Mr Damien Charlton > Ward Hadaway LLP > Newcastle upon Tyne, England > Lawyer Profile

The Newcastle-based IT team at Ward Hadaway LLP is led by Damien Charlton and provides nationally and multijurisdictional advice in both the public and private sectors acting on behalf of major suppliers, especially in technology-inherent privacy issues. With a previous career in IT, Judy Baker ‘is a deep subject matter expert with a real passion for her specialism. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her breadth of knowledge is commendable.’ Phil Tompkins has expertise in all aspects of IT law including advising on smart metering, connected vehicles, electric vehicles batteries, cloud software solutions and licensing. Tim Toomey is the key name for IT disputes. Matthew Cormack was named partner in May 2022.

Ward Hadaway LLP’s corporate and commercial team supports clients across a range of sectors, namely leisure, human capital, independent healthcare, manufacturing, and healthcare. The team covers a diverse array of mandates, including commercial matters involving contractual IP and data protection, as well as corporate matters concerning debt investments and sale of share capitals. The commercial team is headed by Damien Charlton, while former team leader Colin Hewitt remains a key contact. Recent promotions to partner level Matthew Cormack and Tom Pollard advise clients across pharmaceuticals, energy, retail, aviation, engineering and technology on corporate governance, corporate transactions and commercial agreements. Head of the corporate team Robert Thompson is experienced in dealing with acquisitions, disposals, mergers, corporate restructurings, and reorganisations for public and private sector clients. Richard Butts is the key contact for growing businesses seeking advice on funding and investments. Commercial practitioner Steven Roper focuses on supporting infrastructure, renewable energy and technology companies with non-contentious and contentious advice on contractual arrangements. James Nightingale is the go-to for corporate finance mandates, while Clare French supports on investments and acquisitions at a managing associate level. An additional name to note is Phil Tompkins, a specialist in IT-related commercial arrangements. Corporate associates Danielle Borley and Liam Stubbs are key members of the team.