assisting a Home Office project aimed at improving connectivity in ‘not-spot’ areas – such as in Cumbria, High Peak and the Dales – and advising on projects to improve internet connections at major football grounds. Frank Shephard is also key, handling corporate matters for large mobile network providers. Andrew Whalley leads the dispute resolution arm of the practice. Thomas Armstrong and JP Buckley are also names to note. James Lonsdale left the firm to join Hill Dickinson LLP.

Practice head(s):

Catherine Haslam; Andrew Whalley; Thomas Armstrong; Frank Shepard; JP Buckley


Key clients

BT


EE Limited


Hutchison 3G UK Limited


BAI Communications Limited


MBNL


The Home Office


VMO2


Telefónica UK Limited


Tesco Mobile Limited


Daisy Group


Virgin Media Limited


Scottish Futures Trust


Work highlights


  • Acting for MBNL across the full range of real estate, Electronic Communications Code and commercial advice in respect of the national network of mast sites that they manage for EE and 3, across all UK jurisdictions.
  • Successfully acting for O2 in two groundbreaking Court of Appeal cases flowing from the claim for restitution of annual licence fees.
  • Acting for BAI in relation to its successful bid to Sunderland City Council (“SCC”) to become its private sector partner to co-invest in and form a Joint Venture to design, build and operate a5G Neutral Host across the SCC boundary area and adjacent areas.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher provides regular ongoing technology and data privacy support to a spread of major clients across the sports, banking and transport sectors. The practice also specialises in fast and comprehensive assistance for clients who have suffered significant data breaches. The team is jointly led by Sam Jardine, who advises clients in negotiating commercial contracts relating to technology, and IT and data transfer specialist Rob Sheldon, who has experience in overseeing cross border projects. Associates Cherelle Douglas and Phillippa Stubbs are also key. Laura Johnson left the firm to take up an in-house position at WhatsApp.

Practice head(s):

Sam Jardine; Rob Sheldon


Other key lawyers:

Cherelle Douglas; Phillippa Stubbs


Testimonials

‘Wide range of expertise and advisors within the business. This has been valuable.’

‘They listen to our needs and accommodate requirements within budget.’

‘Rob Sheldon leads the team that supports us with our data protection compliance, however he recognises when we need wider expertise and ensures that we get this in a timely fashion.’

‘Rob Sheldon was recommended to me by a fellow solicitor when I was looking for a second opinion and which related to a complex matter. Rob’s pragmatism and access to other areas of expertise and a willingness to deal with the difficult meant that he was able to navigate through through a complex matter.’

‘In short, the qualities that standout – pragmatism, availability, responsiveness, commitment.’

‘We’ve worked with Field Fisher as our legal partners for well over 10 years now. Our closest and most long standing relationship being with the Tech and Data Team led by partner Rob Sheldon. The team are responsive, highly client focussed and understand our circumstances and needs.’

‘Rob and his team provide an absolutely 1st class service.’

Key clients

Liverpool Football Club


National Bank of Kuwait


JD Sports


Pets at Home


London North Eastern Railway Limited


The Zoopla Group of Companies


GB Group plc


Phoenix Healthcare/Numark/Rowlands Pharmacies


dunnhumby (a Tesco group company)


UK Biobank


Altro/Autoglym


Cumberland Building Society


Work highlights


  • Advising Liverpool Football Club on several technology-related and strategic privacy matters.
  • Advising JD Sports in both the EU and UK.
  • Advising and supporting London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on technology and strategic privacy matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP is known for its particular expertise in SAAS and cloud based procurement, and regularly assists major clients in areas ranging from sport and the automotive industry to publishing and the public sector. Practice head Samantha Livesey, who also leads the firm’s global commercial law team, is an expert in the technology field with huge experience in complex and high value tech contractual work. Stephanie Lees is notable for her work in the data compliance space and specialism in subject access requests. Associate Asad Shabbir, who joined the firm from a public sector role in September 2022, handles information law advice for public sector clients.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Livesey


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Lees; Asad Shabbir


Testimonials

‘I have worked alongside Sam Livesey who is a brilliant practitioner – she is excellent! Strategic, commercially savvy and user friendly.’

‘Their competent and experienced partners and associates are responsive, friendly and approachable, which makes working with them pleasant. They are also generally thorough and detailed in their proposals, approaches and advice which is always helpful for in-house counsel and highly appreciated.’

‘The team at PM is very knowledgeable and their skill set goes beyond the strict IT world, into commercial and privacy. The Partners are well respected and well ranked, and do a good job or carrying the other side in any negotiation.’

Key clients

Tesco Stores Limited


Honda Motor Europe Limited


Rolls Royce NoBarclays Bank


News UK


The Body Shop


easyJet


Briggs Equipment


Vaultex


Bairds Malt


Work highlights


  • Advising Honda on business‐critical IT contracts.
  • Acting for Briggs Equipment UK on its procurement from IFS UK Limited of its cloud-based ERP technology solution together with systems integration services and ongoing support and maintenance services.

Brabners LLP

Acting for a high number of emerging digital industry clients, including gaming companies and app developers, Brabners LLP‘s practice is well-placed to support clients in the start-up space. The team is led by Colin Bell, who is has significant experience in IT and software development agreements. Managing partner Nik White supports, assisting clients in the tech space with commercial contract negotiations. Richard Hough and Matt Brown are also recommended for commercial contract work.

Practice head(s):

Colin Bell


Other key lawyers:

Richard Hough; Matt Brown; Nik White


Key clients

4Cast Investment Group Limited


Adlib Audio Limited


AirAngel Limited


Airfinity Ltd


Alpha Vet International Ltd


Applearn Limited


Atelier Technology Ltd


Bibliu Limited


British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)


C21 Creative Communications Limited


Chargepoint Technology Limited


Checkprint Limited


Circa 5000 UK Ltd


Clixifix Limited


Compliance Chain Limited


Degussa Bank


DLRT Limited


Eocito Ltd


EPG Business Ltd T/A Epic risk Management


Evidential Limited


Fitfactory Technology Group Limited


Flight Patrol Ltd


GoJoe App Limited


GoLingo Limited


Hospital Compare Ltd


HR Healthcare Limited


Innovation Technology Capital Ltd


Innovative Chat Ltd


James Hall & Company Limited (NW Spar Franchise Operator)


L10N Media pte Ltd


Lucid Games Limited


Matcher Technologies Limited


Momote Limited


Myshoots Limited


OxProx Limited


Parcel2go.com


Peel Ports


Peepl Limited


Personnel Checks Limited


Prevalent Ltd


Rathbones Investment Management


Sinara Consultants Limited


Takepayments Ltd


Tall Group of Companies


V1ce ltd


Valuechain Technology Limited


vTime Limited


Work highlights


  • Assisted ProAct on a number of contract negotiations in order to either implement their terms or find a mutually acceptable contract package for software services and management.
  • Advised James Hall and company Ltd on their partnership with Deliveroo, data protection issues, and IT contracts as part of their business transformation programme.
  • Advised Centred Solutions, a software provider for the pharmacy industry, on a range of commercial contract matters including drafting, review and negotiation.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP‘s IT practice is growing in strength, with a number of new client gains on both the buyer and supplier side in the past 12 months. While the firm continues to show strength in its traditional sectors of expertise – insurance and healthcare – new clients such as CGI, David Lloyd Leisure and Austrian e-commerce company Umdasch demonstrate a broadening of the practice’s scope. Newly promoted partner Chris Air leads on non-contentious work, covering outsourcing, systems implementation projects and data protection. He works closely with Harald Loeffler, an experienced litigator in the IT space who manages the team’s often high value contentious work as well heading up the firm’s German desk from the Manchester office. Commercial dispute resolution lawyer Jan Levinson is also key.

Practice head(s):

Harald Loeffler; Chris Air


Other key lawyers:

Jan Levinson


Key clients

Alcidion UK Limited


Veterinary Pathology Group


Bolton Council


David Lloyd Leisure


EMIS Group


Motor Insurer’s Bureau


MPL Claims Management Limited


NEC Software Solutions Limited


Titus Learning Limited


Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited


Umdasch


CGI


intelliflo Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Intelliflo in relation to negotiating a software licence agreement with a major global financial services customer.
  • Supported Royal London Mutual Insurance Society in connection with a contract for chargers for electric vehicles.
  • Supported a globally operating construction company with the development of a digital advertisement project.

Gateley Legal

Gateley Legal handles a mix of public and private sector work, with clients including a number of technology suppliers, The aviation sector is also a key area of strength. The team is led by Andrew Rankin, a specialist in systems integration and outsourcing projects who has experience of both buyer and supplier side work. Commercial IT contracts specialist Tom Hughes and the highly experienced Peter Budd are also key.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Rankin


Other key lawyers:

Peter Budd; Tom Highes


Testimonials

‘A really friendly team with depth in our area of medical technology and working with the UK NHS. A really effective alternative to large London firms’

‘Andrew Rankin is a strong performer with a great deal of experience and a pragmatic, methodical manner.’

Key clients

Altera Digital Health (formerly Allscripts Healthcare IT)


Wacoal EMEA


Virtalis


Leeds Bradford Airport


McBride Plc


Pannone Corporate LLP

Pannone Corporate LLP offers a comprehensive practice split between contentious work, under experienced tech and construction litigator David Brown, and non-contentious work led by IP and commercial lawyer Amy Chandler. Matters covered by the team include IT procurement and implementation contracts and any related disputes, data protection compliance and corporate transactional work in the tech sector. Paul Jonson, a specialist on licensing disputes and software copyright matters, is also key.

Practice head(s):

Amy Chandler; David Brown


Other key lawyers:

Paul Jonson


Testimonials

‘Adept at providing commercial and pragmatic advice which comes from being experts in the sector.’

‘Amy Chandler – Partner. Very experienced, straight-forward advice and just “gets it”. Manages to provide the right level of advice for our business without over-engineering it.’

‘I must say that the knowledge in the team is great. As it is still an emerging area of law in many countries, Pannone has the knowledge in the team to adequately rewrite IT contracts to fit the UK zone.’

‘On the IT contracts I have been working closely with Amy Chandler, and I must praise her for her understanding of the IT landscape and effortlessly translating that understanding into legal clauses. Without much briefing, she was able to write the texts, some more stringent and some more flexible, exactly fitting our business goals and risk appetite.’

Key clients

Brother International Europe Limited


ASM Global t/a SMG


Naveo Commerce Group


Marlborough Fund Managers Limited


K3 Business Technology Group plc


Represent Clothing Limited


UKROEd Limited


Sana Commerce


Clarus Software


Work highlights


  • Advising a fund management company in connection with the procurement of a new ERP system.
  • Advising Tes-amm UK Limited, a global leader in IT asset disposal services, in connection with a review of its international customer agreements.
  • Acting for TalkTalk Communications Limited in commercial court proceedings against British Telecommunications Plc concerning the provision of ethernet circuits.

TLT

TLT acts for a number of major banks and building societies, chiefly on fintech related matters, as well as advising on public sector procurement work. The team is jointly headed by James Touzel – who leads the firm’s national team for tech, data and IP – and tech procurement and fintech expert David Gardner. Further key names include associate Grace Roddie, who works on data protection matters and focusses primarily on clients in the retail and financial services sectors, and senior associate Adam Pickavant.

Practice head(s):

James Touzel; David Gardner


Other key lawyers:

Grace Roddie; Adam Pickavant


Key clients

Monese Limited


Weightmans LLP

Weightmans LLP advises on IT public procurement, systems integration and data protection for clients in sectors including transport, healthcare and education under the leadership of the experienced Sean Crotty. Sarah Walton advises on corporate and commercial side work for technology companies, while managing partner John Schorah has a notable specialism in the video games’ industry, having previously worked as a company CEO in that sector. Vincent King, head of the firm’s procurement group, is a further key name in this space.

Practice head(s):

Sean Crotty


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Walton; John Schorah; Vincent King; Laurence Pritchard


Testimonials

‘What stood out was their ability to keep things incredibly simple. Also, their response was quick and timely and they were able to cover the most important issues, showing an instant and smart understanding.’

‘Laurence Pritchard made working with Weightmans so pleasant and seamless.’

 

Key clients

Apadmi Limited


Insurance Fraud Bureau


Swissport GB Limited


West of England Combined Authority


The Open University


PTW International Holdings Limited


Side (UK) Limited


Motor Insurers’ Bureau


DSW Ventures


Surrey and Sussex Police


NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT)


Westlab Limited


Mercarto Limited


Cybertill Limited


Palringo Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised the West England Combined Authority on its Future Transport Zone programme, exploring the modal shift away from cars.
  • Advising Apadmi Limited on IT contract matters with their clients for the development of digital solutions, in particular mobile app development, UX/UI design and system integration.
  • Advised upon the procurement, IT, data and contractual aspects relating to the replacement of a major local authority’s Case Management System and End-to-End Customer Management Capability by way of the development of a SaaS cloud based solution.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Described as a ‘vital resource‘ by its clients, the Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP IT practice assists with large scale outsourcing and implementation projects. The firm regularly supports clients in a number of sectors including financial services and pharmaceuticals. The team is led by outsourcing expert Tom Bridgford. He is supported by Richard Hill, who also works on outsourcing as well as software contracts and data protection. Also key within the team is litigator Matthew Taylor.

Practice head(s):

Tom Bridgford


Other key lawyers:

Richard Hill; Matthew Taylor


Testimonials

‘The team has deep experienced and supported a key IT project for us. They were flexible and creative in responding to several commercial challenges which disrupted out timeline. Service was always delivered using the right seniority of lawyer and the team anticipated challenges and provided solutions for us.’

‘Richard Hill provided a broad range of advice and input, always with a focus on solutions to move forward what was, at times, a very challenging project.’

‘The Practice can provide a holistic view of complex issues spanning across contractual / regulatory and corporate matters.’

‘Stand out partners: Tom Bridgford (Partner and Head of Outsourcing (International) Matthew Taylor (Partner Commercial Dispute Resolution) Breadth and depth of knowledge, clarity of advice’

‘The IT practice team within Eversheds are a vital resource to us as an organisation and they provide sound commercial advice in a timely fashion which is primarily what we want.’

‘Tom Bridgford and Matt Taylor are key individuals that we rely on whenever we need advice on a particular transaction that has kept them busy for a number of years now.’

Key clients

AstraZeneca


CVS (UK) Limited


Cognizant


Xactly


Hargreaves Lansdown


Lookers


Heywood


Hill Dickinson LLP

Covering IT procurement and systems implementation, as well as telecoms related contractual work, Hill Dickinson LLP‘s TMT practice offers a range of services catering to both private and public sector clients. IT systems procurement for NHS trusts is a key strength of the practice, which is jointly led by public procurement expert Mark Fitzgibbon and the commercial IT agreements-focused James Lonsdale, who joined from DWF in August 2022. Litigator Paul Walsh is also key.

Practice head(s):

Mark Fitzgibbon; James Lonsdale


Other key lawyers:

Paul Walsh


Testimonials

Proactive and responsive.

James Lonsdale is an excellent lawyer and working with him is a pleasure. I have worked with him on IT / commercial contracts and the development of precedent documents for our in-house legal team. He is very knowledgeable in relation to his sector, very responsive and happy to flex his service to what you need on an individual tasks. I am very happy to recommend him.

Key clients

NHS Business Services Authority


Pozitive Telecom


Aryza Services UK Limited


Total Swimming Group


PP Tech Limited


East Cheshire NHS Trust


Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Work highlights


  • Advising Pozitive Telcom on various contracts relating to the establishment of its BtoB telecoms business in the UK.
  • Advising Swim Sports Company on a CRM contract and a website design and implementation contract.
  • Continuing to advise NHS Business Services Authority in connection with its procurement (and associated contracting arrangements) for a new SaaS cloud-based electronic staff record solution for use by all staff members across the NHS.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP is known particularly for its IT work supporting the pensions sector, yet also shows strong expertise in health and education technology. The team is led by Paul Knight, who focuses on software licensing and development as well as data security. Laura Wells, who handles SaaS agreements, website and app development and and hosting and maintenance agreements, is another key name to note. Data protection expert Sam Wigley is also well-recommended.

Practice head(s):

Paul Knight


Other key lawyers:

Sam Wigley; Laura Wells; Alex Newman


Testimonials

‘Very clear and professional advice. They come up with ideas and take a risk based approach. Very readily available for a quick call or email.’

‘Alex Newman’s expertise on intellectual property is admirable both in terms of his understanding of the law and his appreciation of the commercial realities.’

‘We’ve been primarily been using Paul Knight and Sam Wigley at Mills & Reeve. They’ve both been great to engage with and spot on when it has come to understanding our business and our legal needs. They have helped us navigate through so many legal issues.’

 

Key clients

Money and Pensions Service


Intellectual Property Office


British Council


Wellola Limited


Podium Analytics


BBC Children in Need


D55 Limited


Turbostream Limited


PHOENIX Group


Department for Work and Pensions


Work highlights


  • Advising the Money and Pensions Service on legal issues relating to the digital architecture for the national Pensions Dashboards Programme.
  • Advising the UK Intellectual Property Office on various matters relating to the One IPO transformation programme.
  • Advising the British Council on various IT procurements.

Myerson Solicitors LLP

Myerson Solicitors LLP assists with contractual work across the IT space, with its clients including sports graphics companies, AI developers and FinTech platforms. Practice head Carla Murray is experienced in drafting and negotiating software licences, SaaS and PaaS agreements and hosting and maintenance agreements, amongst a range of other contractual matters regarding IT. She specialises in regtech, fintech and cloud-based platforms. Senior associate Richard Meehan has particular expertise in tech contractual work for clients in the life sciences sector.

Practice head(s):

Carla Murray


Other key lawyers:

Richard Meehan


Key clients

Moov Limited


The Money Carer Foundation


SeeChange Technologies Limited


Everything Genetic Ltd


Rimini Systems Ltd


Wondle Limited


SkyCliQ Limited


SphereCo Limited (KidChing)


AQA Education


Coplan Limited


TUV Rheinland UK Limited


Work highlights


  • Advising Moov Limited, which provides services to BBC, BT Sports and provided Olympics Virtual Studios for the Tokyo Olympics, with their contracts.
  • Advising The Money Carer Foundation on its fintech services platform Monika which enables funds of vulnerable people to be managed.
  • Advising and assisting SeeChange Technologies with its contracts preparation of value added reseller and distribution agreement to integrate its AI Software Solutions with other products/services and devices including AI powered self-check outs.

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP has been significantly expanding its capabilities in the fintech and e-commerce space under Luke Stubbs, who specialises in these areas, taking on a number of new clients as well as providing fintech related services to existing clients of its corporate and commercial practices. He leads the team jointly with IP and sports specialist Richard Millington. The firm also handles IT outsourcing agreements and systems integration projects.

Practice head(s):

Luke Stubbs; Richard Millington


Key clients

French Connection


B&M Bargains Plc


N Brown Group Plc


ABN Amro Bank NV


Zip Payments


Work highlights


  • Advising N Brown / JD Williams in connection with a strategic IT project for the integration of a new core business system.