Stephen Smith > Bristows LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Described by one client as ‘market leading’, Bristows LLP is a strong choice for an array of clients, including some of the largest phone and technology manufacturers, social media platforms, and film production companies. The firm has a strong footing in the market, advising on the full gamut of issues including competition issues, regulatory advice, compliance, data issues, and data privacy. The team is spearheaded by data protection heavyweight Mark Watts, who has a wealth of experience defending companies in regulatory enforcement actions both in respect of data breaches and data misuse cases.  Toby Crick is also a key name at the practice, advising on telecoms and technology litigation. Stephen Smith‘s broad practice encompasses transactional matters and contentious competition law. Hannah Crowther advises on data issues spanning AI, adtech, accountability, data transfers, data subjects rights and direct marketing. Anna Cook is also recommended for her disputes expertise advising on confidentiality, licensing and copyright disputes but also issues arising from commercial contracts, software and large-scale technology projects.

Renowned for its ‘unparalleled experience in handling matters at the interface with IP’, Bristows LLP advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious competition matters, with a proven track record of representing clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Practice head Sophie Lawrance is a key contact for clients in the technology and pharmaceutical industries, offering specialised guidance on competition law issues, including licensing standard essential patents. Stephen Smith maintains a busy practice, advising clients on a wide array of EU and UK competition law matters across the life sciences, financial services, retail, telecommunications, and technology sectors.

Bristows LLP‘s  work at the intersection of competition and intellectual property law has attracted many clients from the technology and life sciences sectors. The team is made up of experienced litigators who regularly tackle pure competition claims and specialist disputes. Sophie Lawrance is a recognised authority on disputes pertaining to the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, advising a number of high-profile clients in these spheres. Stephen Smith‘s broad practice encompasses the full range of transactional and contentious competition law.