Addleshaw Goddard's practice covers a range of areas, from contractual agreements and IT to payment systems and data protection. The firm has a particular focus on the retail and consumer, financial services, industrial, and digital sectors. IT and outsourcing specialist Michael Lowry leads a team that provides notable expertise in intellectual property and competition law, acting for large companies and public sector bodies in the UK and overseas. Key names in the department are Jonathan Davey, who has particular experience in retail and consumer businesses and loyalty arrangements, and Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta, who advises on outsourcing and related transactions in the financial services, retail and telecoms areas. Rosamond-Lanzetta led the advice to Cyprus Cooperative Bank (CCB), a Cypriot state-owned bank, on a joint venture with Altamira Asset Management relating to the servicing of CCB's non-performing loan book.

Specialising in complex, high-value contracts, Baker McKenzie has experience of advising on alternative fee arrangements, agency distributions and consumer practice, among other areas. The practice has global reach; examples of its international work include advising technology giant Google on numerous consumer contractual matters. Duncan Reid-Thomas advises on and negotiates a wide range of commercial agreements, with notable expertise in the healthcare sector. Key names in his team are Steve Holmes, who particularly focuses on the technology, communications and media industries, and Sue McLean, who advises clients on technology, sourcing and digital media business models, as well as the legal issues relating to the implementation of new technologies. Also recommended are experienced counsels Helen Brown and Julia Hemmings and senior associate Nick Wloch, who is ‘smart, commercial and focused on providing excellent support'.

Bird & Bird LLP has particular expertise in technology contracts involving blockchain and AI. The international firm is also experienced in collaborative ventures with a cross-border element. Simon Shooter leads the practice and acted for EY on the establishment of a joint venture with Guardtime, one of the world's leading blockchain solutions companies, which impacts the $30bn global marine hull insurance industry. Also notable in the team are Mark Leach, who is an expert in the fields of outsourcing and major commercial projects; Lucy England, who is experienced in advice on both strategic business projects and routine commercial agreements for a range of clients, including airlines, leasing companies and original equipment manufacturers; and infrastructure sector specialist Stuart Cairns. Associate Elizabeth Dunn is recommended for her commercial work in the gambling and sports sectors.

The ‘innovative, pragmatic and technically excellent’ CMS is best known for its sector focus, experience in documenting new, complex business models, and advice on re-structuring commercial contracts. The firm also provides global capabilities, notably in the sports and gambling, retail and logistics, financial services, and life sciences and healthcare sectors. Iain Stansfield leads a strong practice that includes outsourcing expert Ian Stevens; technology specialist Paul Silver; and Sarah Hanson, who focuses on cross-border commercial contracts and outsourcing in the life sciences and consumer products sectors. Also recommended are the 'technically brilliant and talented' Dominic Dryden, who specialises in technology and sourcing, and 'seasoned commercial lawyer' Matthew Bennett, who has particular expertise in contentious negotiations. The team advised NHS National Services Scotland on the Scottish Wide Area Network. Elle Todd left for Reed Smith LLP in 2019.

Known for its UK-wide and global resources, Dentons acts for big corporates as well as disruptive businesses entering the market, particularly in the area of new technologies. The firm has experience in advising on complex commercial matters in a range of sectors, including retail, energy, financial services and manufacturing. TMT specialist Martin Fanning advises on sourcing matters, commercial transactions, mobile projects, and large-scale IT and business process procurements. He co-leads the practice with Andy Lucas, who has expertise in large public sector outsourcing projects, as well as cyber security and cryptology. Their team includes Babette Märzheuser-Wood, who focuses on franchise and distribution agreements and IP-driven joint ventures; Scott Singer, whose work covers the breadth of commercial contracts; Henrietta Baker, who advises on a diverse range of commercial arrangements; and associate Sarah Lima, who has experience in major technology and telecoms projects in the financial services and public sectors.

DLA Piper specialises in complex and multi-jurisdictional commercial transactions, particularly in the retail, consumer products, manufacturing, hospitality and consumer finance sectors. In addition, the firm provides regulatory expertise alongside its transactional commercial contract practice. International commercial and franchise transactions expert Iain Bowler leads the team, which includes Mark Dewar, who has experience advising on national and international supply chain contracts, as well as commercial transactions involving consumer and consumer finance businesses. Also notable is senior associate Michiko Jo, who combines commercial transactional expertise with regulatory advice.

The broad commercial practice at Fieldfisher is known for its deep bench and expertise in the technology area. Tech expert Robert Shooter specialises in large-scale procurements and commercial collaborations in both the private and public sectors. He co-leads the team with David Bond, who advises clients across a range of industry sectors, including retail, hotels and leisure, education, and food and beverages. The group is advising Premier League football club Liverpool FC on its suite of fan-facing systems.

The sourcing and commercial expertise of Pinsent Masons LLP particularly focuses on the technology, manufacturing and energy sectors, with a speciality in bet-the-business transactions. Simon Colvin, known for his TMT work, leads the team, which includes advanced manufacturing and technology expert David Isaac. Also notable are Natalie Trainor, who is experienced in advising on large and complex IT, technology and business process transformation projects, and associate Ben Gardner, who acts for large corporates and disruptive start-ups on a range of commercial arrangements.

The 'very commercial and client-focused' RPC advises on agreements across various industries, from the largest outsourcings to bespoke contracts for start-ups. The firm’s expertise includes technology, IP, marketing, licensing and sponsorship. Practice head Oliver Bray is an 'exceptional partner' and specialises in commercial law, particularly commercial contracts, data protection, and regulatory and content issues. Notable in his team of 'great all-round commercial lawyers' are Mark Crichard, who leads the firm's technology and outsourcing practice; Charles Buckworth, who is a specialist IT, outsourcing and data lawyer; and senior associate Alyson Lloyd, who focuses on supply chain, advertising and sponsorship matters. Commercial, outsourcing and technology specialist Paul Joukador joined in 2018 from Hogan Lovells International LLP and in 2019 commercial partner Simon Edwards arrived from Shoosmiths LLP. Senior associate Andrew Crystal left in 2018 to go in-house at Amazon Web Services.

Travers Smith LLP specialises in cross-border advice on a range of commercial contract issues, notably in highly regulated sectors including financial services, energy, retail and leisure. Dan Reavill leads the practice and can call on the expertise of Tom Purton, who is experienced in strategic alliances and IP work. Also recommended are Ben Chivers, whose areas of expertise include Brexit, joint ventures and outsourcing, and senior associate Sonny Mallet, who focuses on complex commercial arrangements, strategic partnership arrangements, outsourcing and joint ventures. The team advised Gist on numerous matters relating to its £3.5bn, 12-year outsourcing agreement with Marks & Spencer Group.

Acting on a range of commercial contracts, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP is particularly known for its global outsourcing focus. The firm has specialists in the major European, US, Asian and Middle Eastern jurisdictions, with notable expertise in the retail and hotels sectors, as well as experience in the media, sports and real estate areas. Richard Shaw leads the practice and his specialisms include advising on product distribution, manufacturing, franchising, and payment and transaction processing arrangements. He can call on the expertise of Marcus Pearl, who has particular experience in outsourcing, cross-border deals and in-bound US transactions. Also notable in the team is senior associate Melissa Manski, who works with clients across multiple sectors including utilities, financial services and retail. The department advised the Port of London Authority on strategic partnering arrangements with Cemex UK to improve ship unloading infrastructure at Cemex’s Northfleet terminal.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP provides expertise across key sectors including financial services, payments, energy, technology, health and sport. The firm acts for private and public sector clients and has experience advising on Brexit-related commercial work locally and internationally. In addition, the team is known for strategic transactional work. UK practice head Richard Prowse specialises in advising private and public sector clients on a range of commercial agreements, notably complex outsourcings and concession agreements. Alison Brearey leads the London group and has particular experience in international and global contracting. In a recent highlight, the department advised American Express on all aspects of its corporate co-brand agreement with British Airways, including drafting and negotiating the contract terms.

Hogan Lovells International LLP provides international reach and is experienced in outsourcings, strategic alliances, marketing contracts and IT contracts. Peter Watts is a key name for the firm in this area.

Latham & Watkins has particular expertise in cross-border mandates, notably in the technology and fintech sectors. Andrew Moyle advises clients ranging from traditional financial institutions to new technology incumbents. He co-leads the practice with Gail Crawford, who focuses on technology, intellectual property and commercial law. Their team includes the ‘outstanding’ Fiona Maclean, who specialises in blockchain and data, and Christian McDermott, who is experienced in complex technology transactions, large-scale outsourcings and payment infrastructure matters. The group acted for Credit Suisse in its investment and collaborative venture with fintech provider Privé to develop a multi-jurisdictional wealth management platform.

The international Norton Rose Fulbright practice has industry expertise ranging from energy, mining and infrastructure to finance, healthcare and life sciences. As well as providing a technology consulting practice, the firm has experience in niche areas, including insurance distribution agreements. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Michael (Mike) Knapper focuses on commercial contracts, particularly those involving intellectual property, data and technology. He co-leads the practice with M&A and securities expert Raj Karia. Notable in their team is James Russell, who specialises in outsourcing, information technology and intellectual property law. The group is advising Esso on its exclusive fuel sponsorship agreement with Nectar. Ian Lopez left for Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP in 2018.

The ‘top-notch’ Slaughter and May advises on strategic, high-value, high-risk and complex commercial contracts. The practice includes specialists in competition, corporate and real estate law, and the multi-disciplinary team is ‘responsive, knowledgeable and commercial, and works in a very collaborative fashion’. Duncan Blaikie advises clients on the creation and negotiation of a range of commercial contracts across the areas of IP, technology, pharmaceuticals, sports and financial services. He co-leads the practice with Richard Todd, who specialises in major international and domestic projects. They can call on the expertise of IP/IT expert Rob Sumroy, who focuses on technology and outsourcing; the 'very capable and competent' Susie Middlemiss, who acts in litigation and commercial contract matters related to IP; and David Ives, who is particularly notable in the retail and technology sectors. The group is advising GSK on the divestment of Horlicks and other consumer healthcare nutrition brands to Unilever and the merger of GSK Consumer Healthcare Limited with Hindustan Unilever Limited.

Allen & Overy LLP is known for advising on high-value commercial projects, corporate transactions and joint ventures, and multi-jurisdictional projects. The practice is co-led by Jim Ford, Jane Finlayson-Brown, Tom Levine and Nigel Parker. Their team advised Lloyds Banking Group on its strategic partnership with Schroders in the wealth, investment and financial planning sector.

The 'extremely responsive, nimble and creative' Ashurst focuses on commercial contracts within the digital economy, specialising in compliant data use and exploiting new enabling technology and connectivity. The firm is also experienced in complex procurement and outsourcing transactions. The 'brilliant and practical' Nick Elverston co-leads the team with the 'very astute' Christopher Bates, who has expertise in strategic projects and procurements for the medium to long term and is increasingly active in advising on partnering agreements and relationships with third parties as a means to further their digital agendas. The team advised Prudential in a project to retender two substantial outsourced service areas - facilities management and catering - each through competitive tender. Both procurements were undertaken in respect of Prudential's entire property portfolio across the UK.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provides commercial support for clients ranging from international brands and specialist public tech companies to financial institutions and tech solution providers. The firm has regional and international reach, including in Switzerland and Dubai. Jason Saiban leads the practice and focuses on the sport, retail and technology sectors. He can call on the expertise of Megan Paul, who specialises in complex outsourcing transactions in domestic and global markets. Also notable is associate Caroline Swain, who works closely with retail clients. The team advises Nike on commercial contracts, including sponsorship, sports marketing, regulatory and data protection issues.

The 'competent and creative' practice at Clifford Chance LLP focuses on TMT but also has expertise in antitrust, private equity and real estate law. The firm is experienced in major outsourcing transactions, ranging from employment advice to regulatory advice. The 'exceptional' André Duminy leads the team and specialises in complex commercial transactions, particularly related to technology. He acted for Schroders on all aspects of its outsourcing negotiations with fintech company Instinct for the provision of a range of finance-related services provided via common platforms.

Kemp Little LLP is known for its expertise in regulated sectors, but represents clients in a range of areas, including advertising, TMT, life sciences, healthcare and consumer goods. The firm has a strong supplier and customer-side client base, as well as acting on matters arising from international transactions. IT and IP specialist Paul Hinton has particular expertise in advising financial services companies on complex IT projects. He leads the team with Paul O’Hare, who is head of the outsourcing practice and advises on complex and transformational technology projects. Also recommended is outsourcing and technology expert Andrew Joint.

Gowling WLG's broad practice includes advising on routine business contracts as well as large-scale and innovative outsourcing transactions. Sale of goods expert David Lowe leads the team and has experience negotiating and drafting contracts for a range of clients on national and international supply chain and procurement agreements. He also has notable experience advising clients on Brexit-related issues.

Known for its IT expertise, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP combines a deep bench of commercial contracts practitioners with technology sector specialists. The firm is well regarded for complex commercial and business transformation projects, as well as global cross-sector procurements and outsourcings. The team also has an experienced commercial disputes practice. Nick Pantlin specialises in advising clients on complex and business-critical outsourcing, notably in the technology area. He co-leads the team with Stephen Rayfield, who has extensive experience advising central government bodies on major procurement exercises. Their group is advising Google's technical infrastructure legal team on all its commercial requirements.

Linklaters LLP has expertise in the advisory and contentious aspects of large sourcing contracts. The firm is also experienced in helping clients transform their business through digitisation, advising on the application of new technologies in different ways and the use of data. Richard Cumbley leads the practice and is known for handling complex commercial outsourcing projects. He can call on the expertise of Marly Didizian, who advises on complex service procurement contracts, multi-jurisdictional outsourcings and large-scale commercial agreements, with particular specialisms in business process outsourcing and supply chain management. Also notable is TMT and IP expert Georgina Kon, who has experience in outsourcing and advises customers and suppliers in the public and private sectors on innovative and critical matters.

Outsourcing specialist Milbank has experience in global IT and business process agreements, as well as advising major financial services and pharmaceutical companies on global outsourcing projects. The practice is also known for its work in public sector projects. Laurence Jacobs leads the team and has expertise in the outsourcing and technology fields. Also notable is the firm's head of data privacy, Joel Harrison.

Osborne Clarke LLP is known for its cross-border commercial contracts expertise, with a focus on the transport, energy and utilities sectors, notably large-scale infrastructure projects. The firm also acts for clients on commercial contract issues across a range of sectors, including energy, TMT, life sciences, transport and logistics. John Buyers is a commercial outsourcing and information technology specialist. He co-leads the team with Lara Burch, who has experience advising on UK and cross-border commercial transactions, particularly in the transport and energy sectors. Transport and automotive expert Edward Barratt arrived from Burges Salmon LLP in 2019; Nina Cummins left to take up an in-house position at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority in 2018.

Specialising in the retail, energy and financial services sectors, TLT has experience in advising on a range of issues, including long-term strategic outsourcing programmes, collaboration agreements, commercial joint ventures, data protection and public procurement. Perran Jervis leads the practice and has particular expertise in outsourcing, distribution and supply agreements. He also advises on business partnering and commercial joint ventures. His team was strengthened by the 2018 arrivals of competition and regulatory lawyer Stuart Murray from BT Consumer and Tim Waller, who focuses on fintech and regulatory technology, from Paysafe.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's commercial practice is made up of five sub-groups: commercial contracts; competition; data and privacy; IP; and technology. The UK-wide and multi-disciplinary team is experienced in a range of sectors including transport, financial services, retail, manufacturing and chemicals. Practice head Paula Bartlett specialises in commercial contract law, with extensive experience of advising on and negotiating complex contractual arrangements. Also notable is Rachel Scott, who has particular expertise advising on high-value and complex projects in the public and private sectors. She led the advice on the procurement of a supplier to provide a centralised management service for Network Rail's fleet of up to 8,000 road vehicles. Mark Gleeson joined in 2019 from Browne Jacobson LLP and boosts the firm’s technology expertise.

Acting for public and private sector clients, Burges Salmon LLP's expertise includes the rail, retail, education, healthcare and sport sectors. The firm is also advising on an increasing amount of commercial contracts work with a multi-jurisdictional element. Helen Scott-Lawler leads the practice and is particularly experienced in issues relating to retail, food and drink, and consumer-facing businesses. Her team is advising the Ministry of Defence on the procurement of Dreadnought and Astute class submarines. Sarah Kenshall joined as a legal director from Axiom in 2018; she specialises in technology, focusing on telecoms vendors, fintech and public sector IT projects. Timothy Deacon left for Keystone Law in 2019.

HFW has an international network and broad sector expertise, including transport and logistics, aviation, technology, commodities and energy. As well as handling commercial contracts work, the firm specialises in niche areas, ranging from producing documentation for major port projects and dealing with outsourcing agreements for IT, to drafting freight management contracts for the international movement of goods for blue-chip retailers. The team is co-led by transactional commercial law expert Matthew Gore, who focuses on the ports, transport and logistics sectors; Craig Neame, who specialises in logistics; Anthony Woolich, who is head of the technology team and has experience in providing advice to hi-tech and industrial sector clients; and Alistair Mackie, who is known for his work relating to ports and terminals. Also notable is William MacLachlan, who was prompted to partner in 2019 and has particular experience in transactional shipping matters.

The broad range of experience at Macfarlanes LLP covers the technology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and hotels sectors, with particular expertise in outsourcing and complex transactional arrangements. The firm also acts for entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals. Malcolm Walton leads the practice and advises on complex carve-out and separation matters, and transitional arrangements, as well as on commercial arrangements relating to IP exploitation and EU laws on free movement and competition. The team's technology offering was strengthened by the 2018 arrival of Mike Rebeiro from Norton Rose Fulbright. In 2018 Rupert Casey left for Keystone Law and Jeremy Courtenay Stamp retired from the firm.

Mayer Brown International LLP specialises in complex and multi-jurisdictional outsourcing transactions for clients in areas including information technology, finance, human resources, procurement and telecoms. The firm is particularly experienced in handling domestic and international sourcing contracts in the financial services sectors. Mark Prinsley is head of the intellectual property and IT group, as well as the technology transactions practice. He leads the team with Andrew Stewart, who focuses on complex commercial transactions.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is known for advising on multi-jurisdictional sourcing, with a distinctive practice that combines lawyers and sourcing consultants. The firm acts for a range of corporates, global suppliers, and e-commerce and social media platforms and developers. Rafi Azim-Khan, who heads the data privacy and cybersecurity practice in Europe, co-leads the team; his expertise includes advising on entry to new markets, data privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory and commercial matters. Fellow co-head Steven Farmer was promoted to partner in 2019 and focuses primarily on technology and financial services.

Reed Smith LLP's broad practice covers a range of specialisms, including contractual joint ventures and collaborations, strategic alliances, procurement, logistics, outsourcing, technology and e-commerce. The multi-disciplinary team is led by Delphine Currie, who is co-chair of the firm’s global corporate group and has particular expertise in the real estate sector. Also notable is Charles Jurd, who specialises in complex commercial agreements, notably those with a cross-border element.

Shoosmiths LLP’s sector expertise includes retail, technology, sport and financial services. The firm also has particular experience acting for leading automotive manufacturers in the commercial contracts space. Practice head David Jackson specialises in complex technology-enabled outsourcing deals. Also notable is Joseph Stephenson, who has expertise in technology and sourcing transactions, with a focus on large-scale and complex IT projects. The group advised British American Tobacco in relation to its commercial agreements with Bargain Booze.

The tech and corporate-focused White & Case LLP specialises in transactional commercial and IP matters. The firm is also experienced in complex cross-border collaborations, particularly joint ventures and strategic alliances in the tech sector. Lindsey Canning has expertise in advising on complex commercial agreements. She leads the practice with Philip Trillmich, who is known for handling multi-jurisdictional transactional IP and technology matters. Their team was strengthened by the 2018 arrival of counsel Deborah Lincoln from Linklaters LLP, who has notable experience advising on IP/IT and data privacy matters, primarily related to corporate transactions.

Combining ‘legal expertise with business understanding, common sense and a good dose of humour,’ Bates Wells advises on a range of commercial contract matters, specialising in data supply agreements and e-commerce advice, as well as cross-border issues. The 'knowledgeable, approachable and quick to solve complex issues' Richard Marke leads the team and is known as ‘an excellent lawyer, calm and collected when dealing with complicated matters'. Also notable is ‘invaluable’ associate Anna Przewoznik, who has expertise in commercial contracts, intellectual property, information technology and regulatory matters.

Cooley (UK) LLP has particular expertise in technology and data-related advice, including the outsourcing and procurement of technology, licensing arrangements and the distribution of digital content. Chris Coulter leads the practice and is a member of the firm’s technology transactions group. He specialises in advising clients on a range of technology, data, cyber security, contract and intellectual property issues.

DAC Beachcroft LLP has particular experience in IT and technology transactions, notably commercial issues relating to the application of technology to areas such as financial services, healthcare and real estate. A key name for the firm in this area is Tim Ryan, who is head of the national TMT team and an experienced commercial lawyer. He advises across a variety of matters in technology, media and telecoms.

Farrer & Co has experience in dealing with high-value commercial contracts, ranging from joint ventures and supply and distribution agreements to agreements in highly regulated industries and cross-border deals. The firm has particular expertise in the media, arts and education sectors. 'Excellent' practice head Paul Jones specialises in public procurement and complex commercial contracts, including outsourcing, IT, infrastructure and technology projects.

With experience drafting and advising on a range of commercial agreements, Fladgate LLP’s practice covers business-to-business contracts as well as the consumer-facing terms and conditions of supply and purchase contracts. The firm also provides general advisory services to clients on commercial issues. Eddie Powell leads the team and specialises in intellectual property, technology and commercial law. His department was strengthened by the arrival of Tim Wright from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in 2019, who has particular expertise in commercial, outsourcing and technology transactions across various sectors, including banking, insurance, healthcare and technology.

Howard Kennedy LLP provides national and international expertise in the media, entertainment, technology, retail, leisure and real estate sectors. Robert Lands leads the team and has substantial experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, with a particular focus on the technology and creative industries.

K&L Gates LLP acts in a range of sectors, including the logistics, automotive, manufacturing, retail, technology, gambling and sports areas. As well as drafting a broad variety of agreements across these sectors, the practice provides Brexit-related advice and works closely with the IP/IT department on data protection issues. Catherine Adam leads the team and has particular expertise in retail, fashion and leisure.

The unique structure of Keystone Law focuses on the individual specialities of the practitioners that make up the firm. In the area of commercial contracts, some key names in the team are the ‘immensely talented, intelligent and technically brilliant’ Jeremy Schrire, who specialises in commercial agreements and related competition and regulatory matters; Jimmy Desai, who has expertise in commercial contracts as well as internet and technology law, data protection and IP/IT in M&A transactions; commercial and corporate lawyer Jaan Larner, who particularly focuses on entrepreneurial activity; and the 'extremely knowledgeable' Rebecca Halford-Harrison, who is a well regarded IP, technology and disputes lawyer, notably in relation to IP law in the chemistry-based industries. Timothy Deacon joined from Burges Salmon LLP in 2019.

Lewis Silkin LLP’s primary industry sectors are advertising and marketing, retail, and technology, but the firm also advises clients in the professional services, media, automotive and manufacturing fields. James Gill specialises in complex, high-value commercial contracts, ranging from agency, distribution and franchising to domestic and international outsourcing projects. He co-leads the team with Jo Farmer, who has particular expertise in the advertising and marketing sector, with a focus on intellectual property. She advises clients on exploiting and protecting their intellectual property rights in commercial contracts.

Mishcon de Reya LLP’s practice has broad sector expertise, particularly in retail, hotels and sport. The firm is also known for its experience in matters relating to blockchain, technology and issues with an international element. Adam Rose specialises in the area of overlap between commercial contracts and real estate. He leads the practice with Lewis Cohen, whose experience covers sport, retail, media and hospitality, as well as specialist agreements in these sectors. Also notable is associate Anne Rose, who joined in 2018 from Simons Muirhead Burton and co-leads the blockchain group.

Morrison & Foerster LLP’s outsourcing practice covers a range of sectors, with a particular focus on technology. The team acts for established technology services providers, tech start-ups seeking advice on their technology roll-outs, and technology-enabled companies needing multi-jurisdictional expertise. Practice head Alistair Maughan is co-chair of the firm’s global technology transactions group and leads the European TMT practice. He focuses on commercial contracts and technology-based projects for major companies and public sector organisations.

The 'extremely friendly, approachable and razor-sharp' Simons Muirhead Burton specialises in media and entertainment, publishing, and technology, and is particularly well known for its expertise in film and television, music and sports broadcasting. The firm also provides cross-border expertise, with Maninder Gill well regarded as a retail sector specialist in the Far East. 'Superstar' Simon Goldberg leads the team and is an expert commercial contract adviser to the publishing sector. Also notable is James Greenslade, who was promoted to partner in 2019.

The ‘responsive, prepared and commercial’ Squire Patton Boggs provides ‘depth and breadth of legal and commercial knowledge’. The practice specialises in cross-border work, particularly in the advertising and media, technology and telecoms sectors. Andrew Wilkinson heads the firm’s commercial, intellectual property and information technology group and ‘his commercial awareness is second to none’. He co-leads the team with the firm's global head of intellectual property and technology, David Elkins.

Stephenson Harwood advises on a range of agreements, from day-to-day trading arrangements to one-off complex and strategic alliances, with a particular focus on the food and drink, transportation, hospitality and life sciences sectors. Dan Holland specialises in centralised procurement structures and consignment manufacturing arrangements. He co-leads the team with Jonathan Kirsop, who has notable expertise in advising on commercial arrangements in the art and cultural property market.

Technology specialist Taylor Wessing LLP combines commercial contracts experience with expertise in areas including data protection and competition law. A key name for the firm is Christopher Jeffery, who focuses on advising technology companies on complex contractual negotiations, data protection governance and compliance.

Blake Morgan LLP is known for business process outsourcing and services supply agreements, with particular expertise in the food businesses, manufacturing and retail sectors. The firm also has experience handling cross-border and technology-related matters. Simon Stokes leads the team and specialises in IP, technology and competition law.

Specialising in the sports, media and IT sectors, Brabners LLP has experience in a range of areas, particularly logistics. The firm also has cross-border capabilities and expertise in acting for housing associations. The practice is co-led by Nik White, who advises on general commercial matters and contracts; intellectual property expert Colin Bell; Matt Brown, who is known for his experience in data protection matters and competition law; and Richard Hough, who provides specialist advice on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious EU public procurement matters.

Bristows LLP advises clients across a range of sectors, but has notable expertise in technology, IP and life sciences. The firm is particularly known for handling matters related to competition, regulatory issues, privacy and data protection. Matthew Warren leads the team and is experienced in large, complex commercial transactions. His team advised Ferroglobe on long-term strategic arrangements related to its acquisition of two manganese plants from multinational natural resource giant Glencore.

Clarkslegal LLP is experienced in commercial contracts and contract procurement, as well as various commercial agreements, including complex cross-border and multi-party agreements. The firm specialises in facilities management, engineering and technology, financial services, hotels and leisure, and life sciences. Ashan Arif leads the practice and advises on commercial agreements and broader company matters, as well as corporate finance and restructurings. Stuart Mullins joined in 2018 from The Head Partnership Solicitors LLP and brings expertise in the technology arena.

Duane Morris has particular expertise in the automotive, metals and tech spaces, in which it provides a range of services, notably advising on outsourcing. Susan Laws leads the practice and focuses on commercial contracts, M&A and venture capital, especially in the automotive and life sciences industries. She is also part of the firm's niche cannabis industry team. Also notable is Ute Mueller, who specialises in domestic UK and international transactional work, with a focus on the Anglo-German market and the metal commodities sector. John Benjamin joined from DWF in 2019 and brings expertise in intellectual property, technology and data privacy law, dealing with both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Fox Williams LLP has particular experience in cross-border agency and distributorship terminations. The ‘very experienced and tactically astute‘ Stephen Sidkin is ‘someone you want on your side rather than as an opponent' and is known for his expertise in agency and distributorship, notably concerning international agreements.

Jones Day assists customers and suppliers with negotiating a range of outsourcing agreements, including telecoms, network, business process outsourcing and IT contracts. A key name for the firm in this area is Jonathon Little, who has a particular focus on large outsourcings, notably as part of M&A transactions, as well as strategic IT procurements.

Michelmores LLP specialises in advising on consumer protection law issues, including distance selling, e-commerce considerations and financial services regulation, as well as acting for data-driven businesses. Tom Torkar leads the practice and is experienced in advising national and multinational clients in the aviation, IT, media, big data, e-commerce and financial services sectors. Notable in his team are Ian Holyoak, who has expertise in major commercial contracts and related areas of competition, state aid and procurement, and David Thompson, who is known for acting in the food and drink and manufacturing sectors. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of former barrister Charles Courtney, who focuses on IP/IT matters and bridges the gap between the commercial and disputes practices; he joined from Latham & Watkins in 2019.

Mills & Reeve LLP specialises in public sector and contracting work. Notable names for the firm in this area are commercial contracts and procurement expert Greg Gibson; firm head of technology and life sciences Kevin Calder; and Peter Wainman, who is known for his expertise in IT law and data protection.

Stevens & Bolton LLP has particular experience in the retail, food and drink, travel, life sciences and utilities sectors. In addition, the firm has expertise in technology-related issues and agreements. Beverley Whittaker leads the practice and works on a range of contracts, including procurement, supply of services, commercial and marketing arrangements.

Wedlake Bell LLP’s practice covers a range of commercial contracts, from agency and consultancy arrangements to outsourcing and supply contracts. Adrian Heath-Saunders leads a team of IP, IT and commercial specialists, including Jonathan Paul Cornthwaite, who has particular expertise in large-scale projects and services agreements. The group is advising Axpo Power on contractual arrangements with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority relating to the reprocessing of nuclear waste at Sellafield.

Weightmans LLP is well known for advising clients in the public and private sectors on a number of areas, including intellectual property, IT, data protection, competition law and procurement. Victoria Robertson, who has experience in commercial, intellectual property and data protection matters, leads the practice with tech and healthcare expert Sarah Walton. Their team was strengthened in 2018 by the arrivals of infrastructure projects specialist Stephen Johns from DLA Piper and experienced commercial lawyer Tracy Lake from the National Grid.