Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

IT and telecoms in East Anglia

Mills & Reeve LLP

Mills & Reeve LLP has a large IT practice that handles major projects for government bodies, all well as advising large technology companies in the Cambridge region. The ‘knowledgeable, responsive, incisive and pragmaticKevin Calder leads the technology group and ‘provides truly exceptional service‘. IT and data protection specialist Peter Wainman leads the health technology sector group. Alison Ross-Eckford, who joined from Pinsent Masons LLP in late 2022, works from both London and Cambridge on IT and outsourcing matters. Principal associates Sophie Burton-Jones, who handles government and health technology projects and is described by clients as being an 'high performer', and Katy Carson are highly recommended. All named lawyers are based in Cambridge.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Calder; Peter Wainman


Other key lawyers:

Alison Ross Eckford; Sophie Burton-Jones; Katy Carson


Testimonials

‘Kevin Calder provides truly exceptional service. He is knowledgeable, responsive, incisive and pragmatic, and is a highly-valued adviser.’

‘I cannot speak highly enough of one particular individual and while the entire team at Mills & Reeve are highly dedicated and committed, Sophie Burton-Jones stands out to me as an excellent and professional leader who goes out of her way to help and support her partners. She is a high performer, exceptionally responsive, friendly, supportive and highly knowledgeable and articulate all things IT and Telecoms related. I would have no hesitation in recommending her and her team for this award.’

‘Peter Wainman is through, patient and able to explain complicated ideas in layman’s terms.’

‘I have been working with Mills & Reeve for a number of years and we continue to strengthen our relationship. They have excellent experience in intellectual property, technology and business outsourcing, in both private and public space. I use Mills & Reeve for their ability to deliver fast and high-quality services and the easiness to do business.’

‘The individuals I have worked with at Mills & Reeve are not only very experienced and experts in their field but also willing to listen and understand the needs of my company in order to delivers a professional and bespoke service.’

‘The depth of knowledge is essential but to be able to interpret that back to me (the client) in a way that represents our individual company standards and needs is what makes the advice so valuable and understandable as well as informative. Giving me the freedom to understand what is being said and then using that clear advice as to how to get around some contractual differences with our customers in a manner that upholds our core standards.’

‘The ability read between the lines, to decipher what is often sent in a rush and not always articulately and be able to pinpoint what is required and answer quickly, concisely and clearly. Always keeping our company standards in practice and giving me what I need to know not necessarily what I thought I needed to know. This is unique in my experience, but shows an excellent understanding of how my company want to work rather than have to work. This support is exemplary.’

‘M&R continue to be our trusted legal advisers, providing seamless and valuable support on a range of IT matters, of varying complexity and value, and with first class client service. Last year, we reported on the implementation of M&R’s Volume Control platform, which allowed for ease of referrals, monitoring and reporting. M&R have worked with us over the last year to develop this platform for our needs and this is proving to be a good tool for us as an in-house team.’

Key clients

British Standards Institution


Cognizant Worldwide


The Institution of Engineering and Technology


Cleveland Clinic


The Ministry of Defence


Cambridge Mechatronics


Regulator of Social Housing


Poro Technology


Siemens Healthcare


Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities


Work highlights


  • Advising the British Standards Institution on its IT transformation programme.
  • Advising the Ministry of Defence on establishing its £1.2billion Digital and IT Professional Services framework.

Ashtons Legal

Ashtons Legal acts for a diverse of established national and international companies, notably in the automotive and motorsport industry, though the scope of the firm’s IT work continues to expand. James Tarling in Norwich leads the practice, working closely with senior associate David Sloman. The team recently acted for automotive engineering company Cosworth in a series of agreements for the development and exploitation of technology and related intellectual property for use in the automotive and motorsport markets. The firm has ‘in-depth technical knowledge' and Sloman ‘takes a pragmatic approach, looking for workable solutions'.

Practice head(s):

James Tarling


Other key lawyers:

David Sloman


Testimonials

‘The Ashtons team have the ability to really understand your business and tailor their advice accordingly. They also have the in-depth technical knowledge required when drawing up complex legal documentation specific to our needs. In addition, they have broad skills across a number of areas which helps them have a better understanding of our business, beyond the specific area of engagement.’

‘Working with David Sloman, he has a focus on the detail, crafting solutions that have been well thought through and are thorough. He is also able to take a pragmatic approach, looking for workable solutions to help in complex negotiated software agreements. He is patient and knowledgeable, helping to support us in areas where we do not have a full understanding or experience.’

Key clients

Ubisend


Medical Management Systems


Cosworth Group


Thyngs


Sentronics


Brightchecker


PiXL Club


easyGym Group


xDNA Interactive


Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment


Haas Automation


Tech Educators


CNET Training


TryHackMe


WaterBabies


Work highlights


  • Advising Cosworth on drivetrain technology and engine design, manufacture and supply contracts with major supercar manufacturers.
  • Advised the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment on its new member platform, including discovery, development, support, and hosting elements.
  • Advising easyGym on the launch of its new online subscription platform for fitness classes and programmes, and merchandising and equipment store.

Birketts LLP

Birketts LLP‘s IT practice has particular focus on the financial services, social media, security software and aerospace industries, reflecting a roster of clients that includes property investment software developer Coyote Group Limited, and automotive software developer Eatron Limited. The commercial and technology group is co-led by Quentin Golder and Andrew Priest in Cambridge, along with Mark Gipson in Ipswich and up-and-coming partner Paul Palik in Norwich. Golder advised Eatron on contracts with Chinese and Japanese car parts manufacturers for the licence of software tools as part of the supply chain for various multinational automotive manufacturers.

Practice head(s):

Quentin Golder; Mark Gipson; Andrew Priest; Paul Palik


Key clients

Coyote Group Limited


Eatron Limited


Greenwoods Legal

Greenwoods Legal joins the ranking due to its work on technology-related matters for its corporate, education and charity sector clients. Litigation partner Jamie McConnell in Peterborough leads a technology practice that draws on the extensive expertise of London-based head of corporate and commercial Stephen Jarvis. The firm acts for a number of software houses, and also advises investors in the IT and telecoms sectors.

Practice head(s):

Jamie McConnell


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Jarvis


HCR Hewitsons

HCR Hewitsons in Cambridge is on SAP (UK) Limited’s global panel of commercial law advisors. The firm’s commercial practice is a key adviser to a growing number of companies on IT transactions, among them commodity trading software developer VAKT Global, engineering and architecture consultant Sweco AB and mobile game developer Marmalade Game Studio. Practice head Nathan Evans is ‘a dependable and skilled external counsel’, who often handles integration services and material outsourcing arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Nathan Evans


Testimonials

‘Nathan Evans continues to be a dependable and skilled external counsel to us. As evidenced by his previous ranking, he is well known for his FS expertise and as well as his commercial and pragmatic advice We are delighted to have him as our partner.’

Key clients

SAP (UK) Limited


SAP Fioneer Limited


VAKT Global Limited


Trade Information Network Limited


Ingenta PLC


Marmalade Game Studio


sa.global


Sweco AB


Connected Places Catapult


TactfulAI Limited


GOTU Sarl


MVG Media Limited


ThinCats


Work highlights


  • The firm holds a position on SAP (UK) Limited’s global panel of commercial law advisors. The firm provides advice on on-prem, cloud, consultancy, and professional services to SAP in both the UK and across the North EMEA.
  • Advising SAP Fioneer on deals and regulatory matters in connection with outsourcing in the financial services sector.
  • Advising VAKT Global Limited on a range of commercial matters, including strategic partnerships, data licensing, platform licensing, and transaction support.