Bristows LLP advises on a wide range of domestic and international commercial agreements, with notable expertise supporting clients in the life sciences, technology, and digital media sectors.The firm handles both major strategic projects and routine contracting work, and regularly advises technology and life sciences clients. The commercial team works closely with the firm’s regulatory, data protection, and competition lawyers to provide coordinated advice on deals that involve multiple legal areas, particularly in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, advertising, and telecoms. Matthew Warren is regularly involved in complex technology transactions, while the ‘outstanding’ Claire Smith advises on manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements, often cross-border, in the life sciences sector.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very knowledgeable and very commercial, always delivering pragmatic and risk based advice, on time and on budget’
‘Claire Smith is outstanding’
‘Bristows have always been exceptionally responsive to my queries around commercial contract matters, and really take responsibility for driving projects forward. ’
‘Richard Dickinson is excellent - always rolls up his sleeves and gets involved in the in-trench fighting. Laura Harwood is a perfect foil - responsive and calm, with a keen eye for detail.’
‘Excellent team with strength in depth in the life sciences and tech space. Strong market knowledge. Responsive and solution-focused. ’
‘Matthew Warren stands out for his comprehensive knowledge of the issues affecting our business. He is responsive and practical.'
Key clients
- AstraZeneca
- Kraft Heinz
- LifeArc
- De Beers
- Diageo
- Mondelez
- Verdiva Bio
- Guardian News & Media
- Pharma Mar
- Syncona
- Formula E
- Nxera
Work highlights
Acting for the University of Oxford in relation to its £130 million strategic alliance with the Ellison Institute of Technology.
Supporting global tech giant Dropbox, Inc. on its sponsorship of the McLaren Formula 1 racing team.
Advising AstraZeneca on a global strategic collaboration with Harbour BioMed to discover and develop novel next-generation multi-specific antibodies for immunology, oncology and beyond. The deal has a potential value in excess of $4.4 billion.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Richard Dickinson
Other key lawyers
Matthew Warren; Claire Smith