Rob Sumroy > Slaughter and May > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Counting major technology companies among its key roster of clients, Slaughter and May stands out for its expertise in high-end transactions, strategic sourcings and procurements, regulatory issues, licensing strategies, infrastructure projects and product launches, in addition to IT-related disputes. Rob Sumroy leads the team and assists clients with their response to emerging disruptive technologies, fintech, cyber and e-commerce, while David Ives works across both the public and private sectors on matters concerning business process sourcing. Duncan Blaikie advises on commercial contracts, while Laura Houston focuses on the acquisition and divestment of technology assets. Victoria MacDuff, who is well-versed in cybersecurity and telecoms matters, is another key contact in the group.

Noted for its ‘business orientated’ mindset, Slaughter and May acts for both established technology companies, as well as tech-based disruptors, on IP issues and disputes, often in relation to cutting edge issues. David Ives spearheads the practice, with experience in dispute resolution and commercial IP arrangements, as well as IP enforcement and protection strategy. Duncan Blaikie’s expertise in the life sciences sector bolsters the practice, while Rob Sumroy’s strength lies in the digital, technology and innovation sectors. Laura Houston is another name to note in the practice.

The commercial team at Slaughter and May advises on key contractual work, which underpins the high-level transactional mandates that flow from the London office. Beyond this scope of work, the group also demonstrates strong proficiency acting on stand-alone commercial contractual work, including advising on Marks & Spencer’s international distribution and franchise framework, as well as Richemont’s integration onto Farfetch’s e-commerce platform. Team head Duncan Blaikie has fronted some of the firm’s most significant deals, including Vodafone’s merger with Three, and General Electric Company of America’s sale of its nuclear steam turbine and generator business to Électricité de France – which fellow co-head Oly Moir also advised on. David Ives is a key contact to financial services and manufacturing clients, acting on a number of cross border commercial issues such as proof of concept, new services, and partnership agreements, while Rob Sumroy has a strong focus on sourcing and distribution work, especially if technology related. Associate Ian Ranson continues to garner a reputation for competently handling an impressive volume of commercial mandates.

Working with established fintech players and new disruptors alike, a number of neobanks, insuretechs, payment service providers, financial regulatory bodies, and financial data companies engage Slaughter and May for assistance with various strategically important projects. Rob Sumroy – co-head of the practice – manages a varied workload which includes good governance and compliance-related advice for fast-scaling fintechs. Fellow co-head James Cook is equipped to advise across a wide range of corporate matters, from business establishment to listings, while UK payments and e-money expert David Shone rounds out the leadership team. Regulatory expert Jan Putnis‘ contentious and non-contentious capabilities are called upon by heavyweights in the space, while Tim Fosh is noted for his expertise in transactional structuring and the UK bank ring-fencing regime.