DLA Piper LLP (US) has ‘excellent market knowledge regarding outsourcing and other third-party arrangements’, and clients are full of praise for the ‘thoughtful and creative’ members of the practice led by acknowledged expert Vincent Sanchez in Los Angeles and technology specialist Gregory Manter in San Diego. The firm has reognised expertise in all areas of outsourcing, including complex ITO and BPO transactions in highly regulated sectors healthcare, energy, insurance, and financial services. Sanchez, whose expertise encompasses digital transformation programs and supply chain management, played a key role in the development of the firm’s ASCENDANT methodology, which leverages market-leading software tools to deliver an interactive, online project management platform through which clients can manage large-scale sourcing transactions. The firm leverages its global footprint to advise large blue-chip corporates, but the core team in the US includes Mac Ferguson in Dallas, whose advice on complex global sourcing and technology transactions includes niche expertise in software as a service (SaaS) arrangements, and blockchain. San Diego-based Lana Turpie and Joanna Sykes-Saavedra in Philadelphia are also skilled in SaaS agreements. Hays Haney stands out for advice on HR, finance, and accounting systems outsourcing.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP‘s sourcing and commercial transactions group is a destination practice some of the world’s biggest brands in sectors such as healthcare, pharma, automotive, retail, and media. Stephen D. Nordahl  in New York, who co-chairs the practice, is regarded by peers and clients as one of the foremost outsourcing specialists in the market. His vast experience encompasses IT and BPO deals, and asset management outsourcing, as well as cross-border joint ventures, and strategic alliances. He recently worked with outstanding senior associate Ryan Oringer to assist advising the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider with a multi-tower outsourcing deal covering HR, IT, finance and accounting processes. Practice co-chair William Peters in Los Angeles, who experience includes a period as corporate counsel to a major ITO service provider and general counsel to a leading HR BPO services provider, is another highly regarded specialist. He recently acted for a multi-national hospitality company in several outsourcing and technology transactions, including software services to support its loyalty program. In New York, Daniel Angel and emerging partner talent Meghan Hungate also play pivotal roles in the practice, as does LA-based Kari Krusmark.

Mayer Brown frequently advises buy-side companies on ITO transactions, and to a lesser extent BPO deals. The firm’s primary focus on the technology side has seen it emerge as a leading adviser on key issues such as cloud services, robotic process automation (RPA), predictive and generative AI, as well as cybersecurity and data privacy. The team led by market veteran Brad Peterson handles all aspects of managed services outsourcing agreements from drafting, negotiation, implementation and contract interpretation, through to dispute resolution. Peterson is also an expert on fintech matters. Joe Pennell focuses on digital transformation and outsourced services, while newly promoted partner Julian Dibbell‘s practice encompasses BPO, facilities management outsourcing, and data center leasing. Paul Chandler is sought after for software development, implementation, and distribution. Rohith George in Palo Alto is adept in ITO and BPO matters, particularly as they impact M&A, divestitures, and spin-offs, as well as the execution of SaaS and other hosted service agreements. Lawyers are in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP has ‘fantastic negotiators and knowledge of the current market’, and clients praise its specialist knowledge of outsourcing transactions from both the buy-side and sell-side perspectives. Acting for both vendors and customers, the firm has deep experience, particularly in its Dallas office, where the bulk of its practice group resides. The lead partners are Shawn Helms and ‘industry leader’ Jason Krieser. Helms has developed niche expertise in AI-driven outsourcings, as well as deals involving cryptocurrency and blockchain. Krieser is also knowledgeable in AI and blockchain matters, and has notable experience in digital health, telecoms, RPA arrangements, IoT, and e-commerce.The firm's active involvement in the healthcare space Heather Bethancourt and Caitlin Howe handle a large deal for the outsourcing of revenue cycle management and IT functions by a non-profit healthcare system based in Minnesota. Long-standing outsourcing expert David Guedry and Raja Chatterjee also play pivotal roles in the practice. In Los Angeles, ITO and BPO specialist Matthew King handles deals involving middle and back-office financial services processes, facility management, and much more.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a prominent adviser to buy-side clients on the full range of ITO and BPO transactions, though it also acts for some large vendor clients. Barbara Melby in Philadelphia leads the technology transactions, outsourcing, and commercial contracts practice along with Doneld Shelkey in Boston, who has in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge technologies such as cloud, robotics, data analytics, NFTs, and blockchain. In Houston, Vito Petretti is the go-to lawyer for complex ITO matters, having handled matters with a combined value in excess of $2.5bn in 2024. The firm recently hired Marina Aronchik in Chicago from Mayer Brown, adding valuable skills in data, digital services, outsourcing, and software transactions, particularly SaaS, IaaS, and other ‘as-a-service’ deals. In Philadelphia, emerging partner talent Christopher Archer, who frequently advises on platform transformation and new technologies such as robotics, AI, and cloud services, and counsel Katherine O’Keefe are also key members of the group. Archer recently worked with Melby on a $1.5bn deal for a large wealth management company to implement a tech-driven approach to retirement plan management.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP continues to advise buyers of outsourcing services, remaining involved in high-value, complex and innovative deal structures. Led by Elizabeth Zimmer, who works from the New York and Austin offices, and Washington DC-based Brooke Daniels, the global outsourcing and technology transactions group  has vast experience in ITO deals involving SaaS, cloud services, blockchain, automation, ERP implementations, core banking platforms, and more. Daniels leads the firm’s AI task force, which assists clients with projects involving  integration of AI technologies into existing and new technology agreements, with a focus on ensuring compliance with legal standards and alignment with business objectives. The multi-talented group in DC also includes the vastly experienced Aaron Oser , whose expertise includes Gen AI, SaaS, fintech, and blockchain, and expert BPO and ITO partner Mario Dottori. John Barton in Austin is highly regarded for his outsourcing work in the finance and healthcare sectors.

The core of Baker McKenzie LLP‘s outsourcing group is based in Chicago, but the practice calls on lawyers across the US and its international network to assist blue-chip clients with complex ITO and communications deals, shared services, application development and maintenance, and highly bespoke BPO transactions. The team, which is led by Peter George and Samuel Kramer, also supports outsourcing deals with expertise in employment, privacy and information management, tax, IP, trade and commerce, and regulatory issues. Kramer, who focuses predominantly on the financial services industry, and George, who has recognized expertise in contracting for cloud services and robotic process automation, work closely with Adam Aft, who leads the technology transactions group. Based in Washington DC, new hire Keo McKenzie from DLA Piper LLP (US) adds in-depth experience in the tech, life sciences, and healthcare industries, bringing to bear where knowledge of key areas such as AI governance. Michael Mensik has retired.

Clifford Chance‘s complex commercial transactions & outsourcing practice is led by Meighan O’Reardon, who focuses on tech and digital practice, with global financial services CCTO specialist James McPhillips and global head of CCTO Vipul Nishawala among the firm’s ‘smart, business-focused and results-oriented’ practitioners. They frequently tap into the firm’s global tech practice, advising Fortune 500 corporations and leading financial institutions. Clients praise the ‘seasoned legal veteran team with knowledge of technology-enabled services, including new and emerging tech’, and recognise the ‘strong depth of knowledge on all things sourcing’. Ash Masrani is sought after for her work on both  ITO and BPO deals, as well as HR outsourcing and cloud transition projects. All lawyers mentioned work between New York and Washington DC.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP continues to be involved in high-profile, multimillion-dollar transactions for a diverse range of clients that includes Fortune 100 companies. The outsourcing and technology practice is well-versed in IT, HR, finance and accounting, CRM, procurement, manufacturing, facilities, SaaS, and cloud deals. The firm’s  in Richmond office is home to a deep bench of talent. Veteran practitioners Jeffrey Harvey, who leads the practice, and Randall Parks, who provides ‘sound, practical business guidance’, are go-to lawyers for global brands seeking advice on complex technology and outsourcing transactions. Andrew Geyer is particularly adept in ITO deals. Among his recent highlights is a major strategic technology outsourcing deal for a large chemical company, which involved the management and support of its critical infrastructure at more than 50 locations. Up-and-coming partner Christina Edwards handles both ITO and BPO transactions, as well as drafting commercial contracts, licensing and technology agreements. Cecilia Oh  in Washington DC lead the firm’s work in mobile payments and fintech.

Based predominantly in Atlanta, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton is a key adviser to both large US and global companies on BPO, HR, and ITO deals, though its work also extends into areas such as data management, ERP implementation, and shared services. Josh Ganz, who is well-versed in SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS deals, as well as software licensing, data rights, and IP-related contracts, and IT and privacy specialist Amanda Witt lead the technology, privacy, and cybersecurity group, in which the ‘very flexible and adaptable’ outsourcing team sits. Ganz works closely with standout partner Sonia Baldia, who works out of the Washington DC office. She is recognised for her deep domain expertise in global sourcing, cloud computing, IT, e-commerce, and IP law. She assists companies with complex legal issues raised by data, emerging technologies, and digital transformation, whether on the customer or provider side. Emerging partner talent Farah Cook and ITO and BPO-focused Jeffrey Connell are also key members of the Altanta team.

Based in Chicago, the tech and IP transactions practice at Kirkland & Ellis LLP is involved in large and complex BPO and ITO deals spanning a diverse range of industry sectors, whether they are legacy deals being addressed as part of corporate M&A or joint venture transactions, or new and innovative deals centred on the latest advances in technology. Veteran partners Gregg Kirchhoefer and Neil Hirshman are the lynchpins of the practice. Hirshman recently acted for a global cybersecurity company based on the West Coast in a partnership with a leading tech company to provide AI-powered security provision. Emerging partner talent Todd Herst‘s broad practice encompasses complex tech, IP, and data-related deals, including M&A and outsourcing arrangements. Kevin Jacobsen is another up-and-coming partner with extensive experience in transfer agreements, SaaS, and tech development matters.

The technology and sourcing practice at Loeb & Loeb LLP is ‘excellent, both technically and legally’,  with experience in hosting and colocation, cloud services, HR, procurement, applications development, SaaS deals, and outsourcing structures. The firm frequently works with legacy outsourcing structures in the context of corporate transactions, and is also involved in new market trends and the innovative technologies, including knowledge process outsourcing, machine learning and AI. The core of the practice is based in New York, where practice head Kenneth Adler draws on deep xperience in negotiating outsourcing and technology agreements. Akiba Stern is equally experienced and focuses his attention on technology-enabled business transactions, e-commerce, technology transfers, licensing, and IP matters. Emerging partner Benjamin Kabak is also a key part of the group, as is Chicago-based ITO and BPO specialist Alison Pollock Schwartz.

Morrison Foerster is able to call on a wealth of expertise to handle all kinds of ITO and BPO deals. Its vast and diverse range of sector expertise is a vital part of the firm’s offering, as it allows it can draw on in-depth experience in the manufacturing, transportation and logistics, energy, and healthcare industries, to name just a few. New York-based Vivian Hanson chairs the practice and is a recognised expert in complex, multi-year, multi-project sourcing programs. Aaron Rubin, who chairs the technology transactions group, also plays a pivotal role in the practice. Matthew Karlyn in Boston frequently assists companies in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals, medical device, and technology industries. The New York office is also home to Joan Warrington, who focuses primarily on retail financial services; up-and-coming partner Anthony Ramirez, who handles outsourcing in the context of M&A deals; and William Wilson, formerly of Goodwin, who brings notable experience in IT, tech product, and BPO projects.

Wiggin and Dana LLP predominantly advises suppliers of outsourced information technology, business process, and digital transformation services. It frequently acts for the leading India-based and US-headquartered global service providers, as well as industry-leading companies focused on specific service segments such as financial services, big data and healthcare. This vendor-side focus means that its key practitioners are frequently brought in to handle the more complex and innovative transactions, rather than run-of-the-mill deals, whether they involve offshore, near-shore and onshore structures. New Haven-based practice head Mark Heaphy  has built up the firm’s practice, and Tamia Simonis in Stamford has established her reputation as a highly-respected figure outsourcing bar. In Michigan, Ann Arbor-based George Kimball is also highly regarded.

WilmerHale has a small but highly experienced partner group that is frequently involved in high-value outsourcing agreements. Its work for a global bank on a $1bn+ deal to develop a bespoke wealth management software platform is a prime example of its capability. The firm has a strong client base in the financial services and insurance sectors, handling transactional work on contentious matters. Recognized outsourcing expert Robert Finkel in New York is the standout practitioner, and he continues to act as a key adviser to large corporations and financial institutions in complex domestic and cross-border transactions .Ariel Soiffer in Boston is well-versed in ITO and BPO deals, notably those involving call centers, manufacturing, and logistics. His experience also encompasses AI, IP, privacy issues, and cybersecurity. San Francisco-based Stephen Gillespie is increasingly involved in the outsourcing practice, bringing to bear his experience in strategic partnerships and technology transactions involving blockchain, fintech, SaaS, and data security.

A&O Shearman has become a key adviser to a broad client base ranging from start-ups, Fortune 500 companies and everything in between over the last 25 years, having handled complex, business-critical outsourcing and procurement transactions. Its focus on technology-based structures and BPO deals has seen it develop in-depth expertise in legal, regulatory, and commercial aspects of such transactions, which include software licensing and support agreements, IT hosting, and cloud computing arrangements. Adam Chernichaw in New York, who leads the digital, data, IP and tech practice, and Daren Orzechowski in Silicon Valley, who is global technology sector lead and frequently handles international joint ventures and digitization projects, are the standout practitioners. Among their clients are leading players in the banking, insurance healthcare, and tech sectors. Alexander Touma in San Francisco also plays a pivotal role in the practice, bringing to bear his knowledge of blockchain, cryptocurrency, fintech, software, and hosting agreements.

The tech and commercial transactions group at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner is ‘incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable and quick to respond’, with a growing team of outsourcing specialists in the US. The most notable is Anne Friedman, who frequently acts for Fortune 500 companies in sectors such as financial services, sports and entertainment, pharma, insurance, and hospitality. New arrival Val Paverd in New York, who joined from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, is known for her deep experience in digital transformation and outsourcing transactions for major US and global clients. Boulder-based Jason Haislmaier leads the firms US technology practice and brings to bear in-depth expertise in data privacy and information security on outsourcing transactions.

Holland & Knight LLP expanded its diverse client base. James Paine in Atlanta leads the practice, and his work on ITO and BPO matters is highly rated by peers and clients alike. Chicago-based data strategy and business partner Glynna Christian also plays a key role in advising key clients on launching new technology and digital products, including blockchain, data products, and payment solutions. Allie Parnell joined the Dallas office in 2024, bringing extensive experience in strategic ITO and BPO deals, as well as managed and cloud services, including platform as a service (PaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), device as a service (DaaS), and software as a service (SaaS) transactions. The team is also adept in managed network services (MNS) and supply chain and logistics matters.

Kelley Drye & Warren LLP has a technology transactions and sourcing that continues to build on the skills of key partners Michael Ryan in Chicago and Deepak Nambiar in New York to handle an increasingly diverse range of outsourcing deals. Its recent work includes the negotiation of agreements concerning complex SaaS platforms, global joint ventures involving the cross-licensing of IP and data, and the deployment of new tech for cloud services, robotics, AI, payment processing areas, and more. Its clients range from financial services companies to businesses in sectors as diverse as apparel, IT, consulting, automotive, healthcare, and media. Ryan, who chairs the practice, is highly regarded for commercial contracting, IP, M&A data security and privacy matters, as well as handling cutting edge tech sourcing deals involving AI. Nambiar, who stands out for technology licensing and cloud transactions, handles both ITO and BPO deals.

Latham & Watkins has a strong reputation for ITO transactions and regulatory matters affecting the outsourcing market, and it is also involved in some high-value BPO deals, notably in the education technology sector. The firm also has market-leading expertise in the digital health area, where it handles outsourcing, regulatory and contentious matters. The firm’s global data and technology transactions team, led by Ghaith Mahmood in LA, has a standout outsourcing specialist in Morgan Brubaker, who assists clients of the firm’s corporate group with complex and cutting-edge transactions both in the US and globally. She frequently works with other emerging band established technology companies, as well as private equity firms, in major projects focused on the adoption of new technologies, and is highly experienced in core areas of ITO, notably AI and cloud infrastructure.

The Nashville office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP is home to an experienced team of outsourcing partners, most notably Jason Epstein, who is co-head of firm’s technology industry group, and Geof Vickers, who is co-leads the technology and procurement practice. Epstein frequently acts for buyers and sellers of technology both domestically and internationally, and his clients hail from industry sectors as diverse as fintech, health IT, and energy. Vickers takes point on ITO and telecoms outsourcing agreements, BPO deals, and licensing arrangements, drawing on his experience in HealthIT, privacy and security, IoT, and cloud computing. Ed Hansen and Val Paverd have left the firm.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a deep bench of talent based in Georgia that handles the full spectrum of ITO and BPO mandates, as well as complex matters involving outsourced systems implementation, hybrids, captives and build/operate/transfer arrangements. US head of technology transactions Sean Christy and US head of artificial intelligence Chuck Hollis are the standout practitioners. They are backed by a strong team that includes Derek Johnston and Michelle Meiselman, whose expertise spans the deployment of ERP, SaaS, XaaS, AI/ML and other technology and software platforms in sectors such as financial services, hospitality, healthcare, life sciences, consumer products, retail, and energy. Christy is known for his ‘very touch, very smart’ approach to deals, and is particularly highly regarded for his work in the financial services, hospitality, and consumer products sectors.

Arnold & Porter‘s technology transactions group has a broad sector focus, having worked on significant projects in the automotive, aviation, digital health, energy, fintech, and hospitality industries, among others. Its work encompasses cutting-edge issues such as AI, in which practice co-head Thomas Magnani in San Francisco has noteworthy expertise. Fellow co-head Jenna Levy in New York stands out for her expertise in technology and services procurement, software licenses – including SaaS, PaaS, IaaS services – and manufacturing and supply relationships. Pantea Garroussi in Denver is particularly well versed in the commercialisation of IP rights, which is a key element in custom manufacturing deals and other outsourcing structures.

The Houston office of Bracewell LLP houses a highly experienced and specialised outsourcing team, which has worked on deals for multinational businesses and global outsourcing vendors. A standout name is practice head Jeffrey Andrews, who is frequently involved in both domestic and cross-border ITO and BPO deals, notably in the energy, financial services, consumer products, retail, manufacturing, commercial aviation, and telecommunications sectors. Jonathon Hance ‘provides a wealth of experience and knowledge’, and clients appreciate his experience in litigation and IP transactions, which contribute to successful negotiations. Lucy Porter is involved in structuring and negotiating of service agreements for BPO, ITO, and manages services transactions, drawing on her in-depth knowledge of global data privacy regulations.

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP has a track record of assisting some of the world’s leading technology companies with strategic cloud computing transactions, out of which has grown a highly capable outsourcing practice. In the Washington DC office, lead partner Christopher Ford specialises in large-scale commercial transactions, including business-critical BPO and ITO deals. William Schuerman, whose practice centers on the development, licensing, and commercialization of technology, data, and IP rights, is a key adviser on complex technology transactions, including SaaS and services agreements in the financial services and fintech sectors. In Seattle, Evan Shapiro draws on his experience in cloud infrastructure, fintech, IoT, and AI to assist clients with the development of new products and services, as well as licensing, financial regulatory, data security, and IP matters.

Eversheds Sutherland is home to a strong team of regulatory, data management, and IP experts, whose BPO and ITO experience spans PaaS, insourcing, cloud migration, AI, data analytics, and more. Head of the US outsourcing practice Peter Quittmeyer is highly sought-after for advice on IP matters in tech transactions and licensing matters. His on-going role as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia gives the firm a prominent presence in outsourcing deals for state governments. Brian Murphy focuses on outsourcing in the context of payments, digital commerce, and technology, and US head of AI Rachel Reid has a long track record in advising financial services and technology companies on matters such as data privacy, technology transactions and outsourcing.

Milbank advises a wide range of blue-chip corporates. Nicholas Smith handles complex structures as part of financing transactions and large corporate restructurings and is noted for his deep technical expertise in tech and services procurement and management, corporate transformation initiatives, and matters concerning  information security, data protection, and the use of data as a strategic asset. He has advised clients in a range of industries, but has particularly experience in ITO and BPO in the financial services, private equity, insurance, healthcare and pharma sectors.