Region Area

Lawyers

Chris Eastham

Chris Eastham

Fieldfisher, London

Work Department

Technology and Data

Position

Partner

Career

Chris's highest priority is enabling his clients to achieve their strategic goals. Often this includes harnessing new technology and data or delivering business or digital transformation programmes.

With over a decade of experience he is an expert in structuring and negotiating complex and strategic transactions, especially for business-critical systems and functions, and has substantial experience in technology regulation and navigating complex regulatory environments. Chris supports organisations to translate legal risk management and compliance, through commercially-minded legal solutions and governance, into positive business impact. He acts for suppliers and customers across all sectors and am particularly active in tech, telecoms, and digital content and platforms.

Chris has a real passion for working with those at the leading edge and have in-depth expertise advising on artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems; Web 3.0, blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and non-fungible tokens (NFTs); metaverse and extended reality (AR/VR/MR); digital twins and IoT; quantum and high-performance computing; and other emerging technologies. He is independently recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Global Market Leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence and lead the firm's cross-practice working group on AI and emerging technologies.

Chris's clients range from cutting-edge early-stage and growth companies, through multinational technology vendors, to global corporates with sophisticated requirements and multifaceted technology ecosystems. He regularly advises on software development (including DevOps and Agile), open source, licensing, digital content, distribution and reseller arrangements, SaaS and as-a-service delivery models, IT and business process outsourcing and procurement, data privacy, and launching digital businesses into new markets.

Chris firmly believes we have a responsibility to do the right thing, and is a proponent of environmental, social, and corporate governance. He has a real interest in clean technologies and renewable energy, and he is proud to lead the firm's pro-bono advocacy programme supporting the National Deaf Children's Society to ensure deaf young people get the support they need.

Mentions