Specialising in non-contentious telecoms and major tech procurement initiatives, the ‘well organised’ Brodies LLP practice routinely acts on behalf of clients in the software, transport, and energy sectors. The team is experienced in bids for public infrastructure funding relating to broadband and telecoms projects, as well as in complex cybersecurity disputes. Co-leading from Edinburgh, Grant Campbell and Martin Sloan bring extensive expertise in data protection and regulatory compliance matters to the group, while Iain Rutherford is an expert on outsourcing claims for customers and suppliers. From Glasgow, Alison Bryce focuses on the food and drink space, while Edinburgh-based Robert Ross is knowledgeable on contractual arrangements.

Spearheaded by the ‘knowledgeable and pragmatic’ Callum Sinclair in Glasgow, Burness Paull LLP has in-depth expertise in advising on complex telecoms agreements, data protection provisions, and IT procurement initiatives. The practice demonstrates strong cross-border capabilities, regularly handling strategic supplier contracts and exclusive collaboration agreements, while Sinclair is an expert in the financial, public, and utilities sector. In Edinburgh, David Goodbrand primarily focuses on digital transformation, data migration, and cloud deal issues, while Murray Cree stands out for his cloud contracting and outsourcing work.

Acting on behalf of domestic and international clients in the retail, finance, and healthcare industries, the ‘commercially astute’ CMS team is experienced in work concerning IT infrastructure issues and AI implementation. The practice’s specialists are highly knowledgeable in the data protection field, representing a range of clients spanning from consumer goods to oil and gas. Based in Glasgow, Alan Nelson heads the outfit, primarily focusing on outsourcing projects and complex services arrangements, while Edinburgh-based Duncan Turner assists clients with acquisitions of IT software. Also in Glasgow, Martin Beveridge concentrates on IT infrastructure matters, and Chris Bowie stands out for his cloud services knowledge.

Counting multinational tech conglomerates and international education providers among its key clients, DLA Piper specialises in negotiating global framework agreements and complex IT infrastructure projects. The team has vast expertise in overseeing the procurement of enterprise-wide IT systems and complex software development initiatives, with the ‘extremely pragmatic’ head John McKinlay primarily focusing on outsourcing affairs and tech contracts. Since joining the firm as partner in May 2023, Linzi Penman has stood out for her data protection work. Catriona Melton is knowledgeable on IT commercial matters, while Jamie O’Neill is noted for their IP expertise. All lawyers are based out of Edinburgh.

Described as a ‘nimble, creative’ practice, Pinsent Masons LLP is highly regarded for its IT outsourcing and data protection work across the energy, education, and finance sectors. The team displays a growing presence in the smart metering and EV technology spaces, and is also well-versed in the procurement of cyber-security technologies and software services. The ‘very personable’ Chris Martin, who heads the group from Edinburgh, frequently advises blue-chip energy businesses. Matthew Godfrey-Faussett  is a commercial contract specialist, while Glasgow-based Yvonne Dunn is especially capable in the fintech and financial services sectors. Other key names to note in Glasgow include David Woods, who focuses on TMT disputes. Kathryn Wynn, Joanne McIntosh, and Carolyn Lang are also recommended.

Covering cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and strategic tech outsourcing, the multidisciplinary group at Addleshaw Goddard is described as ‘excellent’ by its domestic and international client base. The practice has significant experience in advising on the procurement of HR systems, CRM Solutions, and data security. Edinburgh-based practice head David Anderson is noted for his expertise in the implementation of transformational tech projects. Glasgow-based Ross Nicol's recent focus encompasses the retail and healthcare sectors, while Ross McKenzie provides IT and data-related advice from Aberdeen. Craig Allan and Sam Lawson are key contacts in Edinburgh.

Bringing ‘great knowledge and expertise’, Tom Thomas leads the Harper Macleod LLP team, which specialises in framework services agreements, digital infrastructure projects, and licensing software solutions. Based out of Glasgow, Thomas is an expert in high-value tech contract work and cybersecurity matters, while from Edinburgh, Scott Kerr routinely collaborates with internet-based service providers and Jamie Watt concentrates on data protection issues. In Glasgow, E-Ming Fong primarily focuses on IT disputes. Laura McCorquodale is also recommended.

Advising on the whole spectrum of information tech agreements and projects, spanning from IT outsourcing to critical system procurement, the Dentons team is both ‘diverse and adaptable’. Steph Innes leads the practice from Glasgow, primarily focusing on IT security provisions and commercial contracts, while Ian Barrie is noted for his expertise in fibre connectivity agreements. TMT specialist Michael Livingston-Rahal and Argy Kemerlis are also recommended.

Representing IT service providers, software companies, and large corporates, the ‘practical, commercially aware’ practice at Thorntons Law LLP is highly regarded for licensing software, alongside procuring IT solutions and managed services. Splitting his time between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Liam McMonagle leads the team. McMonagle standing out for delivering complex IT projects for clients, while Lesley Larg and Loretta Maxfield - both based in Dundee - focus on data protection and the online innovation sector.