Stage environment
Strengths: ‘Penningtons Manches Cooper have a good understanding of IT business practices.’
‘Their lawyers provided practical and pragmatic advice in relation to all matters. Penningtons Manches Cooper produce fantastic work. They are collaborative and always professional.’
Notable practitioners
‘Joanne Vengadesan is a wonderful lawyer and a great partner for our business.’
Chambers UK - 2023 edition
‘Business-driven and pragmatic‘, Joanne Vengadesan, an expert in contracts and data protection, leads Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s non-contentious IT practice which has a strong fintech offering, an international scope, and advises on cutting-edge matters, including AI and blockchain. Partner, Oliver Kidd is another specialist for contractual matters and data protection and in a recent highlight led the team in advising cryptocurrency-exchange platform Coinpass on agreements and FCA compliance.
‘Responsive, diverse, and wide expertise.’
The Legal 500 - 2023 edition
Strong team well versed in both contentious and non-contentious IT work, standing out in particular for complex and high-value transactions. Acts for an impressive range of national and international clients. Noted for expertise on hi-tech manufacturing agreements.
Notable practitioners
Joanne Vengadesan: ‘Joanne is a very strong and well-respected lawyer.’
Chambers UK - 2022 edition
When it comes to tech issues, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a leading firm across the South East. Its practice spans numerous office locations and is therefore able to advise on a broad range of issues including software supply agreements, AI projects and data protection. Joanne Vengadesan leads the team from Reading, which also includes senior associate Oliver Kidd, who has developed the firm's relationship with tech companies on the Surrey market from the Guildford office.
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
Strengths: 'Smart people with broad international experience,' a client reports.
Notable practitioners
Joanne Vengadesan advises tech companies and corporate customers on development and licence agreements of all kinds, often concerning products at the very frontiers of computer science and machine learning. 'Joanne is smart and always responsive, so teaming up with her is always a pleasant experience.'
Chambers UK - 2021 edition
Data protection specialist Joanne Vengadesan, who leads the IT & telecoms team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, is also co-chair of the data protection committee at international tech law association iTech Law. The wider practice's expertise includes structuring and negotiating transactions, data protection for new technologies, international manufacturing agreements, blockchain and artificial intelligence projects. Oliver Kidd is a specialist in IT, technology and outsourcing while Dan Lovett is renowned for his work in complex data protection matters.
Joanne Vengadesan is smart, focused, with a wide international background that allows her to liaise and connect easily with clients and peers.
The Legal 500 - 2021 edition
Data protection and IT transactions specialist Joanne Vengadesan heads the team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, which is known for its work with the firm's corporate team on technology transactions in combination with its abilities on IT contracts and its cross-border capabilities. The highly regarded Vengadesan has a 'solid background in technology matters'.
The Legal 500 - 2020 edition
Forensic Archive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Home Office, manages a number of intellectual property portfolios relating to forensic science services on behalf of the UK Government. Penningtons Manches advises us on IP and commercial matters, and in particular we have worked with Hamish Corner for many years. Their team understands the environment in which we operate - they are knowledgeable in this area of law, and pragmatic and business-oriented in their approach.
Alison Fendle, Executive director, Forensic Archive
With the successful launch of our ECLIPSE software suite, it was important to feel confident that we had a professional software licence agreement which was clear to the customer and minimised the exposure to Sapienza. Penningtons Manches made the process straightforward, giving pro-active advice in order to achieve the best approach for our business model.
Mike Bearman, Managing director, Sapienza Consulting
Sam De Silva is a hands-on lawyer who provides commercially focused advice on complex transactions. He meets his commitments to deliver on time and is a great communicator.
Raquel McGrath, Head of legal at DX Network Services
The Penningtons Manches team has supported us for several years, drafting our template contracts for the supply of IT services (development, support, hosting) as well as helping us to review customer terms. We have always found them to be highly professional, reliable and thorough. Communication is easy and efficient and they respond quickly with clear advice.
Paul Spearman, Director, 3chillies
I have secured the expert services of Sam De Silva in the drafting of technology procurement contracts on more than one occasion. Sam has always offered sound and timely expert advice and uses a friendly and clear style in his delivery. Sam is able to offer a rare combination of procurement and legal expertise. I would not hesitate to recommend his work.
Ginny Warr, Head of procurement, Sovereign Housing Association
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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.
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