Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP provides a comprehensive cross-border offering. The IT team straddles disputes, transactions, IP, and competition work, while the telecoms team covers commercial, corporate, finance, disputes, and regulatory issues. Nick Pantlin draws on two and a half decades of experience advising on complex digital transformation, procurement, and emerging tech matters, whilst David Coulling specialises in tech and telecoms transactions, advising on joint ventures, acquisitions, technology development, licensing, and data projects. Rachel Lidgate is equipped to handle commercial disputes with a focus on TMT, energy, and consumer sectors, alongside being experienced in High Court litigation, international arbitration, and class actions. Andrew Moir leads the firm’s Cyber and Data Security practice and counsels on IP, IT outsourcing, licensing disputes, and cybersecurity matters. Veronica Roberts heads the UK competition, regulation, and trade practice, acting on joint ventures in the telecoms, media, leisure, and consumer sectors. Siddhartha Shukla is well-versed in cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and private capital investments across the TMT, real estate, and energy. Jeremy Purton is notable for his expertise in distressed sourcing projects and legacy system transitions, meanwhile Dominic Rowe focuses on tech, digital infrastructure, telecoms, and renewable energy.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘A key aspect of the team is its deep global sector knowledge and experience. This was invaluable during the negotiations, not least in benchmarking the Managed Service Agreement and schedules, and in calibrating risk. The team collaborated well with other advisors and management involved in the project.'
- ‘The team was led by Nick Pantlin, who played a vital role from the planning phase through to completion. With his experience from similar projects, he was able to anticipate issues and advise accordingly. Nick was always available when needed and is a strong communicator. He is pragmatic and commercial in his approach, whilst also being clear in determining any red lines.'
- ‘The team covers the full scope of IT, outsourcing and telecoms work, from regulatory and advisory to commercial and corporate. The team shines when executing high-value, high-risk risk and time-critical transactions. Particular expertise in telecommunications and telecommunications infrastructure projects (David Coulling, Dominic Rowe, and David Andrews). Very strong public procurement and Financial Services capability (particularly complex material outsourcing matters) (Nick Pantlin and Jeremy Purton).'
- ‘David Coulling- hugely capable and pragmatic with superbly nuanced negotiation skills. Miriam Everett - There hasn't been a Data Protection or data commercialisation question that she hasn't been able to answer, an absolute standout. Nick Pantlin- deep experience across multiple sectors with an incredible eye for detail. Expertly combines technical accuracy with the client's need for efficient, pragmatic delivery. Dominic Rowe - Up and coming superstar, a standout in a highly competitive class of senior associates and counsel. Multi-industry capability and a confidence-inspiring, measured bedside manner. Lauren Hudson - Highly capable and versatile senior associate, expertise across technology, public procurement, and all aspects of data protection.’
- ‘Will Garton has been a really positive addition to the team. He is a top senior associate who is operating at a level of partner at other firms. His calm and measured approach to problems has been really helpful in delivering on a couple of large outsourcing contracts. We also value Nick Pantlin's involvement - he brings wide industry knowledge to the table and is solutions-driven in both his approach to problems and negotiations.’
- ‘Nick Pantlin and Christine Young are exceptionally competent and responsive. In particular, Nick has helped me in many tight spots. He is an exceptionally considerate and helpful lawyer.’
Key clients
- Altice UK
- Anglo American
- AustralianSuper
- Bharti Airtel
- Bharti Global
- BP and bp Pulse
- British American Tobacco
- Burberry
- ClearBank
- Comcast
- Eutelsat OneWeb
Work highlights
Advised Burberry on the procurement of a new Application Managed Service as part of a wider project to build an agile and scalable enterprise resource planning system, replacing their current legacy system.
Assisted Altice UK on the sale of its c.24.5% stake in BT Group plc to Bharti Televentures UK Limited.
Supported Deutsche Telekom, e&, Singtel, Softbank and SK Telecom in relation to the setup of a joint venture 'Telco AI Alliance' pursuant to which the alliance members will create a Telco AI Platform (essentially Large Language Model) that will underpin a host of new AI services, such as those that improve service quality, digital assistants, and super apps.
Lawyers
Leading partners: IT
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading partners: Telecoms
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Nick Pantlin; David Coulling; Rachel Lidgate; Andrew Moir; Veronica Roberts
Other key lawyers
Siddhartha Shukla; Jeremy Purton; Dominic Rowe; Will Garton; Christine Young