Quantum Group

An experienced Technology lawyer who has particular and deep experience in newer technologies including quantum technologies, the Cloud, AI and IOT.  He supports clients from all sizes and sectors on their technology related matters – and leads the Simmons & Simmons Quantum Group. He is also a founding member and leader of the Quantum Group for the Society of Computers & Law.

His quantum experience includes advising quantum computing and quantum error correction businesses on their contracting, licensing and regulatory issues.

He has been Editor of the ‘Computer Contracts’ chapter of Sweet & Maxwell’s “Practical Commercial Precedents” and Sweet & Maxwell’s “IT Encyclopaedia of Information Technology Law” and is a contributory author to “Electronic Government: Law and Practice”.

Andrew is ranked and named as a ‘Leading Individual’ for Technology Law in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

Rachael Gibbons is an Associate General Counsel at Meta, where she leads the international cybersecurity legal team. Rachael specialises in navigating the complex regulatory landscape that surrounds global cyber threats, incident response, and data protection. She is a trusted adviser on emerging technologies and their implications for security, risk, and compliance. Rachael is passionate about ensuring that legal and policy strategy evolves effectively alongside the tools and threats shaping the digital world.

Andrew is a Senior Associate in Bristows’ IT & Digital Projects team and has over a decade’s experience advising on commercial and technology matters, including IT, IP, data and AI law. He provides strategic guidance and leads major projects, regularly advising clients on the legal and commercial challenges in an international context, including across outsourcing arrangements, digital transformation initiatives, technology transfer agreements and matters involving emerging technologies.

Drawing on his scientific background, Andrew is well placed to support matters requiring a technical understanding and help clients navigate complex IP, data and regulatory issues while enabling innovation. He is an expert to the OECD Expert Group on AI, Data and Privacy and frequently speaks on technology, licensing, IP and digital transformation matters.

Rebecca is a barrister at 4 Pump Court specialising in technology disputes. She is ranked as a Leading Junior by Chambers & Partners in IT and by Legal 500 in IT & Telecoms and Crypto & Blockchain Assets. Called to the Bars of England & Wales and Ireland, she has acted in disputes involving project failures, artificial intelligence, cyber-attacks, cryptoassets and quantum computers. Before joining 4 Pump Court, Rebecca worked at Dropbox’s European Headquarters.

Rebecca is co-author of A Practical Guide to Quantum Computing and the Law and contributes to The Law of Artificial Intelligence and the AI chapter of the Encyclopaedia of IT Law. She is Co-Chair of SCL’s Women in Technology group, an editorial member of the Tech Disputes Network, a TECBAR committee member, an appointed member of the ICO’s Technology Advisory Panel, and listed in the Blockchain Lawyers’ Forum Arbitrator List.

Ryan is the principal attorney of Long & Associates PLLC, a Charleston, South Carolina, based boutique intellectual property law practice. Since 2006, he has navigated pioneering clients, including an ex-Google researcher, through tricky intellectual property related legal issues. They include open-source license compliance and alleged encryption violations. As a non-residential fellow of Stanford Law School’s Center for Internet and Society, he has written for, or has been interviewed by, the likes of The National CIO Review about emerging technology legalities like deep fakes. His e-mail is: rlong@landapllc.com.

Sonia Luthra is a Managing Director at Société Générale in London, where she is Head of Legal – Commercial, Technology and Data and UK Data Protection Officer. A solicitor with 25 years’ experience advising on technology, intellectual property and data protection, with a strong strategic focus on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

She holds dual degrees in English Law and French Law, a Master’s in International Business Law, and is PC.dp, IAPP CIPP/E and AIGP certified. Before joining Société Générale, Sonia spent a decade in private practice with secondments to British Airways, RBS, Worldpay and UGGC Avocats in Paris. She is also a Director on the Board of the London Women’s Forum, championing senior female leadership in financial services.

Sue is an Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Exeter and an education consultant.  She teaches, advises and researches in lawtech, AI and civil justice.  Sue is co-Chair of the Futures Group for the Civil Justice Council which makes recommendations on the future of civil justice in England and Wales. She has written extensively on online dispute resolution and the digital court.  Sue sits on the Learning and Development Group for the Law Society of England and Wales focusing on CPD and online learning.  She has given keynote talks on AI and the future of work and run workshops for legal professionals.  She works with Tech for Good SW in Exeter and champions rural and access to justice through innovation and the use of technology.

Laura is a barrister at 4 Pump Court and specialises in technology and IP disputes. She is regularly instructed in a wide range of technology-related disputes involving computer systems, internet services and software across a variety of industry sectors. Laura’s academic background encompasses both law and technology; in 2022, Laura completed an MSc in Computing Science at Imperial College London. She is ranked as a “Leading junior” in IT and Telecoms in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. She, along with Rebecca Keating, is co-author of “A Practical Guide to Quantum Computing and the Law”.

Oliver Yaros is a partner in the London office of Mayer Brown and Head of the UK Intellectual Property & IT Group. He advises clients on technology and outsourcing transactions, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, fintech, and digital transformation projects, as well as data protection, cybersecurity, and intellectual property matters. He also co-leads the firm’s Cyber Incident Response team.

Oliver has extensive experience advising on complex, cross-border technology and commercial matters and is a recognised practitioner in the fields of technology, data and cybersecurity. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E), a member of the Data Committee of the City of London Solicitors’ Company and previously chaired the Digital Economy Committee of the UK International Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active supporter of mentoring and educational initiatives within the legal and technology sectors.