The Birmingham practice at DLA Piper advises major retailers, universities, appliance companies and consultancies on all aspects of IT and telecoms. The team is experienced in handling international projects including those relating to AI. The firm also regularly assists clients in master service agreement negotiations and digital platform operations. Gareth Stokes spearheads the practice, with an expertise in AI advice; he attracts many household tech brand owners. Michael Stead is a key team member, bolstering the firm’s AI offering. Phillip Kelly leads the technology disputes practice.

The Shoosmiths LLP lawyers support clients on matters spanning the array of IT and telecoms. The firm advises on IT transactions, cryptocurrencies, AI and fintech. Its clientele includes automotive, consumer goods, finance and technology companies at the national and international level. Joe Stephenson leads the team in Birmingham, specialising in tech procurement including outsourcings. Craig Armstrong is a noted team member, advising automotive, manufacturing and telecoms company. Ben Gardner joined the practice from Pinsent Masons LLP at the start of 2024.

Squire Patton Boggs’ Birmingham practice shows ‘great breadth of expertise’, advising on the implementation of AI and multinational IT systems. The firm assists clients across a wide range of industries, from automotive, utilities and healthcare to hospitality, pensions and retail. It is also well-versed in EV-related IT matters. Sam Tibbetts is noted as a practitioner advising on IT contracts, including licensing and SaaS agreements.

Browne Jacobson LLP is highly experienced advising on tech issues and outsourcing deals in addition to cloud computing, data privacy and new or disruptive technologies. It sits on an impressive range of panels - both private and public companies.  The firm covers procurement, licensing, system integration, disputes and transactional matters. Richard Nicholas captains the Birmingham team, specialising in outsourcing, cloud computing and AI matters as well as related data concerns; he often handles large-scale projects. Francis Katamba who specialises in data protection joined the firm in May 2023 from the ICO.

Codified Legal advises a broad range of companies, including tech consultants, software developers and financial services providers. The firm has particular expertise in AI regulatory issues and outsourcing assistance. It is also well-versed in cross-border assistance across the entire globe. At the head of the practice, the ‘exceptional’, Birmingham-based Stephen Ollerenshaw is highly experienced in offshore and European-wide outsourcing projects.

The growing practice at Freeths LLP assists clients from across market sectors, with retail, automotive, logistics, manufacturing and tech companies approaching it. Its expertise in contract drafting and negotiation is notable, as is its experience in risk management advice. Mark Neale, who advises large corporations on their IT projects and arrangements, oversees the practice in Birmingham. Nigel Gardner adds strength to the team with a focus on tech arrangements in the logistics and leisure sectors.

Gowling WLG advises its clients, who range from start-ups and public bodies to multinational conglomerates, on both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm offers specialist AI support, especially relating to autonomous vehicles, under the eye of Matt Hervey. The head of practice, Jocelyn Paulley, specialises in non-contentious IT matters, with experience in SaaS, cloud and IT services arrangements. Patrick Arben supplements the team, specialising in litigation work relating to data protection, outsourcing and licensing disputes.

Mills & Reeve LLP offers wide ranging support to its clients, with experience in data protection, project implementation and procurement assistance. The firm also maintains a dedicated cyber response service, assisting in the avoidance of and recovery following cyber-attacks. Based in Birmingham, ‘technically excellent and commercially astute’ Jagvinder Singh Kang helms the practice; he is dual qualified (California) and specialises in data protection, GDPR and cyber matters.

Pinsent Masons LLP boasts a strong capability in tech M&A transactions, advising major corporations on areas including investments and acquisitions. The firm is also suited to support clients with matters surrounding burgeoning technologies, from AI to autonomous vehicles to drones. The practice is jointly led by Andrew Hornigold, who specialises in M&A and financing transactions in the tech space, and Clare Francis, who advises a range of retailers, manufacturers and government bodies on matters including generative AI assistance.

Bevan Brittan LLP  is well-versed in assisting clients in tech-related public sector work. The firm advises on outsourcing arrangements, licensing, SaaS contracts and IT framework appointments. Its clients include local authorities, housing associations, health bodies and education institutions. Ash Woodcock leads the team from Birmingham, focusing on IT and tech project assistance for central and local government.

Situated in Leamington Spa, Wright Hassall LLP acts for both the customers and suppliers of tech services, including tech consultants, logistics companies and financial service providers. The firm also assists with data protection advice. Leading the team, Pete Maguire specialises in outsourcing and commercial contract drafting and negotiation. Buddug Williams joined from an in-house position at the end of 2023.