IT and telecoms in London

The strength of DLA Piper’s full-service offering in  the technology and telecoms field is demonstrated by its work on leading projects, such as the rollout of Fibre to the Premises and numerous submarine cable projects. Alongside its strong transactional and regulatory work, the firm is also active in prominent TMT disputes. Kit Burden, co-chair of the firm’s global technology sector group, advises both users and suppliers of IT in relation to outsourcing and technology transactions, with a particular focus on the financial services industry. Mike Conradi, co-chair of the international telecoms practice, specialises in the regulatory aspects of major telecoms projects. Ben Forgiel-Jenkins stands out for his expertise in M&A deals involving technology and telecoms companies.

Bird & Bird LLP utilises its strength in technology law, financial services regulation and telecommunications, in addition to its excellent commercial disputes practice, to provide clients with a cohesive offering. The team has advised numerous clients in relation to the roll-out of 5G, digital transformation projects and the application of emerging forms of technology, among other areas. On the contentious side, the team stands out for its leading role in major patent disputes. Ronald Hendrikx advises clients on IT and telecoms projects, with a particular focus on projects involving the use of technology on a nationwide basis to improve public services, such as the adoption of smart metering in Britain. Mark Leach specialises in outsourcing transactions, acting for both customers and suppliers. Graeme Maguire has a strong reputation in international projects and transactions in the telecoms and technology sectors, including M&A and project finance. Roger Bickerstaff is well-versed in all types of software agreements, in addition to boasting a wealth of experience in procurement processes. Ian Edwards is another key member of the firm's technology practice. Senior associate Stephanie Lopes stands out for her experience advising clients on the issues which arise in relation to the monetisation of data, particularly in the context of AI and big data initiatives. 

Bristows LLP strengthened its contentious IT offering with the hire of Robert Graham in 2020, bolstering its contentious offering. On the disputes side, the team possesses particular strength in patent litigation involving well-known multinationals such as Philips. On the non-contentious side, the team demonstrates impressive expertise in cutting-edge IT projects - including cybersecurity, AI, fintech and healthtech initiatives, major data protection mandates and outsourcing deals. Toby Crick combines his transactional and regulatory expertise to support telecoms companies with outsourcing transactions and other business critical arrangements. Mark Watts, who holds a PhD in Computer Science, is a leading IT specialist. Myles Jelf leads the firm's technology litigation practice and has a particular focus on antitrust and IP disputes. Angela Fouracre is a core member of the IT disputes team. Anna Cook is known for counselling users and suppliers of IT systems on risk management, confidentiality, copyright and licensing matters. Adrian Sim stands out for his expertise in financial services projects.

Clifford Chance LLP has market-leading expertise in major transactions in the telecoms sector, in addition to strength in competition litigation, global risk management, IP law and public listings involving IT companies. Highlights over the review period include advising Telefonica on the merger of O2 with Liberty Global's Virgin Media. Practice head André Duminy  focuses on M&A and carve out and separation projects in the technology sector; he is also active in fintech and insurtech matters, including investments and fundraising. Jennifer Mbaluto, who co-heads the firm's East Africa practice, specialises in advising clients investing in emerging technology companies.

Dentons extensive global network enables it to consistently handle significant, cutting-edge matters across the TMT sector,  acting for public and private sector clients. The team has particular strength in projects utilising emerging forms of technology, such as AI, robotic process automation and blockchain. In addition, it is well-known for assisting clients with cloud migrations, smart energy and digital transformation projects. In a recent highlight, demonstrating the firm’s strength in the public sector, the team advised the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport on the procurement of the UK Rural Broadband Project. Dan Burge assists corporate clients with complex IT projects and outsourcing arrangements. Andy Lucas stands out for the depth and breadth of his TMT practice, which includes advising various government departments in relation to their strategic use of technology. Highly active partner Henrietta Baker advises technology start-ups, early stage companies and global players in relation to complex and often innovative IT outsourcing transactions and technology projects.

Fieldfisher is best known for its depth of expertise in the technology sector, which it leverages to assist well-known companies, including major online retailers and digital media giants, with the commercial and regulatory aspects underpinning the development of new products and services.  On the telecoms side, the firm has a fairly active corporate practice. By way of example, the team recently advised Mobile Broadband Network on a series of ten-year deals to support their existing 3G, 4G and 5G requirements until 2030. Robert Shooter advises suppliers and customers in a variety of outsourcing and procurement deals, as well as cloud and “as a service” type arrangements. Paul Barton has over two decades of experience advising clients on IT projects across the public and private sector. James Walsh has notable expertise in network infrastructure projects; Paul Graham has particular strength in major telecoms deals; and John Brunning frequently advises clients on software and licensing deals, network outsourcings and procurement. The practice was recently strengthened by the arrival of Rem Noormohamed from Acuity Law.

Norton Rose Fulbright is very active in IT and telecoms, demonstrating considerable expertise in data privacy, outsourcing and regulatory mandates, in addition to strength in the emerging areas of fintech, insurtech and digital payments. Sean Murphy leads the firm's technology practice, focusing primarily on cross-border transactions, investments and joint ventures in the fintech sector; Oliver Stacey has a wealth of experience in telecoms transactions throughout the MENA region, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa; James Russell has strong credentials in onshore and offshore outsourcing,  systems procurement and smart contracts. Zayed Al Jamil, who became a partner in 2021, is recommended for his role in outsourcing, blockchain and AI projects.

Slaughter and May has a strong presence in the technology sector, where it provides full-service advice covering corporate transactions, international data compliance, outsourcing and procurement, antitrust law and the development of new products and services. In addition, the team launched Regulating Digital in January 2021, a cross-disciplinary group providing holistic advice to TMT companies in relation to the complex legal and regulatory aspects of data, data privacy, IP and competition. Rob Sumroy has expertise in commercial licensing, procurement and the commercial and regulatory aspects underpinning the development of new forms of technology, such as AI and blockchain products. David Ives stands out for his expertise in private and public sector-led technology projects, in which he tends to provide advice on outsourcing, software licensing and corporate transactions. Victoria MacDuff specialises in the commercial aspects of technology and telecoms projects. Duncan Blaikie specialises in procurement and licensing agreements, particularly those involving fintech and cybersecurity clients. Associate Oliver Howley is recommended for his niche in robotics and AI.

Ashurst focuses primarily on assisting clients with the corporate and commercial aspects of major technology and telecoms projects. It is also well-known for its expertise in competition litigation, IP law and the regulatory aspects of complex initiatives in the field. Nick Elverston leads the firm's Digital Economy Transactions group, handling high-profile telecommunications transactions on a multijurisdictional basis. Amanda Hale is another core member of the digital economy team, with a particular focus on strategic infrastructure and service arrangements, alliances and joint ventures. Christopher Bates is a key member of the IT team, with a strong track record of advising clients on major procurements and outsourcing transactions. David Futter stands out for assisting government departments on the procurement of critical infrastructure for the development of new products and services.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's team excels in terms of advising clients on all aspects of data centre projects. It is also well-regarded for its role in IT outsourcing and M&A transactions, in addition to its wealth of experience in the fintech sector, where it assists clients with the development of new payments technology and e-commerce platforms. 'Able negotiator' Mark Bailey specialises in IT contracting, data centre operation and cloud computing. Megan Paul, who co-heads the practice alongside Mark, handles commercial agreements and corporate transactions in the technology sector. Senior associate Caroline Young is noted for her role in major digital transformation projects, where she assists clients with technology and procurement arrangements. Associate Chris Ingram is another standout practitioner, with a particular focus on drafting commercial contracts for TMT companies.

With a strong focus on the technology sector, Cooley (UK) LLP specialises in commercial transactions, fundraising rounds and investments. It is also well-equipped to advise clients on GDPR compliance, procurement, licensing and joint ventures, particularly in relation to the use of innovative technology such as fintech, insurtech and medtech. Chris Coulter leads the team, and boasts a wealth of experience in technology, IP, data and cybersecurity law. Associate Amy Collins is also a key name to note, given her work for a variety of start-ups and growth stage companies in relation to all of their regulatory and commercial matters.  Leo Spicer-Phelps stands out for his strength in data privacy and software licensing mandates.

Deloitte Legal acquired legacy Kemp Little in February 2021, consolidating its position in the market. The team has a strong track record in conventional areas of IT law, such as e-commerce, systems integration and software development, and emerging areas, including AI, blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Emma Wright advises national and international telecoms clients on their customer and wholesale arrangements, in addition to gaining instructions from clients in the cybersecurity space to handle highly sensitive, strategic projects. Paul Hinton specialises in advising financial services companies on IT projects involving the licensing and use of market data and electronic trading platforms. Andrew Joint stands out for his role in projects utilising AI, robotic process automation and cloud technologies.

With particular experience in the technology sector, Latham & Watkins handles data and payments projects, in addition to fintech, insurtech and cloud-related matters. Andrew Moyle, who co-leads the team, assists clients with technology, IP and commercial transactions. Fellow practice head Gail Crawford specialises in helping clients with complex data privacy and security matters, as well as licensing and exploiting various forms of disruptive technology. Christian McDermott is also a core member of the team. 

Linklaters LLP advises well-known clients across the spectrum of IT and telecoms, including major telecoms operators, financial sponsors, governments and regulators. Although the firm has a broad offering, it is best known for supporting clients with large transactions and high-profile litigation. Richard Cumbley, global head of the TMT practice, has over 20 years of experience in IT procurement and outsourcing. Iain Fenn is a standout practitioner due to his work in major digital transformation projects, while corporate partner David Martin deserves mention for his role on behalf of investors, buyers and sellers in major telecoms transactions. Julian Cunningham-Day is another key member of the team, with a strong reputation in digital infrastructure transactions.

With a roster of technology clients ranging from established players to start-ups, Morrison Foerster focuses on the corporate and regulatory aspects of projects utilising technology such as AI, cloud computing and blockchain. In addition, the team has a strong pro bono practice, which assists NGOs with a wide range of matters, including IP agreements and the adoption of new technology. Alistair Maughan leads the team, advising clients on outsourcing transactions, licensing agreements and sales contracts. Maughan is also well-regarded for his focus on emerging areas of technology, such as robotic process automation and e-commerce. Associates Mercedes Samavi and Sana Ashcroft  are also recommended.

Osborne Clarke LLP has a historically strong technology practice, which it leverages to advise clients in relation to the application of AI, cloud based solutions and payment projects, to name just a few core areas of expertise. In addition, the team has a burgeoning telecoms practice, which focuses on assisting major players, infrastructure providers and customers with their commercial and corporate arrangements. With over 25 years' experience in the sector, John Buyers boasts particular strength in IT and outsourcing transactions and the development of AI solutions. Fellow practice head Mark Taylor stands out for his strong working knowledge of fintech law, not to mention his expertise in data protection, outsourcing and cybersecurity mandates.

RPC stands out for its expertise in business critical outsourcing projects across numerous industries, including insurance, healthcare, financial services and technology. In addition, the firm is well-regarded for its expertise in litigation around outsourced services, in which it acts for major digital media companies, public sector bodies and retailers, among other clients. In a recent highlight, the team advised two NHS teaching hospitals on the outsourcing of their pathology services, with an estimated value of over £1.5bn. Mark Crichard leads the firm's technology and outsourcing practice, whereas Jeremy Drew  heads up the commercial TMT practice. Charles Buckworth is another key partner, known for handling IT,  outsourcing and data projects in the financial services industry.

Squire Patton Boggs advises clients across the spectrum of IT and telecoms, demonstrating particular strength in M&A transactions. Andrew Wilkinson, who leads the firm's IP and technology EMEA group, advises major suppliers and users of technology on various matters, encompassing cloud arrangements, system design, build and implementation and outsourcing. Francesco Liberatore specialises in competition law, assisting TMT clients with merger control due diligence and filings, investigations brought by regulators and compliance issues. Senior associate James Pearson stands out for his expertise in IT contracts involving biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Warren Phelops, who specialises in IP and technology law, joined the firm from K&L Gates LLP in November 2020.

Taylor Wessing LLP is firmly embedded in the technology sector, providing life cycle advice to clients with a particular focus on investments, fundraising rounds and M&A transactions. Graham Hann, who sits as the head of the UK commercial technology team, specialises in advising fintech clients, payment services and e-commerce businesses on commercial agreements, IT and data matters. Martin Cotterill leads the outsourcing practice, acting for investors and innovative companies throughout the course of major projects. Mark Owen has particular strength in contentious and non-contentious IP law, with a particular focus on the digital media sector. Sian Skelton is recommended for her work for large and small technology companies in relation to commercial contracts and regulatory compliance.

Addleshaw Goddard regularly supports clients with financial services transactions and complex regulatory matters arising during the course of major product launches and outsourcing projects. In addition, the firm has a strong contentious practice, representing companies in litigation regarding IT supply contracts, software licensing and data protection matters. Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta, who leads the team, has considerable expertise in IT and outsourcing transactions across the financial services, transport and retail industries. Fiona Ghosh deserves recognition for her comprehensive work in the fintech sector, with a particular focus on digital payments. Nathalie Moreno, who specialises in IT and data protection, joined the firm from Lewis Silkin LLP in April 2020.

Allen & Overy LLP has strength in depth across the spectrum of technology and telecoms law. On the telecoms side, the firm handles corporate transactions, financing arrangements and commercial agreements. On the technology side, the team is well-placed to assist companies with procurement, licensing and outsourcing matters. Tom Levine leads the team, regularly working alongside counsel Andrew Kenning.

Focusing predominantly on the technology sector, Browne Jacobson LLP specialises in digital transformation projects, IT outsourcing transactions and various related areas, including licensing, software development and systems integration. In addition, the team has a strong presence in IT and outsourcing projects in the public sector, with a particular focus on developments in the areas of healthcare and education. Anthony Nagle leads the IT and outsourcing team, whereas Declan Cushley specialises in IP law, providing advice to clients on brand protection, protection, enforcement and exploitation. Selina Hinchcliffe is recommended for her expertise in IT and IP law, particularly in the education and energy sectors.

With a range of clients that includes established technology companies, start-ups, insurance companies and major corporates, Codified Legal frequently provides advice in relation to procurement processes,  outsourcing and IT contracts. Jeremy Newton leads the firm's IT and outsourcing team, however he is also well-placed to advise clients on e-commerce, commercial contracts and data protection matters. Gavin Wakefield, who previously worked at Capgemini, advises both supplies and users of technology on the full scope of their activities.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP specialises in IT and technology matters in the fintech sector, in which it acts for large financial institutions, growth stage companies and start-ups. Simon Gamlin leads the firm's international IT group, advising clients on outsourcing transactions, software licensing, e-commerce projects and various other matters. Simon Cloke leads the firm's telecoms practice, providing full-service advice to clients during technology projects and outsourcing arrangements. Craig Rogers stands out for his expertise in fintech and digital payments law, having advised numerous banks, insurers, payment service providers and other parties involved engaged in innovative projects.

Lewis Silkin LLP has a broad technology law practice, advising investors, fintech companies, tech vendors and digital media clients, among others, in relation to transactional and regulatory matters. James Gill focuses predominantly on assisting clients with the commercial aspects of projects involving AI, data and software development. David Willbe leads the firm’s corporate finance practice, which focuses primarily on the technology sector.

Mayer Brown International LLP is particularly well-known for advising clients in the financial services industry on the application of cutting-edge technology, cloud arrangements and data issues. It is also highly regarded for its fintech and insurtech work, with an emphasis on AI-based projects. Mark Prinsley leads the firm's IP and IT group; Andrew Stewart focuses on commercial arrangements in the technology sector; Richard Page advises TMT companies on corporate transactions, including M&A and private equity investments. Oliver Yaros is also a core member of the team, with a wealth of experience assisting clients in the financial services industry with utility projects, technology outsourcing and IT systems procurement.

Milbank is particularly experienced in technology litigation and large-scale projects, in which it provides advice on global IT, licensing and exploitation agreements, M&A, payments infrastructure and various related matters. It is also well-equipped to provide transactional support to telecoms companies, in addition to representing them in complex commercial disputes. Practice head Joel Harrison has amassed considerable experience in data protection and digital transformation mandates throughout the course of his career. Head of litigation Julian Stait stands out for his role in prominent IT disputes up to the Supreme Court. Tom Canning is also a core member of the firm's IT litigation practice. Laurence Jacobs retired in March 2020.

Mills & Reeve LLP recruited Jagvinder Singh Kang from Codified Legal Limited to lead its practice. With Jagvinder at the helm, the firm is able to provide a cohesive offering in the technology sector, which encompasses handling major procurement processes, data protection mandates and complex IT law matters. Kevin Calder, who co-leads the practice alongside Jagvinder, focuses primarily on public sector-led IT projects.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP specialises in outsourcing transactions across the technology sector. In addition, the team has notable expertise in data protection law. Mike Pierides leads the firm's outsourcing work for such major clients as Fujitsu, Deutsche Bank and Royal Bank of Canada; he is also experienced in hardware and software implementation projects. Timothy Corbett stands out for his role in corporate transactions involving technology companies.

TLT is best known for its work in the public sector, where it advises government departments on major outsourcing transactions, software projects and procurement processes. It is also a strong firm in the retail and fintech sectors, providing advice on the commercial and regulatory aspects of digital transformation projects, product launches, cybersecurity issues and data breaches. James Touzel, who leads the firm's national technology and IP team, stands out for his work on behalf of public and private sector clients in strategic IT and telecoms projects, often involving the application of innovative technology such as AI. Daniel Lloyd leads the London team, assisting technology clients with corporate and commercial matters.

Travers Smith LLP has a diverse practice in the technology sector, advising clients on the buy and sell side of major IT projects, outsourcing transactions and cutting-edge fintech initiatives.  In a recent highlight, the team advised Eggplant on its $330m sale by private equity firm Carlyle Group. Dan Reavill  stands out for his role in technology implementations, outsourcing and software development mandates, acting for IT vendors and buyers in the financial services, manufacturing and retail sectors. Louisa Chambers is recommended for her wealth of experience in IT projects, in which she focused primarily on software licensing and the protection of IP.

Wiggin LLP advises clients across the TMT ecosystem in relation to software licensing, distribution agreements, data protection, IP law and various related areas. Alongside this core offering, the team acts for clients in high-profile litigation. Gordon Moir, who co-leads the team alongside commercial litigator Alan Owens, has over 20 years of experience in IT and telecoms law. Currently, Owens is advising various major telecoms companies in relation to the complex regulatory aspects of large-scale projects, including data protection, retention and transfer matters. David Naylor is also recommended.

Bates Wells focuses primarily on the technology sector, advising both suppliers and customers of IT services on the corporate and regulatory facets of their operations. It is particularly invested in the fintech sector, supporting start-ups and growth stage companies with their business critical transactions. Richard Marke leads the practice, using his wealth of experience in technology law to act for a wide range of clients in the sector, including software/SAAS providers, data wholesalers and hi-tech businesses.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP specialises in technology transactions, outsourcing, supplier arrangements and commercial agreements. The team is particularly focused on the fintech sector, advising in relation to the corporate transactions supporting the development of blockchain, cryptocurrency and e-commerce products. 'Superb negotiator' Marcus Pearl, who leads the team, has over 20 years of experience in commercial technology contracts and outsourcing law. Associate Louis Wihl and senior associate Ben Wheeler are also recommended for their work in the field.

Burges Salmon LLP handles a range of large-scale IT projects, in which it tends to act for domestic and international companies acquiring business-critical technology. Practice head Andrew Dunlop is particularly well-regarded for his role in IT outsourcing transactions, advising large corporates, financial institutions and technology vendors. Associates David Varney and Lucy Pegler are also core members of the group.

Gowling WLG specialises in contentious and non-contentious technology law, with a particular focus on cloud computing, e-commerce, data protection, outsourcing and licensing. Jocelyn Paulley leads the non-contentious practice, advising clients in the retail and technology sectors in relation to outsourcing arrangements and commercial agreements. Patrick Arben focuses on IT and outsourcing disputes, acting for both customers and providers of technology.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP is known for advising large and small technology companies in relation to a wide range of transactions, including M&A, investments and fundraising rounds. Sacha Wilson is known for his expertise in adtech, digital marketing, digital media transactions and data privacy matters. Anthony Littner leads the firm's start-up and venture capital groups, focusing primarily on the technology and media sector.

Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s global team advises on a range of commercial and contentious technology matters, and is also active in the telecoms sector. Peter Watts is known for handling strategic IT projects involving software, rights and data issues.

Preiskel & Co LLP specialises in assisting innovative telecoms clients with all aspects of their operations, including fundraising, commercial agreements and data privacy. Daniel Preiskel leads the telecoms team, using his wealth of experience in the sector to provide cohesive advice to a wide range of clients, including MNOs, resellers and cloud based telephony providers. Ronnie Preiskel is also a core member of the team.

Stephenson Harwood focuses primarily on supporting technology and fintech companies in connection with corporate transactions, software licensing disputes and financial services regulation. Dan Holland leads the team and is regularly assisted by associate Anita Basi, who possesses considerable expertise in IT projects across the technology, financial services and life sciences sectors. Associate David Berry left the practice in May 2021 to join Addleshaw Goddard.

Stevens & Bolton LLP advises buy and sell side companies in the technology sector, specialising in contract drafting and regulatory negotiations. Alongside this, the firm is heavily invested in supporting insurtech and fintech companies throughout their life cycle. Beverley Flynn is best known for drafting IT supply and procurement contracts; she is also experienced in data protection.

With a particular focus on the technology sector, Blake Morgan LLP is regularly retained by clients from start-ups to multinationals to assist with financial services and IP issues. In addition, the firm has a strong data protection practice. Simon Stokes advises clients on outsourcing arrangements, data protection and software licensing; he is also well-regarded for supporting clients with technology transactions. Associate Charles Mallows is also a core member of the team, having worked on secondment for IBM and Deutsche Bank.

Wallace LLP has a well-rounded technology practice, best known for its expertise in cloud computing, data protection and IP law. Frank Jennings, who leads the team in London, advises companies acquiring and selling IT services in relation to data security, technology contracts and outsourcing arrangements. John Woodhouse, based in London, advises owner-managed companies throughout their life cycle.