Highlighted for its capabilities in the finance, tech, telecoms, climate tech, and health tech space, Slaughter and May is geared to handle IT service agreements, licensing strategies, cyber, transformational, and infrastructure matters. Rob Sumroy spearheads the practice advising on a whole spectrum of tech commercial licensing, sourcing transactions, and tech disputes. David Ives supports both public and private sector clients on strategic digital transformations, software developments, and IT service agreements. Duncan Blaikie offers a wealth of experience in the life sciences, telecoms, and insurance sectors, covering a wide array of emerging disruptive tech, cyber, and telecoms procurement matters. Laura Houston is particularly impressive in strategic tech transactions, sourcing arrangements and emerging tech. Richard McDonnell is noted for the creation and negotiations of tech and sourcing arrangements, while Ian Ranson assists leading tech and telecoms companies on highly technical transactions and disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team always provides excellent and timely advice. They understand our business and will always provide just what we need, not what they think we need.’
‘Depth and quality of the talent within the team. There is always someone who can step in to help meet a deadline, and the handovers are seamless.’
‘Rob Sumroy is a standout partner who makes every effort to understand his client's needs, the key individuals involved, and the objectives of the project. He is innovative at finding solutions whilst fiercely defending his clients' interests.’
Key clients
- Arm
- Equinix
- Legal & General Investment Management
- NewDay Group
- Reckitt Benckiser
- Richemont
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Tencent
- Vodafone
Work highlights
Advised Vodafone Group Plc in connection with on all aspects of the proposed merger of Vodafone Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited including the drafting and negotiation of multiple long-term strategic IT and outsourced services arrangements that will provide business critical, and business generating, services to the merged business.
Assisted Richemont on the restructuring of its e-commerce businesses, including the disposal of its world-leading online luxury and fashion retailer YNAP to Mytheresa and the negotiation of agreements to unwind YNAP’s complex commercial and technology arrangements with Alibaba in connection with its e-commerce activities in China.
Advised Google on several high-profile technology-related regulatory and anti-trust matters in the UK including advising on the CMA’s ongoing investigations into Google’s conduct in the adtech sector.
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.
Leading partners: IT
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ian Ranson
Practice head
Rob Sumroy
Other key lawyers
David Ives; Duncan Blaikie; Laura Houston; Richard McDonnell; Ian Ranson; Ioanna Antcheva