Addleshaw Goddard boasts one of the largest dedicated commercial contracts practices in the UK. Supported by teams across Manchester, Leeds, and Scotland, the London office handles a vast range of mandates, many of which are distinct from their corporate deal flow. The group advises a diverse and impressive range of clients, including a notable number of FTSE 100 companies, on the full range of commercial contract activity, including procurement, joint ventures, outsourcing, and distribution agreements. Adding to its strength in the retail and consumer sector, epitomised by long-standing partnerships with major retailers and FMCG conglomerates, the team remains a key player in high-value outsourcing and payment services arrangements, with key clients including leading domestic and international financial institutions. Leeds-based Michael Lowry heads the practice group. The London office acts as an important hub of work in this sector, with Damon Rosamond-Lanzetta and Andrew Carter, who focuses on the transport sector, leading on significant mandates. Oliver Millerchip continues to develop a practice in the retail and consumer space.

Dentons maintains a strong reputation for advising on complex and high-value commercial arrangements, often involving cross-border considerations. The team regularly supports clients across a wide range of industries, with particular strength in retail, media, hospitality, technology, and transport. Instructions range from strategic outsourcing and joint development agreements to supply chain structuring, distribution, and agency arrangements, and digital transformation projects. The team has experience in advising on commercial arrangements that involve complex IP, licensing, and technology-related issues, frequently operating as a one-stop shop where intellectual property, data, and commercial elements intersect. Recent mandates include advising on large-scale media and content distribution arrangements, multi-jurisdictional product rollouts, and business-critical supplier agreements. Martin Fanning heads the commercial division of the firm, while Tristan Jonckheer drives the team’s strong telecommunications and media offering. Sarah Lima and Scott Singer are further important members of the team.

Linklaters LLP’s commercial contracts practice is turned to by various multinationals and institutions for complex, high-stakes agreements, particularly in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, and technology. Marly Didizian is a seasoned commercial contracts partner with 30 years’ experience in complex sourcing agreements and business transformations, regularly providing strategic advice on high-stakes deals, renegotiations and dispute resolution throughout the contract lifecycle. Georgina Kon is trusted by clients to handle digital transformations. Richard Cumbley and Julian Cunningham-Day are further important members, with significant contractual experience. TMT partner Rich Jones provides key support to the team.

Pinsent Masons LLP handles a broad range of commercial contracts work, with notable strength in public sector mandates and sector-driven advice across retail, sport and TMT. The firm is particularly active on high-value outsourcing, procurement and transformation projects, including complex matters for major UK government departments and global consumer brands. Samantha Livesey, who splits her time between London and Manchester, leads on work for retail and consumer-facing clients, while Simon Colvin heads the public procurement offering. Other key figures include Andrew Brydon, who focuses on TMT mandates. The team has nationwide strength; Birmingham-based Clare Francis, in particular, comes particularly recommended. Laura Ayre leads on high-value commercial contracts and supply chain projects, advising major clients on international logistics, outsourcing, joint ventures, and sustainability initiatives.

RPC is well regarded for its commercial contracts work, with a dedicated team advising across strategic supply, distribution, joint venture, franchise and sponsorship agreements. Led by Tom Purton, who is supported by a bench of experienced lawyers including Oliver Bray, Mark Crichard and Paul Joukador, the team handles high-value, complex contracts across sectors including retail, TMT, financial services, sport and hospitality. Leading the firm’s commercial support for digital clients, Bray is the relationship partner for major digital and consumer brands, including market-leading tech companies. IP specialist Ciara Cullen is active in the space, regularly representing retail and consumer brands. Charles Buckworth is also recommended.

Slaughter and May’s commercial contracts group routinely advises on high-value, strategic agreements. The team excels in handling highly complex matters, with recent engagements including advising major consumer goods companies on restructuring production and distribution models internationally, and supporting leading telecoms operators on various multi-jurisdictional, business-critical transactions across Europe. Duncan Blaikie is a driving force in the practice, advising on complex agreements across sectors including telecoms, financial services, retail, life sciences, and technology. Oliver Moir focuses on contracts in the infrastructure, energy, and natural resource sectors. Richard McDonnell regularly contributes to some of the team’s most complex matters, such as those involving Vodafone. Laura Houston and David Ives are also important members of the team.

Ashurst advises on complex and high-value commercial arrangements across a range of industries, with recent mandates covering the defence, financial services, infrastructure, technology, and energy sectors. Core focus areas span joint ventures, long-term supply contracts, outsourcings, strategic services agreements, and collaborative partnerships. The team is part of the firm’s Digital Economy Transactions group and regularly collaborates with colleagues in data protection, tax, IP, competition, consumer law, real estate, and disputes. The UK commercial contracts team is led by Christopher Bates, who is regularly instructed on high-stakes commercial arrangements, particularly in defence sector outsourcing and long-term digital transformation projects. David Futter specialises in commercial transactions in the financial services space. Amanda Ludlow — global co-head of the digital economy group — leads the team alongside Bates.

Baker McKenzie LLP‘s London commercial team is recognised for its work on complex, high-value outsourcing, procurement, and strategic service agreements, often with an international dimension. The team regularly advises on the commercialisation of new products and services, as well as structuring, drafting, and negotiating a wide range of supply, distribution, and services contracts. Julia Hemmings‘ practice focuses on consumer transactions, particularly in the retail fashion sector and on the technology side of fast-moving consumer goods work. Sue McLean advises clients on a range of commercial agreements, including business process outsourcing agreements, distribution agreements, services agreements, collaborations and transitional services agreements, and ancillary strategic commercial agreements to corporate transactions. Hemmings and McLean jointly lead the team following the departure of Helen Brown in early 2025. Lucy Hart and Dan Relton are also key figures in the practice.

Bristows LLP advises on a wide range of domestic and international commercial agreements, with notable expertise supporting clients in the life sciences, technology, and digital media sectors.The firm handles both major strategic projects and routine contracting work, and regularly advises technology and life sciences clients. The commercial team works closely with the firm’s regulatory, data protection, and competition lawyers to provide coordinated advice on deals that involve multiple legal areas, particularly in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, advertising, and telecoms. Matthew Warren is regularly involved in complex technology transactions, while the ‘outstanding’ Claire Smith advises on manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements, often cross-border, in the life sciences sector.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner continues to advise on high-value, business-critical contracts across a wide range of sectors, including retail and consumer products, financial services, transportation, hospitality, and technology. The firm is regularly instructed on standalone strategic commercial projects, including complex outsourcing, strategic alliances, franchising, and long-term supply and service agreements, often operating across multiple jurisdictions. Key figures include global practice leader Marcus Pearl, who leads on major digital and commercial transformation matters, and Carol Osborne. Ben Wheeler and Kate Jeffery — both of whom have recently been promoted — are further key members of the team. Richard Shaw leads the commercial transactional side of the Global Technology practice, offering expertise in strategic outsourcing contracts.

A key adviser to a number of major brands, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP fields a well-rounded commercial contracts practice closely aligned with the firm’s core sector strengths in sport, retail and consumer brands, and technology. The team advises a range of clients, from multinational corporations to scaling start-ups, on strategic commercial arrangements including high-value outsourcing, supply, distribution, franchising, licensing, and joint venture agreements. Mark Bailey heads the firm’s commercial group and has a particular specialism in regulated IT sectors, as well as experience handling data centre operations. Jason Saiban leads the firm’s relationship with Nike, handling a wide range of commercial work for the brand. Megan Paul — who has a track record in large-scale outsourcing transactions — co-leads the team alongside Saiban and Bailey. Caroline Young, noted for her capabilities in IP and tech matters, is also recommended. Mark Dewar recently joined the firm from DLA Piper.

CMS’ London commercial team advises on a broad spectrum of matters, including supply arrangements, outsourcing, manufacturing and procurement contracts, as well as distribution, licensing, franchising and collaboration agreements. The team also has experience with complex multi-jurisdictional partnerships and supplier ecosystems. Sector expertise is a key feature of the practice, with Matthew Bennett, Dominic Dryden, and Sam De Silva driving a retail and logistics practice, working with world-renowned clients. Sam Oustayiannis works in the sport and media sectors, while Ian Stevens is active in the financial services industry. Sarah Hanson is noted for her life sciences and healthcare practice.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP advises on high-value commercial contracts for a range of major UK and international clients, working across a diverse range of sectors including aerospace, financial services, real estate, and recruitment. The team has a strong track record in large-scale property and facilities management agreements involving multi-jurisdictional operations, and regularly advises on global recruitment process outsourcing transactions. Peter McCormack and Kelly Holmes, based in Leeds and Birmingham respectively, are key members of the team from outside of London. Edward Tompkin has specialist knowledge in large-scale outsourcings and acts as the client partner for some of the firm’s most significant clients. Kuljeet Gill, based in Manchester, is noted for their public sector-focused practice.

Gowling WLG advises on a broad spectrum of commercial contracts work, acting for clients across the private and public sectors. The practice supports a range of industries, with particular strength in the automotive sector, boasting a client list that includes a number of household names. Beyond the automotive space, the team has been notably active in real estate, retail, food and drink, life sciences, handling complex, business-critical agreements as well as day-to-day contracting matters, including a number of cross-border mandates. David Lowe co-heads the team, alongside the Birmingham-based Sarah Riding. Lowe handles contractual matters in areas such as supply chain, procurement, facilities management, and outsourcing. Robert Breedon has a particular focus on government work, and he co-leads the government sector team. Alexi Markham also has a strong public sector practice.

K&L Gates LLP handles commercial contractual issues for prominent names across various industries, such as luxury goods, retail, fashion, logistics, manufacturing, and technology. The practice is led by Catherine Adam, who has strong relationships with many of the firm’s most significant clients, including one of the world’s largest fashion houses. Jennifer Marsh, from the firm’s competition and antitrust team, specialises in distribution, agency, and reseller agreements. Arthur Artinian is widely recognised for his IP and marketing law expertise, while competition expert Gabriela Da Costa provides commercial support on direct-to-consumer e-commerce strategies and resale/distribution models. Richard Dollimore is a key team member, particularly with respect to joint ventures, while the hire of  Shane Hubbard enhances the team’s ability to advise on AI-related contracts and complex tech-driven commercial agreements.

Lewis Silkin’s Digital, Commerce & Creative (DCC) team provides wide-ranging advice on commercial agreements for clients in a host of sectors. The team advises on drafting, negotiation, and implementation of contracts while ensuring compliance with consumer, competition, and commercial laws. The team regularly assists with routes-to-market processes, including agency, distribution, franchising, and e-commerce agreements, alongside complex supply chain projects (media buying, global outsourcing). The experienced James Gill co-heads the DCC team, while Alan Hunt regularly provides advice to clients in the media, technology, and retail spaces. Jo Farmer is noted for her IP-related work. JJ Shaw and Alex Meloy are also recommended.

Travers Smith LLP’s commercial contracts team continues to advise on complex, cross-border and business-critical mandates across a range of sectors, with particular strength in energy infrastructure, automotive, retail, tech, and consumer. The team, now headed by Louisa Chambers following her appointment as Head of Department in January 2025, has deepened its focus on large corporate clients. Longstanding partner Richard Brown remains active, particularly in energy infrastructure work, where he is regularly called upon to help clients devise, structure and implement net-zero transitions and investments. Richard Offord and Michael Ross support the practice alongside a strong bench of senior associates. Ben Chivers and Dan Revell have both left the firm.

Clifford Chance LLP advises on significant commercial contracts, often in the context of M&A transactions. The team regularly handles transitional services agreements, separation projects, joint ventures, and long-term commercial agreements, working across the TMT, financial services, automotive, consumer goods, and sports sectors. The practice is led by Zayed Al Jamil, who focuses on technology procurement, data licensing, and emerging technologies. Counsel Mark Fisher specialises in complex commercial matters in the telecoms sector, advising operators, investors, and regulators on digital infrastructure, connectivity, and telecoms services, drawing on experience from in-house roles and commercial positions. Jamie Andrew is also recommended.

Freeths LLP’s commercial contracts team continues to grow its profile through its work for high-profile clients in the retail, transport, food and drink, and technology sectors. The team is experienced in advising on day-to-day commercial arrangements as well as significant outsourcing, franchising and strategic partnership agreements, and is noted for its sector expertise in areas such as rail, clean energy, retail, and infrastructure. Iain Bowler advises on a wide range of commercial transactions, including outsourcing, supply chain management, and market delivery strategies, while Philippa Dempster handles litigious contractual issues in the commercial space. Tom Johnson is the driving force behind a strong rail practice that specialises in rolling stock matters.

Stephenson Harwood’s commercial contracts team advises clients across the life sciences, technology, transportation, financial services, and leisure sectors on both day-to-day trading arrangements and high-value strategic agreements. The group also provides specialist support on corporate transactions, including due diligence, transitional services, and supply agreements, particularly for private equity clients. Dan Holland advises on a broad range of commercial transactions, with a focus on strategic supply arrangements in the life sciences and transport sectors, and has particular experience in manufacturing and distribution agreements for biologics. Katie Hewson has developed a practice in the arts sector, regularly advising on commercial and data protection matters, with experience including drafting complex commissioning and art advisory agreements. Naomi Leach is also recommended.

TLT‘s sizeable national commercial contracts team advises FTSE 100 and 250 companies, international corporates, and public bodies across the lifecycle of strategic commercial arrangements. The team advises many top UK retailers and financial institutions, advising on joint venture agreements, franchising arrangements, and large-scale distribution and outsourcing projects. In the financial services sector, the team handles outsourcing and payment projects for institutions, while also regularly advising on public sector work, with Ministry of Justice and Department of Health and Social Care both being prominent clients of the team. Perran Jervis leads the team, and is relationship partner for many of the firm’s most notable clients. Pauline Cowie has over 35 years of experience advising clients in commercial matters. Stuart Campbell regularly acts for financial services clients. Alex Williamson is also noted.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP handles complex commercial contracts, with a particular focus on energy transition and digital transformation projects. Clients include major players in the retail, manufacturing, energy, and real estate sectors. The broad team regularly advises on joint ventures, high-value commercial contracts, franchise operations, international distribution, and sector-specific regulatory and operational issues, often involving cross-border elements. Paula Bartlett, who heads the commercial team, and Peter Snaith, based in Southampton and Newcastle respectively, are both recommended. In London, Katie Simmonds contributes to many of the firm’s digital matters.

Arbor Law’s commercial contracts group delivers wide-ranging support on procurement, outsourcing, distribution, licensing, and joint ventures in innovative sectors including digital platforms, fintech and media. Ed Rea leads a technology and telecoms practice that provides innovative solutions to a range of clients, including advising a global travel technology company on fare content agreements with major airlines. Kate Bennett, who focuses on fintech matters, is noted for her strength in work concerning network capacity, data centre, and online marketplace agreements. Daniel Adams specialises in work for media and technology companies, advising digital platforms, media businesses, and tech firms on commercial transactions.

Broadfield Law UK LLP‘s commercial contracts practice acts for a diverse client base, with particular strengths in healthcare, technology, and media. The group is experienced in supporting international clients on transactions involving counterparties in a broad range of jurisdictions. Healthcare outsourcing is a particular area of focus, with clients including NHS suppliers, private healthcare providers, and healthtech companies. The team also handles contracts for high-profile charities in conjunction with the firm’s dedicated charities department. Philip Lamb has considerable experience handling joint venture agreements. Oliver Willis is the driving force behind the London commercial practice and is renowned for his skill in handling contractual matters across a range of both private and public sector industries.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s commercial contracts team advises clients across the financial services, technology, retail, manufacturing, and energy sectors. The team advises on a wide spectrum of commercial contracts, including those relating to supply chain and logistics arrangements, as well as agreements involving joint ventures. Emma Roake, co-head of the Retail, Consumer and Logistics sector group, advises major luxury and beauty brands on commercial contracts, including selective distribution, wholesale supply terms, and consumer law issues. Rowan Armstrong, a partner in the Commercial Contracts team in London, joined in June 2024 from EY Law, where he co-led the Commercial, IP & Technology team. Armstrong brings over a decade of experience advising on complex, cross-border commercial agreements, including outsourcing, joint ventures, distribution, and technology contracts. Manchester-based Cat Driscoll is an important member of the team.

Burges Salmon LLP’s commercial contracts practice operates across the firm’s core sectors, with expertise spanning joint ventures, procurement, agency and distribution agreements, outsourcing, and key supply chain arrangements. The team advises a diverse client base, including numerous major retailers. Helen Scott-Lawler provides advice on complex contracts to clients across retail, food & drink, and consumer sectors. Lucy Pegler, based in Bristol, is also recommended.

Farrer & Co's wide-ranging workload encompasses complex international joint ventures, major outsourcing and high-value logistics agreements, and specialist contracts in sectors like financial services, art and heritage. Practice head Paul Jones oversees key commercial contracts that support major income streams, large-scale projects, and critical infrastructure, with expertise spanning diverse sectors including art, education, and sports. David Copping has a particular focus on international deals in the education sector, where he regularly advises on substantial contracts and technology and R&D deals.  Alan Baker advises clients on a wide range of matters, particularly regarding IT/technology contracts for data-rich businesses.

Fladgate LLP advises national and multinational clients across a wide range of commercial contracts and outsourcing arrangements, with particular strength in technology-driven sectors and mission-critical projects, covering everything from bespoke agreements and supply chain logistics to business process outsourcing. Alex Haffner advises on commercial matters across sectors including media, technology, telecoms, sports, and education, acting as a strategic adviser to growth companies and their investors. Jan Hoppe and Tim Wright are key partners in the team. Ben Milloy is also active.

Goodwin‘s Intellectual Property, Technology, and Strategic Transactions (IPTS) team sits within the firm’s leading technology practice and advises on complex commercial agreements across the technology and life sciences sectors. The team acts for a broad client base - ranging from emerging companies to global multinationals - with notable expertise in licensing, collaboration, supply, and digital matters. The group is particularly active in the artificial intelligence space, advising prominent clients on strategic commercial agreements. Gretchen Scott advises on technology transactions and strategic partnerships, with a focus on the commercialisation of technology, AI, data and IP, alongside privacy issues involved in joint ventures. Counsel Genevieve Watt is also noted.

HFW‘s commercial contracts team leverages the firm’s historic strength in shipping and logistics to advise on strategically significant agreements across the ports, infrastructure, and international trade sectors. With a premier client base spanning global logistics providers, shipping companies, and household name retailers, the team is frequently engaged on complex, cross-border matters involving long-term supply, joint venture, and concession agreements. Matthew Gore brings extensive experience in international port concessions, supply chain contracts, having worked in operational roles within the industry. Catherine Emsellem-Rope has a core focus on supply chain issues, and joins Alistair Mackie in regularly advising on commercial contracts relating to infrastructure projects. Matthew Wilmshurst works with a variety of parties on logistics and supply chain-related disputes and projects.

Howard Kennedy LLP’s commercial contracts practice advises start‑ups, scale‑ups, and investors across IP‑rich sectors such as technology, advertising, media, and art. Recent matters include drafting master services agreements for cloud data platforms and advertising agencies and advising on cross‑border licensing and partnership arrangements. IP partner Robert Lands and advertising specialist Alex Watt lead the practice.  Peter Hopton is singled out for his work on transactional commercial projects.

Macfarlanes LLP advises market‑leading clients from the financial services, technology, hospitality and sports sectors on complex commercial contracts, with particular strengths in outsourcing, franchising arrangements and services linked to corporate carve‑outs. The team is noted for hotel management and asset‑management mandates in the hospitality industry, and regularly negotiates operational agreements for global hotel brands. In the sports sector, it handles high-profile contracts, covering notable football clubs, cricket projects, and the new Premier Padel tour. Will Hedges leads the firm’s commercial practice, advising on outsourcing, hospitality, brand and franchising, and acting as relationship partner for many of the firm’s most significant clients. Malcolm Walton and Rosie Duckworth are also important members of the team.

Mishcon de Reya LLP’s commercial contracts team boasts a strong sector focus, particularly in property management and infrastructure matters, advising on franchising, distribution, manufacturing, and supply arrangements. The team is also active in emerging technology matters. Lewis Cohen is an experienced commercial contracts lawyer who is the driving force behind the firm’s capabilities in the retail, hospitality, and sports sectors. Simon Leaf advises a diverse client base, with particular experience in the retail, property, and crypto sectors. Leaf is regularly supported by Tom Murray.

Shoosmiths LLP is particularly prominent in the automotive sector, where Milton Keynes-based practice head Robin Webb leads on major multi-jurisdictional projects and manages relationships with dozens of global brands. The hire of Ben Gardner into the Birmingham office has boosted the team’s strength in automotive work; he is especially noted for his capabilities in complex IT, warehousing, and outsourcing projects. The logistics sector is another area of strength, while the rail practice - led by Michelle Craven-Faulkner in Nottingham - provides wide-ranging expertise across the sector.