Bristows LLP remains a popular choice among major tech companies, telecoms providers, streaming services and digital platforms. Its cross-disciplinary TMT group handles matters ranging from competition and regulatory advice to complex data protection and compliance issues. Mark Watts is a recognised authority on data protection law, with particular expertise in high-stakes enforcement cases involving data misuse and breach allegations. Toby Crick advises on telecoms and tech-related disputes, while Stephen Smith combines transactional work with experience in contentious competition matters. Hannah Crowther assists on evolving regulatory issues linked to AI, marketing tech, cross-border data flows and user rights. Anna Cook counsels on disputes involving IP, contracts and technology implementation. The team also welcomed Julian Darrell as partner in 2024, previously the European head of litigation at TikTok.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team provides very practical and useful guidance, they are very responsive to requests for advice.’
- ‘Exceptional understanding of the fast changing environment.’
Key clients
- Capgemini
- Thomson Reuter Foundation
Work highlights
Advising OpenAI, makers of Chat GPT, in connection with all aspects of data protection compliance.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Mark Watts
Other key lawyers
Toby Crick; Stephen Smith; Hannah Crowther; Anna Cook; Julian Darrell; Andrew Katz