With expertise in IT, data protection and technology matters, Mincoffs Solicitors LLP represents high-profile private and public sector clients across a range of sectors, including the technology, MedTech and IT spaces. Spearheading the department, Newcastle-based Antony Hall has vast experience in information technology work, providing advice in relation to the protection and exploitation of software and digital media, as well as software issues, including outsourcing, licensing and distribution matters. Maddie Rippon is an expert in the technology start-up space, and, since joining in June 2023, Jennifer Wade bolsters the technology team’s offering. Commercial solicitor Alicia MacRae joined from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP in March 2023.

Muckle LLP‘s IT offering includes advising on the procurement of IT services, IT transactions, contractual structures, service and development agreements, and data protection issues. The Newcastle-based team is led by Alex Craig who has a background in IT, data and IP; she regularly advises on data protection related matters including SAR, policy and process issues, contracts and compliance work. George Festing is the firm’s key contact for contentious IT work across a range of sectors such as the media, IT and gaming industries. Senior associate Alex Speirs regularly advises on IT disputes, while Anthony Evans, Adam Rayner and Matthew Walsh advise on a range of corporate matters and have been involved in several IT and tech M&A and investments.

Based in Newcastle, Ward Hadaway LLP assists clients with outsourcings, privacy issues, AI work, technology agreements and IT disputes. The firm’s commercial department is led by Damien Charlton, who is adept in a range of company and commercial matters, particularly in the drafting and negotiation of contractual arrangements, including outsourcing contracts. The team is comprised of IT law specialist Judy Baker, who is also a data protection practitioner; Phil Tompkins, who is particularly experienced in IT and technology contracts; Tim Toomey, who covers IT disputes; and Matthew Cormack, who regularly advises technology businesses. Alex Shiel retired in March 2023.

Based in Newcastle, Weightmans’ information technology team is reputed for its depth of experience in advising technology companies and corporates on technology projects and disputes. Paul Wigham is head of the technology team and provides corporate advice, particularly regarding acquisitions and disposals, as well as private equity investments in the technology sector. Specialising in the technology, financial services, waste and leisure sectors, Duncan Reid assists with a range of corporate matters. Principal associate Nick Gray is a key member of the team, while commercial lawyer Nathan Bilton, who specialises in technology, telecoms and data protection work, joined from Ward Hadaway LLP in July 2023.

Experienced in digitalisation and emerging technology projects, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s digital team has a high level of experience and knowledge across a broad range of industries, including the financial services and insurance, manufacturing and chemicals, transport, retail and public sectors as well as the technology and digital spaces. Caroline Churchill, who has vast experience in technology solutions and data protection work, leads the Newcastle-based team. Sarah Daun is adept at handling e-commerce and data protection issues, and Paul Armstrong is praised by clients for his commercial contract expertise.

Sintons LLP support local businesses and start-ups in a range of mandates, including advising on template terms and conditions, SaaS contracts, data protection issues and the development and commercialisation of new and emerging technologies. Areas of expertise stem from the firm's experience in tech and healthcare work. Karen Simms leads the information technology team within the commercial department and regularly assists with commercial transactions and commercial contracts. Following his arrival into the practice in August 2023, Matthew Strain, who has a particular expertise in tech, AI and cyber-related issues, bolstered the team’s commercial contracts offering, and Louise Weatherhead is noted for her data protection knowledge.