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

The technology and commercial team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP frequently assists customer and provider clients with a range of IT transactions; it has particular experience in the property and financial services sectors. The group also handles IT infrastructure projects and outsourcing transactions, and provides disruptive technology advice on data and e-commerce projects, blockchain matters and cryptocurrency issues. The practice  includes IT outsourcing specialist Mark Lewis, Marcus Pearl, who focuses on IT transactions; and financial regulatory specialist Daniel Csefalvy, who is a key name for fintech and cryptocurrency matters.

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.

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.

Osborne Clarke LLP attracts praise for its ‘deep knowledge of technology, outsourcing and AI-related issues, which is combined with a good understanding of the challenges of operating in a regulated industry’. The team of ‘genuine industry experts’ has expertise spanning transactional, commercial and regulatory telecoms matters and outsourcing and IT services projects. Commercial outsourcing and IT specialist John Buyers and Mark Taylor, who advises on a range of commercial IT, data protection, cybersecurity, electronic signature and fintech matters, jointly head the technology practice, while the ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ Jon Fell leads the telecoms team. Other names to note include Marcus Vass, who splits his time between London and Hong Kong, and associate director Hannah Drew, who provides advice to existing telecoms operators and new entrants on the development of new internet of things services. Changes to the team include Nina Cummins' departure to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in Bahrain.

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.

Halebury fields a team, which combines commercial, corporate and employment specialists with particular expertise in the technology and telecoms sectors. Denise Nurse and Janvi Patel lead the practice, which includes Richard Dalby, who has notable expertise in digital transformation projects, and Edward Rea, who focuses on telecoms-related infrastructure projects.

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.

IT boutique Kemp IT Law is instructed by established and innovative technology sector companies including Microsoft and Lumeon; it also assists corporates acquiring technology. 'Hugely experienced, exceptional lawyer' Richard Kemp leads the practice and has a breadth of expertise across the sector; clients also praise Deirdre Moynihan who has 'deep sector expertise, and provides clear and decisive advice'.

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.