Described by one client as ‘market leading’, Bristows LLP is a strong choice for an array of clients, including some of the largest phone and technology manufacturers, social media platforms, and film production companies. The firm has a strong footing in the market, advising on the full gamut of issues including competition issues, regulatory advice, compliance, data issues, and data privacy. The team is spearheaded by data protection heavyweight Mark Watts, who has a wealth of experience defending companies in regulatory enforcement actions both in respect of data breaches and data misuse cases. Toby Crick is also a key name at the practice, advising on telecoms and technology litigation. Stephen Smith's broad practice encompasses transactional matters and contentious competition law. Hannah Crowther advises on data issues spanning AI, adtech, accountability, data transfers, data subjects rights and direct marketing. Anna Cook is also recommended for her disputes expertise advising on confidentiality, licensing and copyright disputes but also issues arising from commercial contracts, software and large-scale technology projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Toby Crick is a great negotiator and hands-on tech lawyer. Charlie Hawes is a very effective, very smart adviser.’
‘A very client-focused attitude combined with excellent strategic advice, considering our overall objectives. The team shows great flexibility and strength in depth, always fully up to speed with the matters at hand. Has also been willing to discuss alternative billing arrangements which have proved mutually beneficial. Billing transparency one of the best among the many law firms we use.’
‘Thorough preparation and detailed case knowledge combined with good strategic advice.'
‘The TMT team is a market leader. As a team the market experience is exceptional across the board. But it is the positive and creative way in which this team works with the wider team which is exceptional. Everyone's input is encouraged and valued such that clients feel involved but looked after. As everyone's capabilities are allowed to flourish, across the team there is a focus on the commercial significance of the dispute but also on the legal niceties. The team have both the resources and skills necessary to manage substantial litigation and arbitration approaching such disputes with good humour, hard work and creativity. ’
‘Anna Cook has truly outstanding industry sector knowledge and combines this with a keen legal brain and a flair for building strong client relationships. She makes sure she understands what really matters and is an inclusive and encouraging team leader. She is also a joy to work with.'
Key clients
- Capgemini
- Thomson Reuter Foundation
- Cisco Systems
- Facebook/ Meta
- United Technologies
- Spotify
- Scientia Limited
- Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
- Amazon / Amazon Web Services
Work highlights
Advising OpenAI in connection with all aspects of data protection compliance.
Advising Lebara on trade mark work, telecoms regulation, and data protection and privacy laws compliance across its global operations.
Advising Google DeepMind on activities related to several AI models designed to accelerate scientific research.
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
Stephen Smith; Toby Crick; Anna Cook; Charlie Hawes