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

The 'pragmatic, responsive and knowledgeable’ Bird & Bird LLP has broad experience that covers technology implementation projects, digital transformations and telecoms regulatory work, and also provides expertise in patent and technology disputes. Practice head Ronald Hendrikx specialises in IT and communications projects, acting for public and private sector clients. Also notable are Roger Bickerstaff, who advises on technology infrastructure and outsourcing projects; the ‘very commercial’ Jonathan Emmanuel, who assists with disruptive digital technology adoptions; regulatory technology and communications expert Graeme Maguire; and Ian Edwards, who has a particular focus on large-scale, strategic and transformational projects. Mark Leach co-heads the firm's technology transactions and international outsourcing practice groups.

The ‘incredibly responsive, disciplined and creative’ Bristows LLP provides experience in contracting work, data protection issues, dispute resolution and outsourcing projects across a range of IT and telecoms matters. The firm has expertise in cloud, robotics, AI and e-commerce mandates, as well as the increasingly prominent areas of adtech, fintech and healthtech. The team is co-led by commercial IT specialist Mark Watts; the ‘exceptional’ Toby Crick, who focuses on telecoms issues; and technology and litigation expert Myles Jelf. Also noted are Adrian Sim, who is a ‘very positive, technically strong and friendly partner'; Angela Fouracre, who focuses on IT disputes; Anna Cook, who specialises in IT litigation, risk management issues and contract management work; and Alex Keenlyside, who joined in 2019 from Pinsent Masons LLP, bringing data protection litigation experience.

The ‘creative ’ practice at Dentons leverages its global capacity and international expertise in a range of technology and telecoms matters. The group has particular experience in providing data protection, telecoms regulatory advice and handling cybersecurity issues. The practice also has expertise in innovative areas including robotics, autonomous vehicles, AI and blockchain. Telecoms specialist Jan Willem van den Bos is the ‘go-to partner in TMT for complex regulatory queries and projects’. He co-leads the team with Dan Burge, whose broad experience covers telecoms and IT matters; and Andy Lucas, who is singled out for advising private sector companies on technology projects in emerging areas.

With expertise in technology and outsourcing deals, DLA Piper has local, national and global expertise in litigation, IP and corporate matters in the IT and telecoms sectors. Practice head Kit Burden’s experience covers a range of outsourcing and complex technology transactions, advising users and suppliers of IT on all aspects of the procurement process. Also recognised is Mike Conradi, who focuses on outsourcing contracts in the telecoms sector.

The 'high-quality, cost effective and flexible’ Fieldfisher handles a broad range of telecoms, technology and outsourcing matters. The practice is led by technology and privacy expert Robert Shooter, who is ‘top of the field'. Also recommended are James Walsh, who has particular expertise in network infrastructure projects, IT and business process outsourcings, data centre projects and online platforms; John Worthy, who is head of the firm’s satellite and space projects team; IT specialist Paul Graham; and John Brunning, whose experience includes technology hardware and infrastructure procurements, software developments and consultancy arrangements.

The 'great strength and depth’ of Kemp Little LLP allows the firm to provide an 'excellent service' in IT and telecoms matters. The practice has experience in the cloud, e-commerce, system integration and software development arenas, as well as the specialist IT areas of AI, robotics, online behavioural advertising and blockchain. The firm also acts for B2C and B2B telecoms clients on regulatory, telecoms and cybersecurity issues. Co-leading the team are Paul Hinton, who is experienced in advising on the technology and financial services sectors; and Emma Wright, who advises national and international telecoms companies on customer and wholesale arrangements, as well as assisting infrastructure providers. Also singled out is Andrew Joint, who is a specialist technology lawyer active in technology contracting and advisory matters.

The ‘strong, capable and very personable’ team at Ashurst specialises in the areas of fintech, cloud technology and the digital economy. The firm ‘really knows its stuff, is pragmatic and really on the money', providing broad telecoms and IT expertise, including handling multi-sourcing issues and AI work, as well as IT procurement and outsourcing projects. The team is co-led by Nick Elverston, who focuses on providing cross-border legal advice to clients in the TMT sector and the wider digital economy; Amanda Hale, who acts for fixed and mobile operators, governments, regulators, banks and funds investing in the digital infrastructure sector; and IT and sourcing specialist Christopher Bates, who is ‘knowledgeable and commercial in his approach’. Also notable is David Futter, who is praised for his fintech and digital platform experience and is a ‘great sounding board, providing commercial insight, balance and in-depth expertise’.

The ‘highly capable and nimble’ Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is ‘excellent at managing and deploying the wider resource of the firm on multi-disciplinary projects’. The practice has particular experience in data centres and infrastructure work, as well as advising telecoms operators and regulators on a range of matters. In addition to providing fintech and insurtech expertise, the firm advises on technology matters across the retail, food and beverage, and sports sectors. As a ‘true expert in the data centre sector’, Mark Bailey advises on technology, infrastructure and commercial contract matters, and co-leads the team with corporate transactional specialist Mark Howard. Other key names include Megan Paul, who leads the infrastructure and telecoms team; and senior associate Chris Ingram, who focuses on technology sector commercial contracts.

Specialising in digital infrastructure, data and cybersecurity work, Clifford Chance LLP has broad experience in the IT and telecoms fields, which enables it to handle innovative matters and new trends in the market. André Duminy leads the practice and focuses on commercial transactions, complex technology projects and outsourcing arrangements. Also notable is Jennifer Mbaluto, who was promoted to partner in 2019 and specialises in M&A and commercial transactions in the telecoms, media and technology sectors, particularly in Africa and other emerging markets.

As well as traditional technology work, Cooley (UK) LLP handles a range of matters related to AI, blockchain, data management and data privacy. The full service firm has particular expertise acting for emerging technology clients and advising on cross-border work. Practice head Chris Coulter advises on technology, data, cybersecurity, contract and intellectual property issues. At the associate level, Amy Collins handles commercial and non-contentious technology and data privacy matters, as well as outsourcing, procurement and licensing issues; and Leo Spicer-Phelps advises on consumer law, acquisitions, data privacy and software licensing mandates.

The technology and regulatory focused practice at Latham & Watkins specialises in data driven and payment work, and also has expertise in fintech, insurtech and cloud-related issues. Fintech expert Andrew Moyle advises on technology, IP and commercial transactions and transformation initiatives, and co-leads the team with Gail Crawford, who is global chair of the firm’s data and technology transactions practice. The team also includes Fiona Maclean, who combines experience in commercial outsourcing mandates, innovative technologies and data privacy regulation; Christian McDermott, who advises on technology, commercial law, IP and data privacy matters; and associate Alain Traill, who has broad experience advising on outsourcing projects, commercial contracts and other technology arrangements.

In the IT and telecoms space, Linklaters LLP specialises in corporate, M&A, commercial and regulatory advice, and has notable dispute resolution strength. The firm is also active in the areas of GDPR, AI and machine learning. Julian Cunningham-Day has international expertise in technology, telecoms, data and commercial contracts, and leads the team with Richard Cumbley, who is global head of the firm’s TMT and IP practices, advising multinationals and governments on information management and data privacy issues. Also notable are Iain Fenn, Georgina Kon and Lindsey Brown.

The ‘top-notch, super experienced and pragmatic’ department at Milbank focuses on technology projects, renegotiations and cross-border telecoms sector deals. The practice can also draw on the firm's wider transactional and litigation experience. The team is led by Joel Harrison , who combines legal, regulatory and IT expertise; Julian Stait has particular strength in IT disputes; and Tom Canning specialises in IT litigation and arbitration proceedings.

The multi-disciplinary team at Norton Rose Fulbright has experience in fintech, insurtech and payments, as well as expertise in data privacy, outsourcing and regulatory mandates. The firm also provides NRF Transform, a change and innovation program for the delivery of legal services through the use of technology. The group is co-led by Sean Murphy, who focuses on international corporate matters in the technology sector; Oliver Stacey, who specialises in corporate and commercial transactions; and James Russell, who is an expert in outsourcing, information technology and IP law. Other key names include Zayed Al Jamil, who was promoted to counsel in 2019 an advises on outsourcing and technology projects, particularly related to emerging technologies; and Paul Joseph, who arrived from RPC in 2020 and brings expertise in technology, data and IP disputes.

Specialising in IT matters, Osborne Clarke LLP is ‘really knowledgeable about the wider industry, the key issues and what is market practice’. The firm advises technology and telecoms clients on a range of matters including AI, data sharing, blockchain, cybersecurity and cross-border work. John Buyers has particular expertise in financial services IT and outsourcing transactions and co-leads the team with Mark Taylor, who has ‘great depth of expertise' and advises on the development, implementation and exploitation of IT, telecoms and novel technologies, as well as technology outsourcing arrangements.

The 'very responsive’ RPC has ‘excellent communication and case management’ skills, as well as a ‘depth and spread of technical, industry and legal knowledge’. The firm specialises in technology outsourcing matters, as well as providing expertise in fintech, insurtech, data and IT transformation projects. Mark Crichard advises on telecoms and technology matters, particularly on the supplier side. He co-leads the practice with Jeremy Drew, who has broad experience in contentious and non-contentious IT matters. Also noted are Charles Buckworth, who is a specialist IT, outsourcing and data lawyer; and Ciara Cullen, who focuses on IP and technology litigation.

Advising customers and suppliers, Taylor Wessing LLP’s experience includes handling infrastructure projects, regulatory issues and commercial issues, as well as assisting mobile service operators and providers of new communication services with a range of matters. Key names include Graham Hann, who focuses on commercial, IT and data issues; Angus Finnegan, who specialises in fintech, future mobility, AI and cloud-based technologies; and Siân Skelton, who has expertise in technology and privacy law.

Addleshaw Goddard specialises in advising banks and financial services sector clients on IT issues and regulation in the area, and also handles innovation projects. Practice head Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta advises on IT and outsourcing transactions in the financial services, transport and telecoms arenas. Key names in the team include Fiona Ghosh, who focuses on complex commercial, payment and fintech arrangements; and William James, who is known for payment processing work and issues relating to interactions with main payment networks.

Allen & Overy LLP is active across a range of IT and telecoms matters, including work involving M&A, regulatory and commercial issues. Tom Levine leads the team and focuses on commercial, regulatory and IP matters, advising on stand-alone projects and corporate transactions. Also notable is counsel Andrew Kenning, who advises on strategic and transformational commercial agreements in the IT and telecoms sectors.

The ‘focused, problem-solving and diligent’ team at Browne Jacobson LLP provides expertise in digital transformations, and innovative technology and national infrastructure projects. The full-service firm brings experience in employment, tax, health and public sector work to its technology and telecoms practice. Declan Cushley specialises in commercial and intellectual property matters and co-leads the team with IT specialist Anthony Nagle, whose experience includes handling transactions and restructurings in the private and public sectors.

Specialising in IT projects and outsourcing contracts, Codified Legal (formerly known as Technology Law Alliance) advises on technology and telecoms matters for institutions, insurance companies, technology groups and large companies from a range of sectors. Jeremy Newton has experience in commercial contracts, e-commerce issues and data protection matters, with a focus on IT and outsourcing projects. He co-leads the practice with Gavin Wakefield, who advises technology suppliers and users on a range of technology and outsourcing-related contracts.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP has particular expertise in fintech and infrastructure mandates, advising data centre providers, and acting in contentious technology and telecoms matters. The team is co-led by Simon Cloke, who focuses on communication industry clients; James Hyde, who is a key name for telecoms-related disputes; telecoms code specialist Thekla Fellas; international IT head Simon Gamlin; and Craig Rogers, who advises on complex IT and outsourcing arrangements. The team was bolstered in 2019 by the arrival of Simon Lightman from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP, who brings expertise in commercial, technology and data transactions.

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises on a range of commercial and contentious technology matters, and is also active in the telecoms sector. Notable in the team is Peter Watts, who focuses on technology and media issues concerning software, rights and data.

Mayer Brown International LLP specialises in outsourcing and technology transactions, and cybersecurity and data privacy matters. The firm has strong financial services sector experience, particularly advising clients on cloud arrangements. Fintech and insurtech are also key areas of expertise for the practice. The team is jointly led by Mark Prinsley, who advises technology-based businesses on a range of matters, and assists customers with all stages of outsourcing transactions; Andrew Stewart, who focuses on complex commercial transactions; and Richard Page, who handles TMT sector M&A work.

The ‘user-friendly and approachable’ group at Morrison & Foerster LLP provides a ‘depth and breadth of knowledge’ in the area and ‘maintains the highest level of professionalism’. The ‘true experts’ at the firm advise on inbound investments, outbound investments and procurement strategies across the UK, EU, US and Asian markets. Areas of expertise encompass AI, internet of things, big data, cloud computing and social media issues. Practice head Alistair Maughan focuses on commercial contracts and technology-based projects for companies and public sector organisations. Associate Mercedes Samavi is also active in the field and advises domestic and international clients on contract law, IP work, outsourcings and public procurement matters.

With ‘valuable analysis of issues and developments’, Squire Patton Boggs provides 'deep insight into the regulatory landscape and trends’. Key names for the firm in the IT and telecoms arena are Andrew Wilkinson, who advises UK and international businesses on general commercial matters and day-to-day business requirements; and Francesco Liberatore, who focuses on competition law in the technology driven and digital economy sectors.

The ‘pragmatic’ Stephenson Harwood provides ‘market-driven insights accompanied by swift turnarounds and a real partnering approach’. The practice covers the spectrum of IT advice, including issues relating to cloud computing, fintech, IT outsourcing, software licensing and data protection, as well as IT litigation and corporate transactions in the area. Practice head Dan Holland advises private and public clients on a range of large IT projects. Also notable in the team is associate David Berry, who specialises in IT and IP-related issues.

TLT's practice has experience in a range of IT matters, with particular expertise in payments, open banking and fintech work. Bristol-based James Touzel is head of the firm’s digital sector team and advises on digital, retail, financial services and public sector issues. Also notable is Daniel Lloyd, who specialises in commercial contracts, IP rights, digital content, consumer law and telecoms regulation.

The broad practice at Travers Smith LLP advises buy and supplier-side clients on a range of pure technology and commercial contracts work. The firm has expertise in outsourcing and digital transformation projects for retailers, Brexit preparation work and data protection matters, as well as advising on emerging technology including AI and IoT. Dan Reavill leads the team and specialises in software, data, internet and branding-related work. Another key name is Louisa Chambers, who advises on technology, IP and IT projects.

Acting for leading international technology companies, Wiggin LLP focuses on matters at the intersection of technology, digital media and the internet. The firm specialises in advising disruptive technology businesses on strategies, deal structures and complex contracts. Practice head Alan Owens provides litigation and contentious regulatory expertise to the technology and related sectors. Also noted in the team is David Naylor, who specialises in advising technology, media and IP-focused businesses on a range of matters.

The telecoms-focused practice at Arnold & Porter specialises in regulatory and multijurisdictional advice. The firm’s expertise includes the European digital single market regulation, European data protection law, cybersecurity issues and the UK’s Communications Act. Rob Bratby left the firm in 2020 to found boutique Bratby Law.

The ‘very business-oriented and pragmatic’ Bates Wells advises suppliers and customers on a range of matters, with particular experience acting for start-ups and early stage IT companies. The ‘excellent team’ provides expertise in data licensing, as well as international issues. Practice head Richard Marke has expertise, which covers SaaS providers, data wholesalers, technology-enabled B2C platforms, technology-enabled outsourcings and high-tech devices.

Blake Morgan LLP provides a broad range of technology advice, including handling matters involving fintech, AI and cloud issues. The firm also has experience in technology disputes, as well as advising financial services clients on technology procurements, data privacy mandates and outsourcings. Practice head Simon Stokes specialises in IT law, outsourcing work, cloud services issues and data protection matters.

The 'very pragmatic and business-focused’ practice at Burges Salmon LLP is singled out for IT and outsourcing work, acting for purchasers; it is also increasingly active for supplier-side clients in the digital business arena. Andrew Dunlop leads the team and has experience acting for large corporates, financial institutions and technology vendors.

Recognised for its technology, media and entertainment sector expertise, Harbottle & Lewis LLP advises on a range of technology transactions and emerging technology issues. The team also has commercial and venture capital experience, with a particular focus on advising entrepreneurial technology businesses. Tony Littner heads up the firm’s start-up and venture capital groups.

iLaw focuses on data protection advice, GDPR work and blockchain issues; the group also has expertise in technology provision contracts, primarily for service providers. Practice head Justin Ellis is praised for advising providers of software, digital media, IT consultancy and web-based services. Other key names include trade mark and branding litigation specialist Mark Culbert, who has experience in a range of commercial disputes; and associate Allan Murray, who joined in 2019 from Adams & Remers and brings expertise in cryptocurrency and blockchain litigation.

The ‘professional and personable’ group at Lewis Silkin LLP focuses on advising platform economy companies, fintechs, large techology companies and creative technology industry clients. The firm has expertise in adtech, gaming, AI and blockchain matters, as well as acting for fashion, retail and sport technology providers and buyers. Sean Dempsey and David Willbe are co-heads of the firm’s technology and communications sector group. They lead the wider team with James Gill, who specialises in commercial contracts, technology issues, outsourcings, e-commerce work, consumer law and data protection mandates.

Mills & Reeve LLP has experience advising on IT projects for central government, regulators, NDPBs and charities, as well as established and growing technology businesses. The firm also provides expertise in IT matters to the healthcare and education sectors. Technology and life sciences expert Kevin Calder co-leads the practice with Peter Wainman, who specialises in IT and data protection work.

Acting for service providers and customers, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP has a ‘depth and breadth of knowledge’. As well as leveraging its global reach, the firm has particular experience in the areas of outsourcing, automation, robotics, digital banking and regulation. Mike Pierides covers the spectrum of technology-related transactions, including IT service agreements and licensing work. He co-leads the team with Philadelphia-based Barbara Melby, who focuses on outsourcing and technology transactions.

Specialising in telecoms work, Preiskel & Co LLP provides national and global clients with a breadth of expertise in the field. The firm’s experience includes advising on international satellite regulatory issues, competition law and IoT matters. Daniel Preiskel focuses on telecoms regulatory, commercial and corporate matters for telecoms clients and co-leads the practice with Ronnie Preiskel, who is praised for telecoms, internet and technology sector work.

Advising on the buy and sell side of transactions, Stevens & Bolton LLP has experience in insurtech, adtech, Brexit and fintech mandates; the practice is also particularly active in the autotech area. Beverley Whittaker leads the team and has broad IT expertise covering system implementations, outsourced services, cloud arrangements, developments, licensing work and website agreements. Also notable are Beverley Flynn, who drafts and negotiates IT supply and procurement contracts, and leads the firm’s data protection work; Gary Parnell, who advises technology sector clients on a range of matters; and Charles Maurice, who made partner in 2019 and focuses on IT outsourcing projects.

The ‘flexible and agile’ group at Wallace LLP 'comprehensively understands the TMT sector’, particularly GDPR, cloud and data matters. The practice is experienced in advising clients on the development, exploitation, licensing and sale of technology. The ‘professional, pragmatic and very personable’ Frank Jennings leads the team and specialises in cloud law, technology contracts and data security issues, while John Woodhouse focuses on advising business owners on commercial relationships with management, shareholders, customers and suppliers.

Wedlake Bell LLP advises start-ups, customers, software suppliers, systems integrators and outsourcing service providers on a range of matters, with particular expertise in data protection and fintech mandates. Practice head Jonathan Cornthwaite specialises in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements. Other key practitioners include James Castro-Edwards, who focuses on cybersecurity and data protection issues; and consultant Mick Gorrill, who is an expert in data protection security breaches and complicated data protection compliance cases.