Addleshaw Goddard‘s IT practice is regarded as being ’very knowledgeable in the field with a vast amount of experience’ and is regularly engaged by major retailers, building societies and banks for large digital transformation projects and major re-platforming initiatives, in which practice head Michael Lowry has extensive experience. The firm was recently bolstered by the arrival of Michael Peeters in November 2023 and Richard Watkinson in February 2024, both from DAC Beachcroft LLP; the pair strengthen the firm’s IT offering to public sector clients. The firm also frequently acts in licensing disputes for software vendors, a particular area of expertise of Bill Gilliam, and handles IT procurements, outsourcings and cloud transformations – a specialism of Simon Lofthouse. Further key contacts in the team are James Mort, who was made partner in May 2023, as well as Priscilla Hetherton at legal director level; Charlotte Marshall was also promoted to the partnership in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Strong representation of client's position and interests combined with an ability to navigate complex contractual and commercial arrangements to achieve outcomes acceptable to all parties.’

  • ‘Richard Watkinson - very client focused and committed, the service which he provides is second to none. Is very focused on the details but not at the expense of maintaining commercial sense and he is pragmatic and able to reach a resolution.’

  • ‘Richard Watkinson has a wide-ranging practice. He is pro-active and hands on and has great client skill. Michael Peeters has an eminent reputation as a leading IT lawyer.’

  • ‘Simon Lofthouse and Priscilla Hetherton are a very strong combination. Have significant specific sector experience that enables them to bring clarity to the risks a contract is likely to pose and how they have dealt with similar before.’

  • ‘Highly regarded; skill set very relevant; great balance between protection and commercials; exposure to projects of different scale and complexity; knowledge of key players in the market.’

  • ‘Simon Lofthouse and Priscilla Hetherton come with great knowledge and experience (in a heavily regulated environment), and this stands out against other parties. They are professional, trustworthy, measured, collegiate, honest and genial, but also firm in ensuring the right outcomes are delivered for their client. They are a pleasure to work with and have their client's best interests at heart.’

  • ‘Very strong individuals with a down to earth approach which is appreciated by our internal technical colleagues. James Mort was excellent.’

Key clients

  • ASDA Stores Limited
  • Skipton Building Society
  • Chesnara Plc
  • Market Harborough Building Society
  • Marsden Building Society
  • RPS Group Plc
  • Melton Mowbray Building Society
  • Siemens Public Limited Company
  • Furness Building Society
  • National Gas Transmission plc

Work highlights

  • Advised Melton Mowbray Building Society on its critical digital transformation project, involving transitioning to a new cloud core banking platform and mortgage origination system.
  • Advised Asda on the transformation of its full technology stack and long-term support arrangements from TCS.
  • Advising various clients in respect of license disputes with Tier 1 vendors, supporting them in defending claims from software vendors for multi million additional license fees.

Lawyers

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Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Michael Lowry

Other key lawyers

Michael Peeters, Richard Watkinson, Bill Gilliam, Simon Lofthouse, James Mort, Priscilla Hetherton, Charlotte Marshall