Addleshaw Goddard‘s IT practice is regarded as being ‘very knowledgeable in the field with a vast amount of experience’ and is regularly engaged by major retailers, building societies and banks for large digital transformation projects and major re-platforming initiatives, in which practice head Michael Lowry has extensive experience. The firm was recently bolstered by the arrival of Michael Peeters in November 2023 and Richard Watkinson in February 2024, both from DAC Beachcroft LLP; the pair strengthen the firm’s IT offering to public sector clients. The firm also frequently acts in licensing disputes for software vendors, a particular area of expertise of Bill Gilliam, and handles IT procurements, outsourcings and cloud transformations – a specialism of Simon Lofthouse. Further key contacts in the team are James Mort, who was made partner in May 2023, as well as Priscilla Hetherton at legal director level; Charlotte Marshall was also promoted to the partnership in May 2024.

DLA Piper‘s broad expertise covers digital transformation projects, large-scale licensing and support agreements, outsourcings and procurements, where the firm’s strong suite is advising public sector and healthcare clients. The team is also active on contentious matters, acting in software implementation and technology related disputes. Richard Norman and Simon Kenyon cover contentious matters, frequently appearing in outsourcing and technology disputes, while Amanda Pilkington has experience acting on major IT projects and procurement matters, and Mark Vipan acts for the firms’ landmark clients on the drafting of IT contracts and outsourcings; all four make up the IT group's leadership.

Clarion is well equipped to advise on and negotiate commercial agreements related to outsourcings, the procurement of IT infrastructure and strategic partnerships for clients across the IT, retail, pharmaceuticals and telecoms spaces. The team is jointly led by Matthew Hattersley, who advises on commercial, technology and outsourcing contracts as well as on related data privacy matters, while Dominic Higham covers contentious work, among which are commercial, outsourcing and supply contract disputes. David Cunningham is a key practitioner, who is praised for his ‘robust knowledge base from years of experience’. Charlie Smith left the firm in October 2023.

A standout feature of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s technology practice is its expertise acting in technology disputes, where the team acts for TMT, retail, utilities and financial services clients. James Hyde leads the Yorkshire-based practice as well as leading the firm’s international technology disputes practice; he acts in notable technology and data related litigation and arbitration proceedings. At associate level, James Ruane focuses on technology and outsourcing agreements and Matthew Chapman works on contentious data, privacy and cybersecurity mandates. Nick Stubbs left the firm for Walker Morris LLP in April 2024.

Shoosmiths LLP's IT and technology team has extensive experience acting on procurement, outsourcing and transformational projects, where its specialist expertise in software development and deployment issues, data privacy work and AI regulatory matters is praised by clients. Practice head Alex Kirkhope assists with IT projects and joint ventures for clients across the automotive, retail and healthcare sectors, while also being a go-to name for AI advice. Other key members of the team are Lauren Midgley and Samantha Truckle, who frequently assist on technology related transactions.

Walker Morris LLP advise private clients across the technology, energy, sport and telecoms sectors on complex IT procurement projects, while also excelling in commercial disputes. Practice head Sally Mewies has expertise drafting various IT contracts, including technology, telecoms, cloud and SaaS style contracts. James Crayton acts for public sector and financial services clients on IT outsourcing matters, while Luke Jackson gives contractual advice on software licenses, hardware purchases and app developments. Nick Stubbs joined the team in April 2024 from Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

DAC Beachcroft LLP‘s IT practice supports clients across fintech, healthcare and property sectors, with a growing client base of financial services companies. The firm is strong in software development projects and IT outsourcing agreements, and is also regularly involved in telecoms infrastructure projects. The key names in the Leeds practice are Tim Pickworth, Aneeqa Kisil and Stephanie Tones.  Michael Peeters left the firm in November 2023, and Richard Watkinson left the firm in February 2024.

Pinsent Masons LLP advises on a range of digital and IT projects, including drafting SaaS and PaaS contracts for app services, creating software development contracts, and acting in large-scale IT disputes. The team assists clients in the sport, healthcare and retail sectors and has strong relationships with a number of universities. The Leeds-based practice is led by James McBurney, a specialist in telecoms and technology outsourcing disputes, and Lisa Harley, who advises on outsourcing and IT projects.

Suppliers of IT products and services largely make up the client base of Ward Hadaway LLP‘s IT practice, which is well equipped to draft and negotiate IT supply contracts, customer contracts and service agreements. Practice head Bill Goodwin works at the intersection of technology and intellectual property issues, assisting technology clients with IP licensing agreements, joint ventures and transactions. Rebecca Whisker and Mridvika Elliott further strengthen the team in Leeds.

Berwins provides contractual advice related to the procurement, deployment and sale of IT and software to clients, and also frequently advises on IT-related matters that arise out of day-to-day company operations. Paul Berwin leads the team and is supported by Sam Crich, who is well versed in data protection compliance issues and often works with banks and financially regulated entities.

Haseltine Lake Kempner LLP is a trusted legal adviser to suppliers and purchasers of software for IT contracts, service agreements and customer data agreements, and is well placed to advise on IP-related IT matters. Louise Perkin heads up the practice and has experience in implementation and development projects, e-commerce matters and software licensing issues; she is ably supported by Heather Simpson.

Specialising in non-contentious IT work, Dai Davis at Percy Crow Davis & Co is a key contact for technology suppliers and buyers looking for advice on technology safety regulations and data protection legislation, while also being well versed in IT transactions. Davis is frequently instructed to update service agreements and trading terms, and to draft contracts, where clients praise his ‘depth of knowledge and understanding around legal matters’.

Rollits LLP acts for public and private clients, primarily across the education and charities sectors, on drafting software licenses and procurement contracts, as well as advising on e-commerce and website development matters. The team is led by IP and IT specialist Keith Benton, who is well versed in cloud transformation projects. James Peel supports the practice with advice on website terms and conditions and compliance with data protection laws.

Excelling in commercial, e-commerce, data protection and IT mandates, Schofield Sweeney supports clients with drafting standard documentation, including software licenses, hosting arrangements and maintenance contracts. The team is led by Karen Crutchley, who also advises on IT projects and outsourcing arrangements for IT suppliers and purchasers, and SMEs.

Tyr regularly advises on various IT-related matters across contracting, e-commerce and GDPR issues, including cloud service agreements, IT outsourcings, data compliance audits and SaaS contracts. Luisa D’Alessandro is head of the department.