The ‘outstanding’ team at Bird & Bird LLP provides a global IT and telecoms offering for contentious and non-contentious matters. In the telecoms field, the team supports clients on the deployment of 5G, network infrastructure mandates including cable consortia agreements and construction and maintenance issues, and satellite projects. In the technology space, the group handles large-scale implementation projects in the financial services, defence, public and retail sectors, supporting digital transformations, and advises on new technologies. Mark Leach co-leads the technology transactions and international outsourcing practice groups and specialises in acting for both customers and suppliers. Ronald Hendrikx co-heads the technology and communications group with expertise in innovation projects for public and private sector clients – of particular note is his work on the adoption of smart metering in Britain. Graeme Maguire advises on international projects, as well as the M&A and financing aspects of technology mandates. Roger Bickerstaff advises on matters with a public sector component, while Jonathan Emmanuel assists clients with disruptive digital technology adoption, including cloud computing, blockchain, and agile software development matters. Ian Edwards is also key in digital transformation projects.

Bristows LLP has a vast array of clients, including technology and telecoms companies, regulators, and purchasers of IT, such as governmental departments and financial institutions. The team demonstrates wide-ranging expertise across telecoms M&A, SaaS and outsourcing issues, and regulatory matters, and is notably strong in contentious mandates; the practice also has strengths in new and emerging technologies, advising clients on cloud issues, robotics and AI. Toby Crick has transactional and regulatory expertise and supports clients in the financial services, energy, and health sectors. Myles Jelf leads the firm’s technology litigation practice with a particular focus on antitrust and IP disputes, as well as advising clients on telecoms patent strategies. Adrian Sim is recognised for his experience in major IT and outsourcing deals, while Anna Cook specialises in outsourcing disputes and counsels users and suppliers of IT systems on risk and contract management, confidentiality and licensing disputes. Health technology is a particular strength of Chris Holder, and dispute resolution specialist Angela Fouracre is also a name of note, acting for both customers and suppliers. Robert Graham is also reputable in IT disputes.

Clifford Chance LLP has a thriving telecoms practice, handling major transactions in the telecoms sector and advising clients on digital infrastructure relating to fibre networks, data centres and telecoms towers. It also advises clients on large IT outsourcing and strategic contracting work, as well as regulatory issues and cutting-edge technologies, such as blockchain. Department head André Duminy focuses on commercial transactions, M&A, technology projects and outsourcing arrangements; he is also very active in the fintech and insurtech space and has acted for start-ups and large institutions investing in start-ups and their technology. Jennifer Mbaluto is co-head of the firm's East Africa practice and leads the technology M&A practice with strength in emerging African markets. Jonathan Kewley is also of note as co-head of the firm’s technology group, with a strong practice focused on cutting-edge technology ethics, data, AI, cybersecurity and blockchain regulation. Zayed Al Jamil joined the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright.

The London-based team at Dentons is praised for its ‘superb technical expertise‘ and benefits from the firm’s global network, allowing it to work on international IT and telecoms projects. It acts for consumers and adopters of IT and telecoms in the retail, financial, transportation, energy and public sectors, and undertakes work involving commercial contracts, M&A transactions, regulatory issues, data privacy and cybersecurity work, competition mandates, financing issues and disputes across the technology and telecoms spaces. Martin Fanning and Henrietta Baker jointly lead the TMT group, while Tristan Jonckheer leads the telecoms group; Fanning handles major technology M&A mandates, Baker has acted on IT transformation projects, and Jonckheer has substantial experience in advising clients on major communication projects and regulatory matters. Dan Burge assists corporate clients with complex IT projects and procurement arrangements, and Andy Lucas has a wide-ranging and thriving practice, which includes advising private sector companies on technology projects and handling major IT outsourcing projects for governmental departments. Sarah Lima was recently promoted to the partnership. Nick Harrison left the firm for an in-house role in December 2022.

At Fieldfisher, the highly adept technology, outsourcing and privacy group advises clients on a broad range of matters, covering digital transformations, cloud-related mandates, SaaS and software developments, outsourcings, and space and satellite issues, as well as emerging technologies such as AI, RPA and autonomous vehicles. Since May 2022, Robert Shooter has taken up the role of managing partner and is no longer practising; Simon Briskman and Hazel Grant now jointly lead the practice; recent noteworthy work includes Briskman’s support advising on a commercial drone cargo aircraft. Other notable individuals include Paul Barton, who advises clients on IT projects in the public and private sectors, satellite specialist John Worthy, and James Walsh, who has significant experience in commercial contracts and navigating digital regulatory issues. Additionally, Paul Graham leads the communications sector group, Rem Noormohamed is dual qualified as a solicitor and an engineer, and John Brunning is skilled in large-scale, transformational projects.

The technology practice at Latham & Watkins is co-led by outsourcing expert Andrew Moyle and Gail Crawford. The ‘fantastic‘ team assists start-ups and well-established companies on a wide range of IT and telecoms issues, including regulatory, contentious and transactional matters. This advice covers local and global mandates, including M&A, outsourcings, transformations, contractual negotiations, cloud computing issues and product launches. Christian McDermott has expertise in the IT space, conducting technology-related transactions for clients as well as handling work in the emerging technology space. Fiona Maclean has considerable outsourcing and cloud computing experience, and senior associate Laura Holden is key in technology and outsourcing transactions, while associate Elva Cullen is also notable for her online platform regulatory advice.

Linklaters LLP has an impressively broad practice and client base, spanning from telecoms operators and service providers to local and global corporates and governments, in addition to an increasing number of financial sponsors. Key areas of focus for the team include IT, communications, fintech and digital infrastructure mandates, as well as regulatory issues, complex transactions and M&A work. The group is also well-equipped to handle technology-related disputes. Julian Cunningham-Day co-leads the global technology and fintech sector groups, specialising in technology projects for financial services. Stuart Bedford is also co-head of the technology group with substantial expertise advising corporates and banks on technology deals. Iain Fenn jointly heads up the telecoms group alongside David Martin; Fenn advises major telecoms clients on transformational projects, while Martin focuses on digital infrastructure transactions in the telecoms space. Richard Cumbley has stepped down as global head of the TMT practice, but continues to play an active role in regulatory and IT work. Marly Didizian is incredibly experienced in large-scale and business-critical digital transformations, and Georgina Kon handles mandates involving innovative technologies and the roll-out of digital programmes.

In the technology space, Norton Rose Fulbright is well-known for acting on large-scale innovative projects, mandates involving emerging technology including AI and blockchain, regulatory matters, and digital infrastructure projects, as well as contentious matters. The telecoms team is also strong in assisting communications providers and financial institutions on a range of matters, including competition and regulatory advice, disputes, network sharing and outsourcing issues, and licence bids. Sean Murphy is head of the technology sector and global head of the firm’s fintech group, and has a thriving practice, assisting clients with international corporate matters in the technology space, as well as the development of technology for financial services. Oliver Stacey leads the communications group with substantial experience in handling M&A, joint ventures and fibre and cable projects, while James Russell leads the IT and outsourcing department with expertise in onshore and offshore technology. Daniel Metcalfe is also of note for his work in the telecoms space, especially regarding towers, cable and fibre issues, and data centre deals. Zayed Al Jamil moved to Clifford Chance LLP in May 2022.

Slaughter and May advises major technology-based businesses and emerging companies on the full range of technology matters. These include transactions, regulatory and competition issues, licensing strategies, outsourcing and transformation projects, platform redevelopments, IT disputes, and blockchain, AI and cyber matters . The team also has expertise in the telecoms space, handling network set-up and sharing, connectivity and fibre arrangements, physical and virtual data centres, and tower infrastructure. Practice group head Rob Sumroy is praised as an ‘exceptional practitioner’ who handles major commercial licensing and procurement transactions, as well as technology disputes. Of recent note is his experience in assisting clients with emerging disruptive technologies, including AI and blockchain, fintech, cyber, and e-commerce issues. David Ives has clients in both the private and public sectors, and advises on outsourcing and software matters, and complex IT systems separation projects. Duncan Blaikie specialises in strategic technology and telecoms procurement and licensing arrangements, while corporate lawyer Victoria MacDuff handles technology and telecoms-related commercial transactions. Laura Houston and James Cook were promoted to partner in 2021.

The group at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a wide array of clients, from data centre operators and software providers to customers of IT.  The practice has handled an increasing volume of digital transformation projects in the engineering, retail, and food and beverage sectors, and data centres and infrastructure projects, M&A, IT outsourcings and contentious mandates are also focuses of the team. Transactional lawyer Mark Howard co-leads the department alongside Mark Bailey; Howard has particular strength in IT-related M&A work, while Bailey has expertise in regulated IT sector contracting, data centre operations and cloud computing. Megan Paul handles large-scale commercial agreements and outsourcing transactions. Jason Saiban has a focus on complex IT matters in the retail, leisure, TMT and sport sectors, while senior associate Caroline Young is skilled in digital transformation projects.

Chris Coulter heads up the technology transactions practice at Cooley (UK) LLP, which works with its US offices for clients entering the UK market. The team is active on the full range of technology work, including transactions, licensings, collaborations, procurements, outsourcings and regulatory matters, especially in the fintech, medtech and AI industries. It also provides specialist general counselling to emerging companies in the market. Special counsel Amy Collins handles technology-related transactions and non-contentious mandates in the media, financial services and insurance sector. Associate Leo Spicer-Phelps is also a name of note and has strength in data privacy and software licensing mandates, as well as consumer law.

Mills & Reeve LLP‘s IT practice was bolstered by the arrival of Jagvinder Singh Kang in 2020 from Codified Legal, who now sits as head of the firm’s international and UK IT law practice; he has a wealth of expertise as a IT and data protection lawyer, and software engineer. Kevin Calder co-leads the UK practice and advises government departments on major projects, and Peter Wainman is also a key member of the team and leads the firm’s health technology sector group. The group advises a vast range of clients on a wide array of technology mandates, including IT outsourcing transactions, SaaS and licensing arrangements, and blockchain technology, among others.

The technology group at Osborne Clarke LLP is jointly led by commercial outsourcing and IT specialist John Buyers and Mark Taylor; Buyers is notable in the AI space, working with start-ups and established companies, and Taylor has a broad practice, encompassing the development, implementation and exploitation of IT, as well as data protection and cybersecurity matters. John Fell leads the telecoms practice with expertise in major outsourcing contracts, which is a core part of the team’s offering. Additionally, the team also advises IT clients on complex projects, often involving emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, AI and machine learning, and blockchain. The team’s work with financial services clients on outsourcing and fintech matters is also notable.

Technology is a core strategic focus for RPC‘s practice; the firm’s technology and outsourcing group is strong in acting for start-ups and well-established, major technology clients. The team handles technology contracts, regulatory advice, fundraising issues, and M&A mandates for clients in the financial services, retail, IT and insurance sectors. The group is also highly adept in dispute resolution, having acted in several high-profile cases, including representing Google. Mark Crichard is head of the technology and outsourcing group, advising clients on contracts and systems procurement and implementation projects. Jeremy Drew leads the TMT group and is active in contentious and non-contentious work for technology clients, and Tom Purton adds to the team’s outscoring practice, while Charles Buckworth is also notable for his work in the financial services arena, assisting clients with IT transactions and projects.

Addleshaw Goddard‘s commercial IT group specialises in handling strategic transactions for financial institutions, major IT outsourcing deals for large, multinational companies, and system separation and integration matters. The team is also strong in contentious mandates regarding transformation and implementation projects, software licensing matters and data issues. Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta heads up the department and supports clients on IT and outsourcing transactions, predominantly in the financial services, transport, and retail sectors. Managing Associate Jonathan Davies is also a key name in advising clients on technology-related commercial contracts. David Berry re-joined the team from Stephenson Harwood in May 2021, bringing with him clients in the IT pharmaceutical space, whilst Fiona Ghosh joined EY Law in 2022.

Browne Jacobson LLP supports clients on digital transformation projects and complex outsourcing transactions, in addition to purchasing and licensing technologies, software procurements, and systems integrations. The team acts for public and private sector clients, and customers and suppliers of technology. In December 2021, the team was also appointed to the Crown Commercial Service’s General Legal Services Panel, which provides it with a high volume of IT work. Anthony Nagle sits at the helm of the technology group and has substantial experience in IT procurement and outsourcing transactions, while Declan Cushley is head of the IP ad commercial group. The firm opened its first Dublin office in June 2022.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner‘s technology and commercial practice handles technology deals, strategic commercial agreements, and sourcing, outsourcing and supplier agreements for a variety of clients. The team also advises companies on new and emerging technology, including blockchain and cryptocurrency, payments and fintech, and digital and e-commerce matters. Marcus Pearl heads up the group with expertise in technology and outsourcing mandates. Senior associate Helen Armstrong is notable for her contentious work in outsourcing, management and agency disputes and associate director Ben Wheeler is skilled in the payment and transport sectors.

Specialist firm Codified Legal focuses on major IT projects and outsourcing contracts, as well as procurements and contract negotiations. Its client roster includes technology providers and users, major corporates, and charities. Jeremy Newton co-heads the practice; he predominately has expertise in IT and outsourcing projects, but also deals with commercial contracts, e-commerce issues and data protection mandates. Fellow co-leader of the team Gavin Wakefield advises users and suppliers of technology on their contractual matters, and consultant Mark Curtis has a well-established IT practice.

Deloitte Legal has a technology sector specialism and its lawyers have expertise in standard IT law, such as cloud, e-commerce and system integration matters, as well as newer emerging technologies, including digitisation, quantum computing, AI, robotics and blockchain. On the telecoms side, the team handles outsourcings, sub-sea cable systems and regulatory matters. Andrew Joint is head of the commercial and technology team and has a strong focus on AI, machine learning, robotics and cloud technologies, while Cavan Fabris leads the data protection, cybersecurity and telecoms practice having joined the firm in early 2022. Paul Hinton acts for financial services clients on complex IT projects involving licensing issues and electronic trading platforms. Vicky Cooper specialises in dispute resolution in the IT and outsourcing spaces, advising both customers and suppliers. Emma Wright departed to Harbottle & Lewis LLP  in February 2022.

James Hyde   became international head of telecoms at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP in January 2022, and leads an offering that provides broad support on matters from deals and acquisitions to disputes, with Thekla Fellas especially highly regarded for her capability in Telecoms Code work. Commercial specialist Charlotte Walker-Osborn leads the firm’s international technology focus, while consultant Simon Cloke is also noted.

Harbottle & Lewis LLP‘s technology team, which is strong in the media and entertainment space, has been bolstered with the addition of new head Emma Wright from Deloitte LLP in March 2022, alongside Rupam Dave, Anita Bapat and two associates. Wright acts for technology and telecoms clients on contractual arrangements involving infrastructure and cybersecurity considerations, and Dave handles projects in sectors being transformed by technology, in particular regarding outsourcing, cloud, systems integration and technology procurement matters. The team is now well placed to handle a wide variety of matters, from IT, outsourcing and commercial contracts, to data protection and cybersecurity matters.

In 2021, Lewis Silkin underwent significant expansion, with the firm opening new offices in Hong Kong and Dublin, as well as merging with local specialist law firm Forde Campbell in Belfast. The team handles a wide range of technology transactions, including cloud, digital regulation, and outsourcing matters, and it is also acting for an increasing number of gaming clients. The technology and communications practice is led by James Gill, who supports clients with commercial contracts, as well as advising on e-commerce, consumer, platform and digital projects. David Willbe co-heads the firm’s technology sector group and advises on technology-related transactions with a focus on the fintech, gaming and adtech verticals.

Mayer Brown International LLP‘s technology transaction practice assists clients with IT supply matters, service contracts and outsourcings, as well as M&A, capital raisings and other transformative business transactions for technology-based companies, and, in particular, clients in the financial services sector. The team is jointly led by Mark Prinsley, who predominantly advises technology-based businesses on outsourcing transactions; Andrew Stewart, who acts for on finance and accounting, human resources, facilities management, IT and telecoms matters; and Richard Page, who has a strong TMT practice focusing on M&A mandates. Oliver Yaros is also a key team member, handling financial industry utility projects, technology outsourcing projects and IT systems procurement transactions.

Milbank‘s team handles complex, large-scale projects and renegotiations, especially those with a contentious IT element. The practice is also active in mandates involving licensing, cybersecurity, joint ventures, and cloud computing elements, as well as advising clients from the financial services, pharmaceuticals, media and advertising sectors on the development of AI, regulatory issues and commercial matters. Julian Stait is head of the litigation practice, with a focus on high-profile and significant IT disputes, and Tom Canning is also a notable member of the litigation group. Former practice head Joel Harrison  left for Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher  in summer 2022.

Mike Pierides leads the technology, outsourcing and commercial group at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP with substantial experience in cloud and SaaS arrangements. The team specialises in outsourcing transactions for both customers and service providers, and emerging technologies is also an area of focus for the team, including quantum computing and virtual payment agreements. The group also supports clients on data protection and privacy-related issues. Timothy Corbett is a key name, advising clients on cross-border corporate transactions in the technology sector.

TLT‘s technology department is well-known for acting for public sector clients, as well as those in the digital, financial services and fintech, and retail sectors. Transformational IT projects regarding telecoms, outsourcing, software development and systems integration elements are core areas of work for the group. James Touzel leads the national team from Bristol and assists clients through strategic projects, transformational procurements, and outsourcing transactions. Daniel Lloyd is head of the London team with a large commercial transactional practice, and is increasingly involved in matters regarding the law of digital content. Other key members of the team include Juliet Mason, who is skilled in the clean energy and digital technology space; and Gareth Oldale, who has substantial expertise in public sector outsourcings.

Travers Smith LLP supports both customers and providers of IT products from a wide range of sectors, including the financial services and retail industries. It is highly adept in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, including IT outsourcing and transformation projects, cutting-edge technological deployments, and software supply matters, as well as advising on e-commerce mandates and data issues. Dan Reavill leads the commercial, IP and technology group, with a large focus on the exploitation and protection of technology and data, as well as business-critical projects involving technology implementations, outsourcings and software developments. Louisa Chambers advises clients on large-scale technology projects and all aspects of software law, and James Longster is also notable for his work in technology acquisitions and implementations.

Wiggin LLP advises its clients on software licensing and distribution, technology procurement, and outsourcing matters and is increasingly well-known for supporting clients in the media and gaming spaces; it is also active in contentious mandates. Gordon Moir leads the team with expertise in telecoms and media law, advising major providers and industry challengers; his practice is bolstered by his previous experience working in-house. Alan Owens is co-head of the litigation practice and has expertise in the IT and telecoms space. Other key names include Victoria Harris–Honrado, who joined from an in-house position at the end of 2021, and Marcus Bagnall, who joined from Linklaters in early 2022 to bolster the firm’s telecoms offering. David Naylor departed to Squire Patton Boggs in April 2022.

The corporate TMT team at Baker Botts (UK) LLP has substantial expertise in digital infrastructure projects, especially regarding sub-sea cables and terrestrial fibre links on an international basis. Its clients include major telecoms providers, equipment providers, and emerging growth companies. US and UK law qualified Stuart Blythe leads the team, and Costa Smith joined the team from Pinsent Masons LLP in September 2021.

Bates Wells is particularly noted for its work in data licensing and acts for both suppliers and customers of IT. The team also provide a full-service offering to start-up technology companies, especially those in the medical sector. Head of the practice Richard Marke advises a vast array of clients, from software providers and data wholesalers to hi-tech device businesses, as well as assisting customers with acquiring technology products.

Burges Salmon LLP is well-versed in handling IT and outsourcing mandates in the fintech, health tech, energy tech and cybersecurity sectors, as well as IT deals, such as licensing separation technology transactions. Andrew Dunlop leads the team and acts for large corporates, financial institutions and technology vendors on IT outsourcing projects. David Varney and Lucy Pegler were promoted to partner in May 2022 and Martin Cook joined the firm as the new fintech lead.

Gowling WLG has both contentious and non-contentious IT practices. On the non-contentious side, it handles cloud computing, e-commerce, data protection and privacy, outsourcing and software development projects, licensing issues, and systems implementation and integration work, as well as M&A transactions. Jocelyn Paulley heads up the non-contentious practice with expertise in the retail and technology sectors, advising on outsourcing and SaaS projects. Commercial litigator Patrick Arben specialises in the technology sector, acting for both customers and providers of technology in disputes. Matt Hervey is also of note, heading up the AI team.

KPMG Law in the United Kingdom represents large technology companies, corporate users of technology, and fintech companies on various mandates, including corporate deals and joint ventures, outsourcing transactions, and cloud and data centre matters. Usman Wahid is head of the department with expertise in IT and outsourcing deals. Senior managers Tom John and Chris Overton are also notable in outsourcing mandates and financial services regulatory work respectively.

Jeremy Hertzog and Adam Rose jointly lead the technology group at Mishcon de Reya LLP which sits within the newly formed innovation group. Hertzog is skilled in enforcing IT rights in contract disputes, and Rose acts for suppliers and licensees of technology on licensing, franchising, and distribution matters. The team acts for both major and newly emerging technology companies on IT transactions, blockchain platform developments and NFTs. Anne Rose and Simon Leaf are also notable, and Ashley Winton joined the team from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP in April 2021.

Preiskel & Co LLP has a strong focus on advising UK-based and international telecoms clients, and has also recently been increasingly active in the IT space. Firm co-founder Daniel Preiskel is head of the non-transactional telecoms department with expertise across commercial and regulatory telecoms matters, advising MNOs, resellers and hosted telephony advisers. Fellow co-founder Ronnie Preiskel leads the transactional side of the team and advises on a wide range of TMT mandates. David Allen Green is also of note for his expertise in telecoms litigation.

Dan Holland leads the commercial, outsourcing and technology team at Stephenson Harwood, advising both public and private companies on large IT projects. The wider group supports start-ups and established companies on their technology transactions and procurements, as well as the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology. In particular, the financial services sector is a key area of focus for the practice. Simon Bollans joined the team from Osborne Clarke LLP in early 2022, specialising in IT transactions and emerging technologies.

Stevens & Bolton LLP advises owner-managed businesses and large corporates on major IT and outsourcing projects on both the buy and sell side, as well as handling contract drafting and negotiations. Charles Maurice leads the technology sector group in the firm with a focus on new and emerging technologies. Beverley Flynn heads up the commercial practice with expertise in IT supply and procurement contracts, while Gary Parnell is notably strong in insurance-related technology matters.

Michelmores LLP‘s team advises established businesses on contentious and non-contentious technology mandates, as well as fast-growing businesses at the start-up and scale-up stages. Tom Torkar heads up the practice with expertise in advising clients from a wide range of sectors on complex IT, transformation and outsourcing projects. Charles Courtenay is dual qualified in the UK and the US and focuses on IT and IP litigation and contract disputes. Anne Todd joined the team in May 2022 from Macfarlanes LLP.

The newly-established TMT team at Spencer West LLP specialises in handling IT projects involving emerging technologies, including fintech, blockchain, AI and digital authentication methods, as well as assisting with digital infrastructure, e-commerce and data protection matters. It also has a growing international capability. TMT expert Dhana Doobay leads the department after joining the firm in early 2021 from Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, while Edmund Probert‘s practice focuses on technology and its commercial implementation.