Showcasing substantial expertise on all aspects of the EU AI Act — regularly handling compliance and governance work — DLA Piper is lauded by clients for its ‘pragmatic, business-focused approach’. The firm has strong cross-sector knowledge, spanning from energy to tech, alongside displaying multi-jurisdictional capabilities. Practice head Gareth Stokes  specialises in information technology and intellectual property-driven transactions, while Phillip Kelly concentrates on government contracting and outsourcing. Ryan Harrison advises on strategic procurement contracts, and Richard Taylor mainly acts on behalf of clients in the life science sector. Both Jennifer Dale and Michael Stead are also recommended. All named lawyers are based in Birmingham.

'Responsive, transparent, and with great market knowledge', Shoosmiths LLP has a strong track record in data protection impact assessments and IT contractual work. The practice is experienced in the procurement of generative AI solutions and negotiating software licence agreements. Based in Birmingham, Joe Stephenson heads the team, focusing on complex IT transformational projects and outsourcings, while Craig Armstrong is highly experienced in contractual arrangements. Ben Gardner regularly works with clients in the manufacturing, tech, and mobility sectors, and Nichola Jenkins concentrates on the commercialisation of technology-related IP assets. Richard Blatchly and Paul Nightingale are also recommended.

Routinely advising on complex telecom regulations, communications infrastructure projects, and IT support services, Squire Patton Boggs leverages its cross-border capabilities, particularly in matters involving vehicle manufacturers and tech providers. The team fields data protection and IT outsourcing specialists, primarily concentrating on the automotive, energy, and financial services spheres. In Birmingham, practice head Simon Jones has considerable experience supporting clients on systems integration and cloud computing contracts. Samuel Tibbetts is highly knowledgeable in the retail, healthcare, and energy industries, and Richard Armitage is highlighted for his insights in IT projects and commercial contracts. All lawyers mentioned are Birmingham-based.

Regularly advising on IT services outsourcing for public sector clients, in addition to negotiating software provisions, the ‘very collaborative’ team at Bevan Brittan LLP covers both the public and private sectors, including housing associations and health bodies. The outfit is highly knowledgeable on digital infrastructure and transformation projects. Birmingham-based practice head Ash Woodcock -- 'an outstanding lawyer with profound knowledge in his area of expertise' -- is noted for his expertise in technology contracts and procurements, and a regular port of call for various public bodies and borough councils. Other key figures include Elizabeth Dunford, who specialises in data protection and information governance matters.

With a strong track record in managing major digital transformations, negotiating IT contracts, and assisting with software development matters, Browne Jacobson LLP regularly represents trusts and regulatory authorities. The firm is well equipped to review supplier agreements and creations of IP assignments, and is particularly recommended for its expertise in the health, government, and education industries. Richard Nicholas heads up the West Midlands-based offering, primarily focusing on cloud computing and digital law issues. East Midlands-based Kay Chand advises clients in the worlds of insurance and financial services.

Codified Legal has vast experience in representing IT services providers on the implementation of AI data infrastructure measures and tech-based R&D services, frequently demonstrating cross-border capabilities with North America, Asia, and Europe. The firm’s West Midlands offering is spearheaded by Birmingham-based IT specialist Stephen Ollerenshaw, and Conan Chitham, an expert technology lawyer. Barry Doherty advises on all areas of corporate law for private sector businesses, regularly acting for corporations in the AI and banking fields.

Praised for its ‘deep industry expertise and practical, business-oriented legal advice‘, Freeths LLP has extensive expertise in data protection law matters and complex IT transformations, regularly assisting multinational energy companies and tech providers. The team is experienced in advising on the implications of cybersecurity attacks and master services agreements, while the Birmingham-based lead Mark Neale concentrates on IT arrangements and generative AI matters. Nigel Gardner specialises in supply chain contract proceedings, and Frank Suttie focuses on compliance requirements. Both Hema Singhal and Shireen Eliyas are also recommended.

Demonstrating extensive expertise in supply contracts and IT systems, in addition to providing data-driven logistics solutions, Gowling WLG is highly regarded for representing government bodies and multinational corporations. The firm is experienced in data sharing agreements and cloud-based service provisions, with Birmingham-based head Jocelyn Paulley specialising in outsourcings and data protection proceedings. Patrick Arben is a commercial litigation expert, David Brennan concentrates on equity capital markets, and Helen Davenport covers software licensing issues and data privacy disputes. Matt Harris and Amber Strickland are also recommended.

Showing considerable strength in IT software licensing and SaaS arrangement issues, Mills & Reeve LLP leverages multi-jurisdictional capabilities as it supports technology organisations and multinationals. The firm fields experts in software engineering and tech law matters. Based in Birmingham, Rebecca Michael focuses on IT transactions, while David Hall is knowledgeable on information tech, computer security, and electronic data proceedings.

Noted for its experience in complex copyright infringement and unlawful conspiracy claims before the High Court, Pinsent Masons LLP regularly acts on behalf of major sports organisations and tech corporations. The firm has experience handling cloud computing contracts and SaaS licensing matters, steered by the Birmingham-based duo of Andrew Hornigold and Clare Francis. Hornigold is an M&A and financing transaction expert; Francis is highly knowledgeable on AI and tech law issues; and Cerys Wyn Davies is an IP specialist. Other key figures include Tom Nener, who concentrates on high-profile IP cases, and Leo Parkington, noted for his focus on outsourcing projects.

Headed up by Ann Critchell-Ward in Leamington Spa, Wright Hassall LLP -- especially experienced in the medical tech and publishing sectors -- is noted for its focus on complex AI clauses in consultancy agreements, in addition to a range of cybersecurity issues. Critchell-Ward is highly knowledgeable on all aspects of IP law and commercial contract matters, while Chris Gelber is an expert in regulatory and compliance proceedings.