The much-vaunted deal between Japanese conglomerate Softbank and British-based AI-chip innovator Graphcore comes at a pivotal time for the tech sector. The deal, understood to be valued at more than $500m, closed last week, shortly after the installation of a new Labour Government and when no definitive answer exists as to what AI regulation might […]
Richard Susskind, one of the UK’s best-known experts on legal market technology and artificial intelligence (AI), has been appointed to a new position of special envoy for justice and AI to the secretary-general of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland KC. Susskind’s focus in this new role will be on helping the 56 Commonwealth countries use AI […]
Kirkland & Ellis is hiring a new partner from Clifford Chance, in a move that will grow its outsourcing and technology expertise in London. André Duminy joins Kirkland after nearly 25 years at Clifford Chance, where he is head of its London tech and digital group and co-head of the strategic sourcing and complex contracting […]
Four lawyers, who shifted from tech-focused Kemp Little to Deloitte Legal following the acquisition four years ago, have now reunited at Simmons & Simmons. Andrew Joint joined Simmons yesterday from Deloitte Legal, having previously been Kemp Little’s managing partner from 2017 until its acquisition. He joins fellow partner Calum Murray, who made the same move […]
BT has further shrunk its panel for the third review in a row having appointed a total of 11 firms to its roster. The panel will run for three years and includes 10 firms that have been reappointed from 2020. Those continuing their relationship with BT after the latest review are the likes of Allen […]
Fieldfisher is bolstering its German presence with a sizeable team from local firm SKW Schwartz and a handful of other hires, in an effort to expand its media, technology and IP offerings. The firm has hired eight lawyers from SKW Schwarz including partners Martin Diesbach, Elisabeth Noltenius and Julia Schafdecker, all of whom specialise in […]
Dr Martens gives Temu the boot in new IP claim AirWair, the company behind Dr Martens, is taking on budget online marketplace Temu, registered as “Whaleco”, in a new part 7 “passing off and trade marks” claim filed in the High Court’s Intellectual Property List on 9 April. AirWair is represented by Lewis Silkin in […]
Charles Russell Speechlys (CRS) has launched a new department and created 10 full-time roles as the firm ramps up its tech and innovation offering. Known as “advanced client solutions”, the department will explore, develop and utilise artificial intelligence (AI), legal tech, and alternative processes to improve the delivery of legal work in the firm. The […]
Sports Direct takes on Newcastle United in kit rights clash The Magpies are heading to the Competition Appeal Tribunal tomorrow (9 April) for one day in a claim brought by Sports Direct, as the high street sports equipment retailer challenges Newcastle United over its third-party kit sales policy. Sports Direct, represented by Travers Smith, alleges […]
Not every lawyer aspires to make partner anymore, but for Mills & Reeve senior associate Oliver King, it is “absolutely” his intention. But, like with any promotion, he must first build and plead his business case, which he believes is rooted in Leeds’ thriving tech sector. “The tech sector in Leeds has been huge for […]
Lee & Thompson’s managing partner Reno Antoniades is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. With three decades of experience as a film and TV lawyer under his belt – advising the likes of Harry Styles and the Beckhams – he’s navigated Tinseltown countless times. But his most recent jaunt to the […]
Slaughter and May has represented long-time client Vodafone on the telecommunications giant’s latest sale of its Italian business to Swisscom. The Slaughters team was steered by corporate partners Victoria MacDuff and James Cook, along with associates Serena Hopkins, Anika Sethy and Iain Meiklejohn. The firm also fielded a sizeable team of tax, commercial and employment […]