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News

Zaffrin O’Sullivan

ITN secures new GC from Virgin Media

Production company ITN has hired Zaffrin O’Sullivan as its new general counsel, as its longstanding incumbent steps down after nearly three decades. O’Sullivan will join in February from Virgin Media O2, where she currently holds the role of legal director. ITN’s current GC James Scorer is due to retire from ITN after 27 years at […]

Sumroy-Rob

Slaughters debuts new tech group for clients

Slaughter and May has appointed new co-heads for its financial institutions and technology practices amid an internal practice leadership reshuffle. Highlighting the importance of technology advice across all sectors, the firm has established a technology cross-stream practice, which will be helmed by corporate partner James Cook, competition partner Jordan Ellison and tech expert Rob Sumroy. […]

BT tower

BT sets tech challenge for firms in panel retender

Firms are pitching to retain – or win a place – on BT Group’s roster, as the telecoms giant pledges to reappoint the team that delivers the greatest technology efficiencies. The guaranteed reappointment follows BT’s last panel review in which the corporate said it would automatically rehire its most diverse legal adviser. As a result, […]

BT tower

BT names new global legal director

BT has promoted a new global legal director after Dave Hart left his role at the communications provider earlier this week. Hart said in a LinkedIn post: “After eight wonderful years at BT, I’m taking a breather for a few months. “I’ve been lucky enough to work under two amazing group GCs Dan Fitz and […]

Telecoms company Arqiva hires new GC

Another senior in-houser from aerospace giant Meggitt has taken on a new role following the acquisition of the business by Parker Hannifin last year. Arqiva, which provides infrastructure, broadcast transmission and smart meter facilities in the UK, has recruited Nicola Phillips as its chief legal officer. Phillips was previously Meggitt’s deputy general counsel for UK […]

Analysis

The future of data class actions: All eyes are on Mishcon and Quinn

This week marked a year since the Supreme Court’s decision in Lloyd v Google in which a multibillion-pound data protection claim brought against the tech giant was thrown out. The immediate aftermath saw a long pipeline of data claims dropped in a flash. But 12 months on and claimant firms are anticipating a bounce-back. Here are […]

Sky HQ

Four things the Comcast deal tells us about City M&A

Over the weekend, nearly two years of tussling for UK media giant Sky came to an end when Comcast’s £30bn bid trumped 21st Century Fox. But while magic circle firms maintain only they can act on big-ticket M&A, the variety of advisers on call was striking. Here’s what we learned.

Featured Briefings

Online Harms regulation – getting closer?

The Government’s much anticipated response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation has finally been released but those seeking clarity at this stage may be left scratching their heads. It appears to represent no more than an indication of the Government’s direction of travel under considerable media pressure to ensure that “something must be done” […]

The digital evolution of Baker Mackenzie, a Turtl case study

Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie have positioned themselves as The New Lawyers – a breed that embrace innovation to give clients confidence in these volatile and uncertain times. In this context, the firm’s marketing function has committed to evolving their digital maturity, bringing strategies and tactics in line with the firm’s brand message. This […]

Trends in the food and drink sector

By James Webb Despite 2018 being a very tough year for many in the food and drink industry, according to research compiled by Grant Thornton, M&A and private equity deal activity in the sector remained steady with a fall of just 2.8% compared to 2017. This is supported by our experience during the period where […]

Leaked nudes and talent morality clauses: A lesson for the digital age

Not every morality clause is created equal and the parties must consider what they hope to achieve when drafting the clause in order to ensure their reputation is protected. In November 2018, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed a leave to appeal application on the application of a morality clause. Certain lessons can be pulled from […]

Blockchain technology in the art market gaining popularity

By Valentina Falicheva A notable trend since Bitcoin gained its popularity has been an incredible rise in the interest in the technology behind Bitcoin known as Blockchain, which is the “thing” which allows cryptocurrencies to function. Some statistics indicate that the global blockchain market is expected to be worth $20 billion in 2024! In this article, […]

Revolutionising Africa’s healthcare system

By Robert Breedon, Tom Gray, Elwin Morgan Africa’s healthcare is in the midst of an innovation revolution that, as PwC say, “…is transforming Africa’s economic potential, creating new target markets and unprecedented consumer choice”. This innovation revolution is powered in part by traditional methods of funding human capital development in areas such as development and […]

Over half of UK SMEs still unfamiliar with GDPR

18% of businesses say fines would put them at risk of insolvency Some 55% of UK small businesses are still not familiar with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) despite its introduction being now less than a year away…

Ireland’s data protection bill: circuit court to confirm fines

…Head 80 of the General Scheme states that where a controller or processor is fined and does not appeal a decision to the Data Protection Commission, then the Commission will apply to the Circuit Court for confirmation of the fine. The Head goes on to state that the Circuit Court must then confirm the fine […]

Romania – mandatory e-mailboxes for professionals?

The Romanian Senate adopted a draft law regarding the “electronic headquarters of economic operators” (the “Draft Law “). The Draft Law regulates the mandatory use by professionals of predefined electronic mailboxes (e-mails), as identification element and means of receiving correspondence. Similar legal provisions are already in force in certain countries in the CEE/SEE region, such […]