The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - Solicitors > London > IT and telecoms

Baker McKenzie's technology practice has impressive capabilities spanning the IT and telecoms sectors; the group has experience assisting telecoms companies and communication service providers with network transformation and commercial advice, and also advises IT users and providers on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Practice head Steve Holmes specialises in complex commercial telecoms transactions, while Ben Allgrove focuses on telecoms regulatory issues, particularly in the digital media space. Names to note for technology transactions include outsourcing specialists Harry Small and Duncan Reid-Thomas, and Sue McLean, who has experience spanning outsourcing, data privacy, technology procurement, development and licensing work, with particular fintech, blockchain and AI expertise. David Halliday is a key contact for contentious matters. Senior associate Charlotte Harrington is also recommended.

The technology and communication practice at Bird & Bird LLP 'truly distinguishes itself with a combination of deep expertise, responsiveness, and appreciation for the practical needs of clients'. The group, which is jointly led by Graeme Maguire, Roger Bickerstaff and Ronald Hendrikx, has expertise in advising public sector clients and corporates on technology implementation and digital transformation projects, handling patent and tech disputes, acting on corporate transactions, and assisting with telecoms regulatory matters. Other names to note include Christian Bartsch, Graham Smith, Mark Leach and Ian Edwards for financial services work, IT disputes and cyberlaw, outsourcing, and IT projects respectively.

Bristows LLP has 'a well-rounded and pragmatic team with excellent skills' and 'superb commercial acumen'. Leveraging the team's broad experience across the IT and telecoms sectors, recent work highlights include acting for ZTE and Philips in separate standard essential patents litigation with consideration of FRAND licence terms. The group is jointly led by Toby Crick, who is 'a very valuable asset in any IT contract negotiation'; head of commercial IT Mark Watts, and 'star IP solicitor' Myles Jelf. Other names to note include Anna Cook for IT disputes, head of the robotics and AI group Chris Holder, Adrian Sim, who specialises in IT implementation projects and has a 'pragmatic and can-do attitude', and 'hugely experienced' patent litigator Richard Pinckney.

The technology, media and telecommunications practice at Dentons handles a range of transactional, regulatory, compliance and contentious matters, with an impressive client roster spanning UK government departments, high-profile corporates, high-growth disruptive technology companies and telecoms businesses. The group, which is led by Andy Lucas, includes Martin Fanning, who has particular experience assisting clients in the financial services, manufacturing and retail sectors. Lucas is frequently instructed on public sector IT projects; he recently handled the procurement of Transport for London's emergency services 4G LTE mobile communications programme. The team also includes head of the firm's global telecoms group Jan Willem van den Bos and IT specialist Dan Burge, who handles a range of major technology projects. Henrietta Baker and Tristan Jonckheer were recently promoted to the partnership.

DLA Piper has strong knowledge of the IT and telecoms sector for outsourcing projects, intellectual property matters, corporate advice and litigation. The group acts for a range of technology and telecoms service providers and technology companies and customers; it has a particular strength acting for the government and public sector clients in digitisation projects, for which Richard Bonnar is highlighted. Other areas of specialism include the financial services, retail, insurance and gaming sectors. For outsourcing projects, practice head Kit Burden stands out, while Mark O’Conor is recommended for advice on cloud computing matters. Telecoms expert Mike Conradi, Anthony Day, who leads the firm's global fintech and insurtech practice; and recently promoted partner Chloe Forster, who has particular experience in the retail sector, are also key practitioners.

The practice at Fieldfisher has the capacity to handle a broad range of IT transactions and technology projects and 'offers a good combination of telecoms regulatory and privacy expertise'. The team is instructed by a range of IT service providers and corporates investing in IT. Practice head Robert Shooter has expertise in large-scale procurements and outsourcings, while Simon Briskman focuses on major IT projects and the exploitation of new technologies, with a growing specialism in the adoption of AI and robotic process automation. Other key practitioners for commercial IT matters include Paul Barton, John Worthy and recently promoted partner John Brunning. For telecoms, technology, outsourcing and privacy partner Paul Graham, who leads the team, and the 'very commercially astute and pragmatic' James Walsh, who has 'good industry and technology knowledge', are singled out.

Pinsent Masons LLP is singled out for its expertise in advising public sector clients on IT projects, with recent clients including the Department of Health and the National Employment Savings Trust. Private sector clients include technology companies, service providers and non-tech corporates. Practice head Simon Colvin handles a range of IT transactions, while David Barker is a key name to note for contentious matters; he recently led a team which successfully defended Google in a data protection class action relating to the use of browser cookies for targeted advertising. Head of the telecoms, gaming and gambling team Diane Mullenex and David Isaac, who is instructed in large IT renegotiations, are also names to note.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP combines 'genuine commercial expertise in telecoms, media, entertainment, tech and privacy' with 'an insightful and commercially-aware team, which is able to deliver fast and cogent advice'. The sector-focused group handles a range of corporate, commercial, regulatory and contentious matters for its impressive client roster, which spans large corporates, public sector clients, global banks, financial institutions and technology companies. The group is jointly led by Nick Pantlin, who specialises in IT transactions; commercial litigator James Farrell; patent litigator Andrew Moir, and telecoms sector specialists David Coulling and Stephen Wisking, who focus on transactional and regulatory matters respectively.

The group at Hogan Lovells International LLP leverages its multidisciplinary team, which assists its impressive client roster with a range of commercial and contentious technology matters. The group also has expertise across the telecoms sector and is instructed by network operators, handset manufacturers and broadcasters to advise on regulatory, corporate and IP issues. Peter Watts heads up the practice and has experience assisting technology, media and telecoms sector clients with a range of matters including software, rights and data issues. Other names to note include Don McGown for telecoms work, and corporate and finance specialist John Salmon.

Linklaters LLP's practice has particular expertise assisting clients with  corporate and M&A, commercial, contentious and regulatory matters in the IT and telecoms sectors; it also advises on infrastructure projects and digitisation matters in the healthcare, insurance and financial services industries. The team is jointly led by Julian Cunningham-Day, who advises on a range of transactional and regulatory matters in the telecoms space; IT procurement and outsourcing partner Richard Cumbley, and telecoms expert Iain Fenn. Georgina Kon is also noted; she handles a range of issues relating to disruptive technologies, IT licence audits, the use of big data and disputes.

Milbank's technology and outsourcing practice has a breadth of experience in transactional, regulatory and contentious matters. The group has particular expertise in advising financial services and insurance clients and other corporates on global IT transformation agreements; in the telecoms sector, it handles a range of projects, particularly in emerging markets. Practice head Laurence Jacobs is a name to note for complex IT transactions while Julian Stait and Tom Canning focus on disputes, and Joel Harrison combines IT, data protection and information security expertise.

RPC provides 'a great service' to its impressive client roster, which spans global suppliers, digital technology companies and new media suppliers, as well as customers including financial services and insurance industry clients, and corporates in the retail and media sectors. The team, which is jointly led by commercial law specialist Jeremy Drew and Mark Crichard, who focuses on technology and outsourcing transactions, has been bolstered by the arrivals of outsourcing partner Paul Joukador and senior associate Marlon Cohen from Hogan Lovells International LLP and Addleshaw Goddard respectively. Other names to note include Jon Bartley, who combines digital technology and e-commerce experience with data protection and cybersecurity expertise; Paul Joseph and David Cran, who handle large-scale IT disputes, and recently promoted IT, outsourcing and data partner Charles Buckworth.

Simmons & Simmons benefits from 'user-friendly and approachable lawyers' and provides 'an exceptionally good partner-led service'. The team regularly assists clients with a range of IT outsourcing matters, global IT procurement issues, business critical software licensings and transformative technology solutions, with particular experience handling cloud solutions, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and other aspects of fintech work. Practice leader Tom Wheadon leverages his legal, regulatory and policy expertise across the telecoms, satellite, media and technology sectors. Alexander Brown, who has data protection and privacy expertise, financial regulatory expert Hinal Patel, James Cotter, Lawrence Brown and recently promoted partner George Morris are also key practitioners.

The technology and telecoms team at Slaughter and May provides 'solid, practical advice, which takes into account the commercial goals of clients'; its roster includes Google and Vodafone, as well as innovators and start–ups. The team handles a range of commercial, corporate and regulatory matters with particular experience advising on emerging technology including the use of big data, AI, cloud and blockchain; the team also acts in disputes. Rob Sumroy heads the team, which includes IP and IT specialist David Ives and Duncan Blaikie, who attracts praise for his 'very commercial approach'.

Taylor Wessing LLP is instructed by a range of customers and suppliers of IT including financial services clients, telecoms companies and start-ups on commercial, regulatory and contentious matters. The team has expertise in handling infrastructure projects and assisting manufacturers and communications providers with the regulatory issues and commercial arrangements associated with internet of things applications, and also advises mobile service operators and providers of new communication services. Graham Hann and Angus Finnegan head up the commercial technology and telecoms teams respectively. Other key contacts include Sian Skelton, who has a particular focus on advising US businesses setting up in Europe and UK-based technology clients; outsourcing specialist Martin Cotterill; Glyn Morgan, who assists with regulatory and digital transactions; and Chris Jeffery, who advises on enterprise software, adtech and e-commerce issues, as well as the EU privacy aspects of online and SaaS models.

Addleshaw Goddard's team has particular experience handling IT and digital projects and advising financial services sector clients. Practice head Damon Rosamond–Lanzetta advises clients on IT and outsourcing transactions in the financial services, transport and telecoms sectors; Fiona Ghosh focuses on fintech matters; William James leads the payments group, and Elvan Hussein handles a range of corporate transactions.

Allen & Overy LLP's telecoms sector group combines its reputation for M&A with regulatory and commercial expertise; in a recent highlight, the team was instructed by Huawei in high-profile litigation against Conversant, relating to Conversant's claim for a declaration that it has offered FRAND terms in respect of its standard essential patent license. Practice head Tom Levine has substantial telecoms sector expertise and regularly handles telecoms projects in developed and emerging markets, while Mark Heaney is a name to note for hi-tech patent litigation. Recently promoted counsel Andrew Kenning works closely with Levine.

Arnold & Porter's telecoms, internet and media team is recognised for handling a range of complex multi-jurisdictional telecoms and media regulatory work. The group also has experience assisting its impressive client roster, which includes Tata Communications and Ellalink, with the commercial and financing aspects of transactions. Practice head and 'exceptional lawyer' Rob Bratby has significant regulatory expertise and is frequently instructed on international telecoms projects.

The digital economy transactions team at Ashurst handles a range of matters relating to digitalisation; its expertise spans strategic commercial transactions, acquisitions and disposals, competition and regulatory matters, data protection work, financings, real estate and tax matters, and contentious issues. Telecoms and communication experts Nick Elverston and Amanda Hale jointly lead the practice alongside technology and outsourcing specialist Christopher Bates. David Futter is also singled out for his experience advising on fintech transactions.

The technology team at Browne Jacobson LLP advises on complex IT transactions, with expertise in designing, building and implementing IT project phases in the financial services, insurance, retail and public sectors. Anthony Nagle heads up the national IT practice group, which spans the firm's London, Nottingham and Birmingham offices, while Declan Cushley leads the firm's commercial and IP departments.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP counts customers and suppliers of IT services, and leading telecoms operators among its client roster. It handles a range of corporate, commercial and contentious matters with particular experience in the retail and financial services sectors, and the computer games industry. Mark Bailey, who focuses on technology and infrastructure matters and has particular expertise in IT sector contracts and data centre projects, jointly leads the team with corporate transactions partner Mark Howard. Megan Paul also handles a range of outsourcing agreements, and Paul Stone is a specialist in EU and competition issues.

The technology, media and telecoms group at Clifford Chance LLP leverages a cross-departmental team, with the capacity to handle a range of corporate transactions, procurement projects, contractual matters, outsourcings, infrastructure issues and disputes across the IT and telecoms sectors. Practice head André Duminy focuses on technology projects and outsourcings, while Jonathan Kewley has particular expertise in the cutting-edge areas of tech ethics, data, AI, cybersecurity and blockchain regulation. Other key practitioners include 'knowledgeable, well-informed and articulate' consultant Joachim Fleury, litigator Samantha Ward, competition specialist Jenine Hulsmann and Jennifer Mbaluto, who handles M&A and commercial transactions. Daniel Sandelson departed to an in-house role at Digital Media Distribution.

Cooley (UK) LLP is instructed by established and fast-growing, emerging companies on corporate and private equity transactions in the technology sector; it also has particular expertise advising on open source software matters. Chris Coulter heads up the practice and has experience in technology, data, cybersecurity, contractual and IP issues; other names to note include Ryan Naftulin, who assists companies and investors which are forming and financing disruptive high-growth companies, and litigator Mark Deem.

The IT team at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP frequently handles major IT projects and assists financial services clients with the regulatory aspects of infrastructure issues and application deployments to cloud services. Simon Gamlin heads up the practice, which includes Craig Rogers, who regularly assists with cross-border IT and outsourcing arrangements, and international head of telecoms Simon Cloke, who has notable strength in projects which involve technology and communications elements.

Latham & Watkins' technology transactions team has the ability to handle a range of multi-jurisdictional transactions across the technology sector, with particular expertise acting for financial services clients and advising on cloud-related matters. The team is jointly led by Andrew Moyle, who focuses on the fintech space, and commercial technology and data privacy specialist Gail Crawford. Recently promoted partners Fiona Maclean and Christian McDermott are other key names in the group; Maclean has data privacy regulatory expertise, which she deploys in a range of commercial and outsourcing transactions, while McDermott has experience in payment solutions matters.

Mayer Brown International LLP is recognised for its expertise in IT outsourcings, insurance technology transactions and cybersecurity and data protection advice; it also has particular knowledge of the financial services sector. Outsourcing specialist Mark Prinsley, corporate partner Richard Page and Andrew Stewart, who assists suppliers and customers with commercial IT transactions, jointly lead the practice, while Oliver Yaros focuses on fintech and digital transformation projects.

Morrison & Foerster LLP is frequently instructed on cross-border IT projects by its impressive client roster, which includes technology service suppliers, technology-focused start-ups and companies investing in a range of technologies including AI, machine learning projects and payment processing solutions. Alistair Maughan assists major companies and public sector organisations with commercial contracts and technology-based projects, while of counsel Greg Joynson has particular experience handling corporate and financing transactions for technology companies.

The 'client-oriented and highly commercial' technology and innovation practice at Norton Rose Fulbright combines 'strong telecoms expertise and credentials, and robust M&A skills' with substantial expertise advising clients on technology development and commercialisation issues, particularly relating to emerging technology and the financial services and insurance sectors. Practice head Sean Murphy handles a range of international corporate matters in the technology sector, while Oliver Stacey has particular experience in the communications, media and telecoms industries. Other names to note include consultant and outsourcing expert Peter McBurney, telecoms regulatory specialist James Russell, Mark Simpson and litigator Ruth Cowley.

The 'commercial and responsive' team at Squire Patton Boggs 'makes a real effort to understand the client's business and industry to provide tailored advice'. Andrew Wilkinson, who 'offers exceptional knowledge and advice' and Francesco Liberatore, who 'provides timely advice in a practical and risk-based manner', head up the technology transactions and communications teams respectively. The team also benefitted from the arrivals of international affairs adviser Matthew Kirk from Vodafone, and data protection and privacy specialist Rosa Barcelo from DG Connect in the European Commission; Barcelo splits her time between London and Brussels.

The 'genuinely hardworking' commercial, outsourcing and technology team at Stephenson Harwood combines 'strong legal experience with commercial sector knowledge' and assist clients with the full range of IT advice with particular expertise in cloud computing, fintech, IT outsourcing, software licensing and data protection issues, IT litigation and corporate transactions. The group is led by Jonathan Kirsop, who has particular expertise in data-focused IT initiatives, and Dan Holland, who handles large IT projects. The group benefits from the addition of 'star senior associate' David Berry from Addleshaw Goddard; Berry 'consistently provides considered, thoughtful and timely advice' and is 'technically strong with an ability to easily connect the dots of a matter'.

Boutique firm Technology Law Alliance is noted for handling complex IT projects for suppliers and buyers of outsourced services, and has substantial experience in the insurance and financial services sectors. Practice head Jeremy Newton handles IT contracts and complex outsourcing arrangements, while Gavin Wakefield is recognised for his financial, energy and public sector knowledge.

The department at TLT is instructed by a combination of large national and international corporates and high-growth companies on a range of IT transactions; it has particular strength in payments technology, open banking and fintech matters. Bristol-based national practice head James Touzel advises on transformational procurements and outsourcing projects, while London team head Daniel Lloyd  focuses on the developing law surrounding digital content. Adding competition and regulatory expertise, Stuart Murray joined the team from BT.

Travers Smith LLP's practice acts for IT suppliers and companies acquiring technology on transactions and contentious mandates. The team attracts praise for its 'exceptional expertise in multiple sectors' including the financial services, pensions, leisure and retail industries. Dan Reavill heads up the practice and regularly advises on IT matters relating to software, data, the internet and branding issues. Other names to note for large IP projects include Louisa Chambers and newly promoted partner James Longster, who 'understands complex technical aspects and ensures the client has a strong contractual position'.

The technology team at Wiggin LLP has experience assisting clients with IT infrastructure projects, outsourcing arrangements, corporate and financing transactions and litigation; it also has expertise in new and emerging areas of technology including AI, gaming and virtual reality matters. Practice head Alan Owens handles contentious IT matters, while Ciaran Hickey and David Naylor are names to note for corporate transactions and data protection work respectively.

Blake Morgan LLP handles IT transactions for suppliers and users of technology; it also has particular experience in the financial services sector, but also counts retail and e-commerce companies, digital media providers and charities among its client base. Simon Stokes heads up the practice and has notable expertise in outsourcing, cloud services, data protection and software IP issues.

Burges Salmon LLP has an impressive client roster, which it assists with a range of technology transactions. It excels in the transport, energy and utilities sectors, and also has particular experience in fintech, retail, sports, and media and entertainment matters. Practice head Andrew Dunlop, who splits his time between the firm's London and Bristol offices, is recognised for his outsourcing and data protection compliance expertise and has experience acting for IT and cloud service providers. The team also benefits from the addition of legal director Sarah Kenshall who joined from Axiom and focuses on telecoms vendor clients, payment solutions, and public sector IT projects.

The group at DAC Beachcroft LLP has substantial expertise in technology transactions across the financial services, insurance and health sectors, and has the capacity to handle the full range of commercial, intellectual property, financial services regulatory, and data protection matters. Tim Ryan heads up the practice and frequently handles large projects for enterprise IT systems, software development issues, hosting, licensing and data analytics work, and open banking matters. Prakash Kerai is also a key name to note; he has particular experience in the fintech space.

DMH Stallard LLP assists its client roster of suppliers and users of technology and outsourced services with matters ranging from software licencings to cloud computing and IT procurement projects, outsourcings and emerging technology issues.  Practice head Anthony Lee specialises in outsourcing and commercial IT transactions, while James Orloff handles a range of contracts, corporate transactions and restructurings.

Gowling WLG's Birmingham-based commercial, IT and outsourcing department assists its national and international client roster, which includes a combination of technology start-ups, public sector organisations and large corporates, with a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Sally Mewies has expertise in technology-related contracts, while Patrick Arben is a name to note for disputes. Other key names include Sarah Sasse, who frequently advises public sector clients on how to structure their procurements and commercial arrangements; David Brennan, who handles corporate transactions and Jocelyn Paulley, who has particular expertise in the retail and technology sectors as well as data protection and data centre practices.

Recognised for its representation of rights holders in the media, sports and entertainments sectors, Harbottle & Lewis LLP's technology team assists with a range of commercial and venture capital transactions. Practice head Daniel Tozer regularly advises established technology companies and start-ups on the development and commercialisation of new technologies. Michael Lister focuses on the use of cutting edge technology in sport and other forms of entertainment, while Tony Littner leads the firm's start-up and venture capital group. The practice also benefits from the addition of the 'very practical, solution-driven' and 'extremely user-friendly' Sacha Wilson, who joined from Bristows LLP and is 'extremely experienced in media and advertising'.

Boutique IT and IP-focused firm iLaw handles a range of transactional and contentious instructions across the sector. The team advises customers and suppliers on IT contracts, and also handles contractual disputes, corporate transactions and IP and regulatory matters, particularly those involving data protection issues. Justin Ellis heads up the practice and specialises in non-contentious IT work, while Mark Culbert is a key name for litigation and Matthew Poli for corporate matters.

The 'responsive' technology and communications practice at Lewis Silkin LLP leverages a cross-departmental team to advise its impressive roster of technology and telecoms sector clients. The team, which 'always offers a high standard of work', is jointly led by Sean Dempsey, David Willbe and James Gill who focus on employment, corporate finance transactions and commercial IT advice respectively. Nathalie Moreno, who advises on the commercial and regulatory aspects of a range of IT transactions including IT procurements and cloud outsourcing projects, is another name to note.

The 'commercially focused' technology and innovation team at Michelmores LLP is highlighted for its 'availability, knowledge of the industry and tenacity' and its 'ability to translate legalese into plain English'. The team, which is spread across the firm's London and Exeter offices, is regularly instructed by a combination of private and public sector clients on commercial IT projects and related disputes. The 'highly commercial, sensible and pragmatic' Tom Torkar heads up the practice, which includes commercial disputes partners Sara Chisholm-Batten and Charles Courtenay, who recently joined the London team from Latham & Watkins.

Mills & Reeve LLP's Cambridge-based team is highlighted for its experience in technolology transactions, with particular expertise assisting clients in the public sector, healthcare, charity and education sectors including technology companies and start-ups. Kevin Calder and Peter Wainman jointly lead the team and are names to note for advising government departments on IT projects and health technology matters respectively.

'Superb' boutique PREISKEL & CO LLP has 'exceptional' transactional and regulatory telecoms sector expertise. The 'very friendly, smart and approachable' team has an impressive client roster, which it assists with corporate, commercial, regulatory, advisory and contentious matters, with particular experience handling multi-jurisdictional instructions. Daniel Preiskel and Ronnie Preiskel, who are 'both extremely talented and highly respected in the industry' head up the non-transactional and transactional practices respectively. Other names to note include Tim Cowen for competition law and Jose Saras, who advises telecoms clients on regulatory and commercial matters including data protection work.

The telecoms, technology and media team at Shepherd and Wedderburn, which is split across the firm's London, Edinburgh and Glasgow offices, leverages its 'practical experience of working in the telecoms sector on multinational deals' to deliver 'actionable, risk-weighted advice'. The team is jointly led by London-based regulatory and antitrust specialist Gordon Moir, who has 'practical experience in a wide range of jurisdictions'; IP partners Paul Carlyle, who splits his time between London and Edinburgh, and Glasgow-based Joanna Boag-Thomson; and Edinburgh-based commercial litigator John MacKenzie.

Stevens & Bolton LLP's Guildford-based group has a client roster, which ranges from start-ups to established technology companies and also includes businesses which utilise technology. Practice head Beverley Whittaker has experience handling IT contracts for outsourced services, cloud arrangements and software development and licensing matters, while Gary Parnell excels in the IT and insurance sectors. Other names to note include Beverley Flynn, who leads the data protection practice; IP expert Tom Lingard and litigator Michael Frisby. Managing associate Charles Maurice, who combines IT and IP expertise, has notable outsourcing expertise.

The commercial, intellectual property and technology team at Wallace LLP assists clients with a range of corporate and commercial IT matters. The group regularly handles the development, exploitation, licensing and sale of technology, as well as purchase and installation issues. Practice head Frank Jennings focuses on cloud law, technology contracts and data security; while corporate partner John Woodhouse has particular experience acting for service providers.

As a 'commercial and pragmatic' boutique firm 'with deep technology, IT and telecoms expertise', Waterfront Solicitors LLP is well-positioned to assist a combination of SME clients and blue chip companies in the technology space with commercial, corporate, IP and employment advice. Practice head Alison Berryman and Jean-Marc Pettigrew are key names to note for drafting and negotiating commercial contracts for the supply and procurement of technology; the 'responsive and super efficient' Berryman also has data protection, consumer rights and e-commerce law expertise, while Pettigrew provides 'knowledge and specialist advice on IT, IP and online gaming matters'. Matthew Harris and Piers Strickland handle IP and IT litigation, while Matthew Cunningham specialises in corporate transactions.

The 'committed and reliable' team at Wedlake Bell LLP assists clients with the development and marketing of cutting-edge technologies and products, with particular experience in blockchain issues. Adam Edwards combines corporate and commercial expertise, and counts a range of start-ups and multinationals as clients; he heads up the team with Jonathan Paul Cornthwaite, who handles large-scale projects and service agreements.