Described by one client as ‘incredibly effective’, Shoosmiths LLP‘s focus spans artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, wireless communication technology, and fintech, among other matters. The team is chaired by Joe Stephenson, who is noted for his expertise in procurement, with a particular focus on complex IT transformational projects and outsourcings. Both praised for their ’experience and knowledge‘, Alex Kirkhope and Craig Armstrong are also key names on the team for outsourcing and IT-related work.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Shoosmiths teams I have worked with are always cohesive, work well together, and ensure efficient coordination in order to get a transaction done. Shoosmiths knows our precedents very well, and keeps up to date with what is market in the UK. ’

  • ‘The Shoosmiths team we had supporting our project was scaled exactly right in terms of the experience and ability required.'

  • 'The team worked well together to ensure minimal duplication but ensure that all aspects of the deal were covered.'
  • 'They were also incredibly effective at working with us as an in-house legal team; so much so that they felt part of our team and, as time went on, we were very much advising as one. Our ability to support the business and impact the deal was so much stronger as a result of this approach.’
  • ‘There were two key individuals that provided legal support to this project - Craig Armstrong and Alex Kirkhope. Each of them clearly have relevant experience and knowledge and quickly got up to speed with our key objectives and positions. They were particularly good at returning to those objectives and positions and ensuring that they flowed through the contract. They were also very present, by which I mean they were into the detail of the drafting, able to assess the impact of one part of the contracts on another and, in negotiations, often leading the discussion. They certainly rolled their sleeves up.'

Key clients

  •  
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Volkswagen Group United Kingdom
  • Estee Lauder Companies
  • Deliveroo
  • Compare the Market
  • Close Brothers
  • Motorway
  • Octopus Ventures
  • CDW
  • Stonegate Pubs
  • Global Switch
  • Nissan
  • Mercedes Benz
  • The White Company
  • Honda
  • Travelodge
  • ABN Amro
  • Volkswagen Financial Services
  • Rothschild & Co (Five Arrows, private equity arm)
  • Business Growth Fund
  • Five Arrows Long Term Fund
  • Gresham House
  • Oxford Capital
  • Triple Point
  • Livingbridge
  • Halma

Work highlights

  • Instructed by Dr Craig Wright on three underlying intellectual property claims.
  • Advises Jaguar Land Rover on its global digital transformation project with Tata Consultancy Services.
  • Advising Five Arrows Growth Capital and TA Associates on their acquisition of a majority stake in Agilio Software Topco Limited.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Joe Stephenson

Other key lawyers

Alex Kirkhope, Craig Armstrong