Specialising in contract risk management, CMS covers infrastructure finance, as well as commercial, competition, and regulatory IT matters. Chris Watson is vastly experienced in communications law. Ian Stevens is knowledgeable of outsourcing, as well as the procurement, exploitation, and supply of technology. Sam De Silva is proficient in cloud computing and service agreements, while Dominic Dryden excels in IT procurement. Laurence Kalman and Daniel Gallagher are well versed in intellectual property.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team acts as an extension of our in-house legal team, with excellent industry knowledge. They provide pragmatic and actionable advice, and are reliable and responsive.’
- ‘I value their in-depth knowledge of the technology industry.’
- ‘They are super responsive which is hugely appreciated and provide excellent legal advice and support.’
- ‘The practice has a depth of qualified resources who are up-to-date on current developments and able to provide timely advice in real time on critical issues.'
- ‘It's clear that the members of the team are focused on the sector full time. The firm also has associates who do secondments, so they have deep knowledge about the ways of working commercially in the sector.’
- ‘Sam De Silva has worked very hard to ensure that he and his team understand the business of our clients so that the advice they provide responds to issues.’
- ‘Ian Stevens is the standout individual in the team. It is very clear to me that he takes the time to understand the client and really works for practical solutions to move things forward.’
Key clients
- Microsoft
- OpenAI
- Digicel
- ServerFarm
- Manulife Investment Management Private Markets Holdings (US) LLC
- Ooredoo
- ING
- Lycamobile
- Frogmore
- Alfred Kärcher SE & Co KG
- CityFibre
- Copper
- New Balance Athletics, Inc
- Verv
- NayaOne
- Swich Transfer
- Combat IQ
- Luumeos
- Yondr Group Limited
Work highlights
- Advised on a $2.8bn 10-year strategic cloud and data deal between Microsoft and the London Stock Exchange Group.
- Advised Microsoft extensively on its Artificial Intelligence matters including the rollout of Copilot.
- Advised CityFibre on its commercial partnerships for full fibre digital infrastructure.
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 partners: IT
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Ian Stevens
CMSNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sam De Silva
CMSPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Chris Watson