With experience in cryptocurrency, data, and digital assets disputes, Shoosmiths LLP is knowledgeable of data center matters, data protection, as well as outsourcing arrangements. Prakash Kerai leads the practice and counts technology businesses, scale-ups, and start-ups on his client roster. Sam Tyfield is often engaged in cryptocurrency matters, while Steve Barnett specialises in venture capital. Hannah Field is well-versed in commercial, confidentiality, and shareholder disputes, while Liam Phillips is knowledgeable of data center matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The law firm stands out because it knows M&A law inside and out, but it also really understands the business side of things. This means they're not just good lawyers; they're also savvy about the business world, which is a big plus when you're working through complex deals. They know how to blend legal advice with smart business strategies, helping their clients not just survive but thrive in tough negotiations.'
  • 'This team really takes the time to understand what the top executives really need—even the things they might not say out loud. They're great negotiators who know when to push and when to compromise, making sure their clients come out ahead. Their knack for getting to the heart of what executives are worried about and finding solutions that work is what makes them so valuable. They're more than just lawyers; they're essential partners in business.’
  • ‘The team at this law firm really stands out because they grasp not just the legal details but the whole business picture. They're not the kind to just jump in and out of a deal; instead, they focus on building long-term relationships with their clients. This means they're committed to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that each client faces, which sets them apart from other firms that might focus solely on short-term legal victories.'
  • 'The team coped extremely well with a handling a demanding case against two sets of clients with considerably larger legal teams.'
  • 'Steve Barnett has been instrumental in several of our major negotiations, where her ability to anticipate our needs and the moves of the opposing side has proven invaluable. His foresight and strategic thinking have not only seen us through complex legal landscapes but also ensured that our business interests were protected and enhanced.'

Key clients

  • Together Money
  • Lightpoint Medical Limited
  • Clean Growth Fund
  • Dr Craig Wright
  • Tulip Trading Limited
  • Vaultex
  • Deliveroo
  • Compare The Market
  • Lifeways Group
  • PremFina
  • Close Brothers
  • Iron Mountain
  • Global Switch
  • Proximity Data Centres

Work highlights

  • Advising Vaultex on its critical outsourcing agreements with two leading UK banks.
  • Representing the defendant in a high-profile case to determine whether our client is the person behind the pseudonym “Satoshi Nakamoto”, who created Bitcoin in 2008.
  • Advised Jaguar Land Rover on its £800m global digital transformation project with Tata Consultancy Services.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Prakash Kerai

Other key lawyers

Sam Tyfield, Steve Barnett, Hannah Field, Liam Phillips