Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: IT and telecoms

HLK‘s Leeds-based team was recently bolstered by the arrivals of non-contentious IP specialist Louise Perkin and the IP disputes-focused Jamie Rowlands, who joined from 3volution and Gowling WLG, respectively.

IT and telecoms in Yorkshire And The Humber

Addleshaw Goddard

With considerable expertise in outsourcings, procurements and full-scale IT transformations, Addleshaw Goddard remains a top practice. The team acts for a range of flagship financial services companies and retailers such as Asda on the rollout of new IT platforms, and it is also well versed in handling the commercial and contentious elements of joint IT ventures. The practice is led by Michael Lowry, who is renowned for his advice on digital transformation projects. The ‘highly responsive and knowledgeableSimon Lofthouse advises on procurement and third-party arrangements in the financial services sector, while Bill Gilliam is a key contact for dispute resolution in the contracting space. Outsourcing experts James Mort and Priscilla Hetherton are further names to note; Mort was promoted to the partnership in 2023. In late 2023, the group’s expertise was bolstered by the recruitment of Michael Peeters from DAC Beachcroft LLP, with Richard Watkinson also joining the practice in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

Michael Lowry


Other key lawyers:

Simon Lofthouse; Bill Gilliam; Charlotte Marshall; Priscila Hetherton; Manraj Bhullar; James Mort; Michael Peeters; Richard Watkinson


Testimonials

‘Extremely supportive team, does not rely solely on partner but has real strength and depth in team. Very customer focused.’

‘Simon Lofthouse was highly responsive and knowledgeable. Priscilla Hetherton is clever, very responsive and concise in her guidance.’

‘Michael Lowry is our client partner and brings a very rare combination of excellent legal and problem-solving skills, a good attitude and a desire to get things done. Charlotte Marshall has worked closely with me over the last few years and always provides brilliant, practical legal advice with a great understanding of our business and risk profile. Manraj Bhullar has also worked with us for a number of years and provides excellent technical legal advice, including in relation to very complex contracts and issues.’

‘Simon Lofthouse is a calm, pragmatic and thoughtful lawyer, very easy to work with but always clear and direct in his advice. Runs a good team. Priscilla Hetherton – an excellent associate with a good command of both legal and practical aspects of the transaction, and great project management skills.’

‘As well as providing great legal advice, Simon Lofthouse and Priscilla Hetherton have achieved a great balance of providing a robust steer on key issues with tact when passing on that message to business owners.’

‘I’ve been very impressed with Priscilla Hetherton. Clearly knowledgeable about her subject and has done a great job in understanding and interpreting our requirements. Priscilla has worked wonders helping us navigate the nuances of SaaS licensing, covering both domestic and international sales. Being able to break legalities down into terms we understand, whilst also understanding our sector specific requirements, is a real skill.’

‘The Addleshaw Goddard team takes the time to gain a deep understanding of the client’s business and requirements. Their genuine desire to work collaboratively and expert legal and commercial knowledge are exceptional.’

‘My key contact is Simon Lofthouse, with whom I have had the benefit of working with over a number of years. He is outstanding.’

Key clients

ASDA Stores Limited


D Young & Co LLP


Furness Building Society


Gas Transmission & Metering


Market Harborough Building Society


RPS Group plc


Raytheon UK


Siemens plc


Skipton Building Society


The Melton Building Society


Work highlights


  • Advised Skipton Building Society on critical third-party outsourcing arrangements for a variety of core banking platforms and cloud solutions.
  • Advised Asda on the transformation of its e-commerce platform, migrating from a proprietary monolithic solution to a modern vendor-led headless technology stack.
  • Advised RPS on an IT implementation dispute with Hitachi Solutions Europe Limited.

DLA Piper

The IT and telecoms practice at DLA Piper retains very close relations with healthcare providers and public sector clients and is noted for its ‘masterful command of detail and of the bigger strategic picture‘. The team excels at handling commercial mandates, advising on major procurement schemes and transformational projects, and is also instructed to act in disputes related to cybersecurity issues and contract breaches. In Sheffield, Amanda Pilkington is a key contact for public sector bodies seeking advice on outsourcing matters, while Richard Norman is recommended for his ability to assist commercial IT suppliers with contentious and non-contentious work. In Leeds, Simon Kenyon and Mark Vipan are both noted for their work with clients in the healthcare and financial services sectors. Sheffield-based lawyer James Watson is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Amanda Pilkington; Simon Kenyon; Richard Norman; Mark Vipan


Other key lawyers:

James Watson


Testimonials

‘Excellent technical knowledge combined with sound commercial sense.’

‘Simon Kenyon is a standout partner.’

‘Very high-powered and effective lawyers, extremely diligent, with masterful command of detail and of the bigger strategic picture. Highly responsive and sensitive to client demands.’

‘Simon Kenyon provides the perfect mix of personal involvement and delegation. His strategic skills are second to none.’

‘The service we receive from DLA Piper is of a high standard. The team we work with understands our business model and associated risk appetite, which means the advice is tailored to our needs.’

‘The team we work with are responsive and pragmatic when it comes to resolving issues.’

‘Simon Kenyon is an extremely capable solicitor who provides pragmatic, commercial and candid advice to my organization. He is well regarded and valued by both the in-house legal team and the end clients.’

Key clients

NHS Digital


UK Health Security Agency


Kent and Medway Towns Fire Authority


Department of Health and Social Care and United Kingdom Health Security Agency


Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs


Government of Jersey


Ministry of Justice


Benenden Healthcare Society Limited


Atos


CBRE


Tata Communications


HCL


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Placing Platform Limited


Provenir Inc


WNS Global Services


Manx Telecom Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Benenden Health on the development and negotiation of a suite of contracts with Channel 4 and other parties to underpin the multiplatform creative health and wellbeing campaign, “Time For A Check-in”.
  • Advised NHS Digital on its contract for the provision of digital solution design, build and live service of a digital platform, ordering portals and mobile applications to support the digital and data journey for Covid-19 testing.
  • Advised the Government of Jersey on a large IT procurement, a major technology and business transformation project to establish modern and effective enabling functions (Finance, Commercial, Asset and Inventory management, People and Corporate Services and Payroll).

Clarion

The highly regarded team at Clarion provides ‘commercially focused, pragmatic advice’ to a large roster of contractors and suppliers in the IT and fintech sectors, which instruct the team to handle key services arrangements in connection with the provision of technology solutions. The team is also active on transactional matters, acting on major acquisitions in the IT sector, and is also capable of advising clients on the procurement of new IT infrastructure. Matthew Hattersley, who advises on high-value procurements and outsourcing initiatives, co-leads the team with litigator Dominic Higham, who extends the firm’s offering to clients seeking advice in contractual disputes. Commercial IT expert David Cunningham is also highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Hattersley; Dominic Higham


Other key lawyers:

David Cunningham; Charlie Smith


Testimonials

‘Commercially focused, pragmatic advice without the fuss. The team is comfortable in its own skin and operates with no ego.’

‘David Cunningham is an extremely knowledgeable technology and commercial lawyer. He has an unassuming style and just gets on with the job. David is very client-focused but not overbearing. For technology-specific advice, he is my go-to lawyer.’

‘Matt Hattersley is a safe pair of hands. Calm collected and very pragmatic. Very easy to work with. Charlie Smith is up-and-coming within the firm. Very good at looking at all angles of an issue to allow her to focus on the right issues.’

‘Clarion has always seemed a genuine and happy place to work. Everyone I’ve met has an incredible passion for the firm, which comes through in the advice and work provided.’

‘Actual interest in the relationship and my business. Commercial advice always.’

Key clients

Alliot Technologies Limited


Card Factory plc


Cellhire Limited


EcoHedge Limited


Hemingways Marketing Services Limited


InterSystems Corporation


Ligentia plc


Money Alive Limited


Redcentric plc


Vocalink Limited (Mastercard)


Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

The Leeds-based practice at Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is well situated to provide its clients with ‘excellent sector expertise’ when advising on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Under the leadership of commercial IT expert Nick Stubbs, the team handles a number of large-scale outsourcing projects and procurement initiatives for clients in the financial services sector. Stubbs co-heads the practice with James Hyde, who spearheads the team’s contentious offering through his ability to act in contractual, cyber and data disputes. James Ruane, who supports the team’s outsourcing and procurement work, is another key contact. Edward Williams departed the firm in June 2022.

Practice head(s):

James Hyde; Nick Stubbs


Other key lawyers:

James Ruane; Matt Chapman; Matthew Clark; Lucy Clarkson


Testimonials

‘The team at Eversheds is a winning combination of being able to grapple with complex technical detail while also being pragmatic and listening to its client’s commercial objectives.’

‘Matt Chapman is absolutely excellent – very technically minded, great to work with and practical.’

‘Eversheds Sutherland’s work was detailed, fast-paced, and required significant effort given the constraints in place. The team demonstrated excellent sector expertise, commercial astuteness and ultimately protected us as their client. In undertaking this work they were open and honest, assisting us to make the best decisions through wise counsel and excellent work through scenarios. They acted with total integrity and professionalism throughout the engagement and remain key to our ongoing contractual work.’

‘As part of the total offering, the individuals we worked with were intrinsic to the service offering and exceptional. James Ruane was our day-to-day lead and was commercial, diligent, and easy to work with.’

Key clients

DXC


HSBC


Phoenix Group


Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP‘s IT and telecoms practice excels at assisting clients with the rollout of transformational digitisation initiatives, in the context of which the team frequently advises on outsourcing and procurement matters. The team maintains close relationships with clients in the fintech and automotive sectors and is capable of advising on contracts for both IT providers and customers. Practice head Alex Kirkhope is a key contact for IT operations in the automotive sector and is uniquely qualified to advise on matters in the emerging AI space as head of the firm’s national AI working group. Bolstered by the expertise of Lauren Midgley, the firm also advises on the data privacy aspects of major IT transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alex Kirkhope


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Midgley; Jennifer Clarke; Heather Stark


Key clients

Connexin Limited


Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society


Hutchison 3G (Three)


Moorfield Group


Nissan


Portakabin Limited


Specialist Network Operations Limited


The Law Society


Twenty7Tec Group


Volkswagen Group


Work highlights


  • Acted for Nissan (Japan) on the development and negotiation of a global master services agreement for provision of a customer experience monitoring platform operating across all of Nissan’s key global regions.
  • Advised Twenty7Tec Group on numerous software integration projects for its SaaS-based mortgage application platform with financial institutions and service providers, including Santander and NatWest.

Walker Morris LLP

The IT and telecoms team at Walker Morris LLP advises an extensive client roster, which includes Starbucks and Crystal Palace FC, on IT procurements, and handles contractual matters and negotiations in support of bespoke software purchases and digital transformations. The team is particularly well versed in handling technology matters for sports clients and also has notable expertise in advising on technical telecoms matters. Practice head Sally Mewies is renowned for her ability to advise on IT contracts, especially in the context of cloud-based solutions and SaaS. James Crayton and Luke Jackson are also highly recommended for their expertise in outsourcing matters.

Practice head(s):

Sally Mewies


Other key lawyers:

James Crayton; Luke Jackson


Key clients

Bloor Homes


Center Parcs


Crystal Palace Football Club


Evri


Mobile Broadband Network Limited


Starbucks


Vet-Ai


Vitt Technologies Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Bloor Homes on its multi-million pound framework agreement for its strategic procurement of business critical IT systems.
  • Advised Starbucks alongside its UK and EMEA legal teams on various IT procurements for its stores and franchise.
  • Advised Center Parcs on various IT projects.

Pinsent Masons LLP

With a client roster encompassing technology providers as well as notable names in the retail, public and healthcare sectors, the Leeds practice at Pinsent Masons LLP continues to work on a number of large IT projects. The firm is well equipped to handle outsourcing and procurement matters in the context of large-scale digital transformations, providing advice on commercial contracts and data protection matters. Under the leadership of James McBurney, the team is also capable of acting in outsourcing disputes related to contractual issues and cyber breaches. McBurney co-heads the practice with Lisa Harley, who has expertise in a wide range of non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

James McBurney; Lisa Harley


Other key lawyers:

Scott Oxley; Josh Botfield


Ward Hadaway LLP

Ward Hadaway LLP’s team offers ‘expertise, flexibility and reliability’ to clients on IT procurements and digital transformations, which it is capable of handling for both buyers and suppliers. The practice frequently assists with contract and licence drafting and is also active in the protection and promotion of technology solutions on behalf of startup IT providers. The practice is led by Bill Goodwin, who advises on IT transactions and service provisions for a number of clients in the technology space.

Practice head(s):

Bill Goodwin


Other key lawyers:

Connor Simpson-Key; Rebecca Whisker


Testimonials

‘It was encouraging to understand the extent to which Ward Hadaway, collectively, advocates and actively promotes diversity. The net result is a forward-thinking business that has strong core values, expressed across multiple individuals and departments. Its ability to work across various legal disciplines/matters has been outstanding for the 10 years.’

‘Through challenges times relating to HR, a recent acquisition, shareholder agreements and contract negotiation, as well as IP and copyright, Ward Hadaway has excelled in every department. I can’t speak highly enough of the expertise, flexibility and reliability the above individuals (and others) bring to the table.’

Key clients

BTL Group Limited


MI Telecom Limited


Rinedata Limited, trading as ‘Clarivos’


Pioneer Wound Telehealth Ltd.


Bidpath Limited


Vodat Communications Group Ltd.


Hisense


Netpremacy


Sterling Technology Ltd


Forfusion Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Rinedata Limited on customer engagements, software reselling and new solution for commercialisation and protection.

Berwins

Berwins is noted for its relationships with startup clients in the technology sector, which instruct the team to handle a wide spectrum of matters pertaining to the provision of IT services. Practice head Paul Berwin has experience in acting on IT contracts and is also active in dispute resolution. The practice also advises on hosting arrangements as well as data protection matters; for this work, Sam Crich is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Paul Berwin


Other key lawyers:

Sam Crich


Key clients

Aspiring Digital Solutions Limited


British Electric Lamps Limited


Change8 Limited


Data Connect Limited


Data OD Ltd


Fluid IT Limited


Korelogic Ltd


Matrix Booking Limited


Mixd


Uralensis Innov8 Limited


Percy Crow Davis & Co

Boutique firm Percy Crow Davis & Co handles a large volume of commercial and security-related IT mandates through the expertise of sole practitioner Dai Davis. Davis, who is recognised for his ‘exceptional technical knowledge’, advises SMEs on software purchases and licensing matters and also assists with the drafting of trading contracts and terms and conditions. The firm is also well equipped to handle mandates related to data protection and regulations.

Practice head(s):

Dai Davis


Testimonials

‘Dai Davis has exceptional technical knowledge and diversity. Dai’s response time, work rate and honesty makes him stand out among other solicitors in the vast field of IT/contracts.’

‘My company has been using Percy Crow Davis & Co Ltd for years now. Everyone who’s handled our projects has been professional, friendly, and accommodating to last-minute changes or providing advice and explanation when needed. They make life so much easier for businesses. Highly recommended!’

‘Special mention to Dai Davis for going over and beyond with everything that we needed! Thank you!’

Key clients

Arrk Limited


Cadaptor Solutions Limited


Discount-Licensing Limited


E-Learning Developments Limited


Fulcrum IT Limited


Lead Advisory Company


MVine Limited


Operabit SRL / Palma Holdings


Retail Express Limited


Sarova Hotels


Work highlights


  • Advised Discount Licensing Limited on the legality of the purchase and sale of previously licensed software in numerous transactions.
  • Advised The Lead Advisory Company on updates to various trading terms, mostly for use on contracts formed on the internet.
  • Advised Cadaptor Limited and several other IT companies on the drafting of terms and conditions and the incorporation into a business process and proper use.

Rollits LLP

The Hull-based IT and telecoms practice at Rollits LLP works with numerous charities as well as IT providers to assist with contractual matters, including distribution arrangements and cloud services outsourcings. The firm is also active in regulatory compliance matters, frequently advising clients on the modernisation of data privacy policies. The practice is led by Keith Benton, who is a key contact for providers and buyers of cloud-based IT solutions, and is supported by the work of James Peel, who advises on privacy matters and software licensing issues.

Practice head(s):

Keith Benton


Other key lawyers:

James Peel


Key clients

Family Fund Trust


Giacom World Networks


Hull City Tigers


Hull College


J.R. Rix & Sons


Pickering and Ferens Homes


The Consortium Academy Trust


The Retreat, York


Work highlights


  • Advised a leading supplier of cloud-based software and services in respect of its appointment as an authorised distributor of Microsoft 365 under Microsoft’s new ‘New Commerce Experience’ delivery model.
  • Advised a leading online watch trading platform in respect of its procedures and terms and conditions for contracting with buyers and sellers.

Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney fields a solid offering in the IT and telecoms area, working with IT providers and fintech clients to advise on licensing matters and service arrangements in connection with the provision of services. In the licensing space, the team frequently assists with drafting terms and conditions and is also active on risk mitigation. Practice head Karen Crutchley is a key contact for software contractors and consultants and handles an array of e-commerce and data protection mandates.

Practice head(s):

Karen Crutchley


Work highlights


  • Acted for a provider of software to the financial services industry in drafting its standard terms which it will roll out to all customers.
  • Acted for a provider of software that generates and manipulates computer generated images on its standard terms of sale to customers.
  • Acted for a provider of operating and maintenance services to the renewable energy sector on the terms upon which it was appointed as a reseller of software.

Tyr

The presence of Tyr‘s Leeds-based practice continues to expand, with the team advising a growing number of IT providers and contractors on service agreements, licensing issues and contractual arrangements. Luisa D’Alessandro also handles a large volume of compliance and liability management mandates related to data privacy legislation. D’Alessandro is well regarded for her technology sector expertise and also advises on matters in the e-commerce space.

Practice head(s):

Luisa D’Alessandro


Testimonials

‘Luisa D’Alessandro is personable, available, and commercially astute.’

Key clients

AB3 Medical Limited


Carlton Forest Group


Claritas Solutions Limited


Connection Seating Limited


Duchy Homes Limited


Impact Computing and Consulting Limited


Pebble Production Co Limited


Propel Your Product Limited


Stainless Steel Vessels Limited


Wastecare Compliance Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Claritas Solutions on IT consultancy agreements.
  • Advised Impacting Computing & Consulting on its service contracts for full-service outsourced IT security solutions.
  • Advised Propel Your Product on contracts for online marketplace services.