Known as a ‘superstar in the field’, Minesh Tanna heads the ’highly collaborative’ team at Simmons & Simmons. The practice specialises in all elements of AI regulation and governance, while also boasting a strong contentious offering covering regulatory enquiries. The practice’s client list is extensive, spanning governmental bodies to international technology companies, with Tanna regularly providing a ‘commercial and thorough’ approach when advising on the EU AI Act and the development of tools for risk assessments of AI models. Having been promoted to partner in May 2023, Sophie Sheldon brings expertise on data protection and fintech matters, and William Dunning routinely assists major corporations with global AI regulatory compliance affairs. The group also displays significant knowledge on the corporate side, supporting AI-focused businesses with cross-border M&A and contractual issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Minesh Tanna is one of the few real experts on the EU AI Act. He has the rare combination of a practical as well as theoretical understanding of AI and its risks. He is also collaborative and easy to work with.’

  • ‘Minesh Tanna leads the team and has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence related legal work. This means that the firm has been actively involved in understanding the legal issues and in building a strong profile in the practice area.’

  • ‘Minesh Tanna is highly collaborative in a team, while efficiently managing its progress. He’s willing to get personally involved in the detail, while keeping an eye on the broader strategy.'

  • ‘Simmons & Simmons have been able to combine offering a top service yet remaining competitively priced compared to US and Magic Circle rivals. They have made significant efforts to put themselves at the forefront of AI regulatory developments and such efforts are now paying off in terms of major instructions.’

  • ‘Minesh Tanna is a superstar in the field. He has quickly risen to become one of the country's go-to AI partners, combining deep regulatory understanding with a litigator's toughness and resolve.’

  • ‘The team is very bright and knowledgeable, having the latest information on AI regulatory frameworks and updates. They work with some of the key players on the market, which makes them reliable in discussing trends and practical applications of future/uncertain regulatory frameworks. They're generally personable and commercial, and some deeply understand the tech.’

  • ‘Minesh Tanna is one of the most "real" AI regulatory specialist out there, and he's extremely generous with his time and knowledge. Both on a personal and professional level, his advice and market insights are friendly, commercial, and thorough.'

  • ‘The combination of the Simmons & Simmons lawyers with the leading legal engineering unit Simmons Wavelength is a powerful proposition: it allows the firm to offer not just advice on AI but practical solutions as well.’

Work highlights

  • Advising UBS on its Responsible AI Programme to implement AI governance across the global business.

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Minesh Tanna

Other key lawyers

Sophie Sheldon, William Dunning