Building upon its established position in the technology space, Osborne Clarke LLP leverages its ‘specialist knowledge in the area of AI’ when advising global corporations, start-ups, and research groups. The practice demonstrates strong cross-border capabilities, frequently supporting clients with matters concerning AI regulation, generative AI development, and voice cloning initiatives. ’Leading expert’ John Buyers and Tamara Quinn co-head the team, with the former being an AI governance and strategy expert, whilst the latter primarily focuses on the intersection of IP, data, and AI. Katie Vickery defends companies subjected to regulatory investigations, Tom Sharpe is knowledgeable on the procurement of IT outsourcing contracts, and both Bristol-based Katherine Douse and Emily Tombs are noted for their machine learning and risk management insights.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘John Buyers and his team are distinguished from other practitioners because John deeply understand both AI technology and the risks associated with it. He has a bench of clients working with him on the most cutting-edge issues. I am comfortable referring clients to John and his team due to his deep expertise.’

  • ‘John Buyers has AI technical knowledge in addition to legal knowledge, making his advice very valuable.’

  • ‘John Buyers is a superstar in the field. He is both a thought-leader and also a top advisor in all fields of data, AI and technology more generally. He has a stellar reputation nationally and internationally.’

  • ‘John Buyers stands out as a leading expert and thought leader on responsible AI governance and deployment. He has an impressive stable of AI clients and contacts and has published extensively on AI over the past several years.'’

  • ‘John Buyers is a preeminent expert in AI in the UK. He leads the practice and represents the spectrum from huge premier international AI providers to British innovators in this space.’

  • ‘This team is credible, approachable and knowledgeable. You get the very tangible feeling that this team knows what it is talking about, and that is based on direct experience with other clients, and knowledge of this area of law.’

  • ‘The team has specialist knowledge in the area of AI, which is a sought-after skill.’

  • 'Osborne Clarke's technology and outsourcing team has long been a market leader in the field. They have successfully leveraged this position into using such expertise on AI and data matters.'

Key clients

  • Avery Dennison
  • Aviva
  • BDO LLP
  • DynamoFL
  • Grant Thornton LLP
  • KPMG LLP
  • Merlyn Mind
  • Meta
  • PwC LLP

Work highlights

  • Advising DynamoFL, a Silicon Valley start up backed by both Apple and Samsung Ventures on the launch of its privacy and IP compliant LLM (large language model) in Europe and the UK.
  • Advising Merlyn Mind, Inc. on the launch of its new product, Merlyn Origin, an AI powered EdTech tool in the UK (and ultimately the EU) which will act in effect as a classroom assistant for teachers in the UK.
  • Advised Aviva, the UK's largest consumer-focused insurance group, on its AI and IP compliance policy.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Buyers, Tamara Quinn

Other key lawyers

Katie Vickery, Tom Sharpe, Katherine Douse, Emily Tombs