'Responsive, transparent, and with great market knowledge', Shoosmiths LLP has a strong track record in data protection impact assessments and IT contractual work. The practice is experienced in the procurement of generative AI solutions and negotiating software licence agreements. Based in Birmingham, Joe Stephenson heads the team, focusing on complex IT transformational projects and outsourcings, while Craig Armstrong is highly experienced in contractual arrangements. Ben Gardner regularly works with clients in the manufacturing, tech, and mobility sectors, and Nichola Jenkins concentrates on the commercialisation of technology-related IP assets. Richard Blatchly and Paul Nightingale are also recommended.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Competent, responsive, transparent, and with great market knowledge. Joe and his team have really brought value on the matters we've engaged them on and we see them as an extension of our in-house capability.’
‘Joe Stephenson - technical competence and market knowledge. Joe is a smooth operator.’
'The team has great capability. They are commercially focused and knowledgeable in the IT and Tech sector.'
'Joe Stephenson is incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic. He provides useful and focused advice and is very responsive.'
'Craig Armstrong and Paul Nightingale have been knowledgeable, approachable and proactive in supporting is in a large IT project and easy to work with.'
'Approachability and responsiveness. They have taken the time to understand the nuances of our business and adapt to our needs. They offer clear and practical advice, especially when working directly with stakeholders in the business.'
Key clients
- Deliveroo
- Estee Lauder Companies
- Learning Pool
- Oracle
- Scania
- Stonegate
- Volkswagen Group United Kingdom
- Volkswagen Financial Services
- Weetabix
- West Bromwich Building Society
Work highlights
Advised Oracle on its provision of shared services to a cluster of UK Government departments, Oracle’s most significant project in EMEA impacting nearly half the UK’s civil service.
Acted as counsel for Dr Craig Wright, a well-known computer scientist who claims to be the creator of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin and author of the Bitcoin White Paper, acting under the pseudonym ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’.
Advising Central Co-op and Lincolnshire Co-op on their joint procurement of predictive and generative enterprise AI SaaS solutions for supply chain MDM, demand forecast and replenishment, range and space planning, and store intelligence.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Joe Stephenson
Other key lawyers
Craig Armstrong; Ben Gardner; Nichola Jenkins; Richard Blatchly; Paul Nightingale