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16 March 2021
Categories: Movers & Shakers , Profession
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Browne Jacobson—Sophie Ashcroft

Firm expands tech and digital transformation practice with partner appointment

National law firm Browne Jacobson has broadened its tech offering with the appointment of specialist commercial tech disputes partner Sophie Ashcroft into its London office.

Sophie’s appointment will support the further development and growth of the firm’s technology and digital transformation practice both regionally and nationally.

Sophie, who joins the firm from Clyde & Co, brings with her over ten years' experience acting on significant international and domestic disputes for a broad client base that comprises large corporates, government bodies, entrepreneurs and SMEs. She has particular expertise in handling complex disputes arising out of IT and outsourcing projects, advising clients in diverse industries who are customers for IT products and services, as well as the companies who provide technology, software and related services to those customers.

Sophie’s arrival in the London dispute resolution team bolsters the national disputes practice led by partner Jonathan Tardif. The wider team advises national and cross-border clients on alternative dispute resolution; breach of commercial contracts; breach of restrictive covenants; breach of warranties; company law disputes; freezing orders; injunctions; misrepresentation claims and shareholder disputes.

She will also work closely with partners Jon Snade and Anthony Nagle as part of the firm’s leading technology practice that boasts high profile clients in both the public and private sectors and continues to attract some of the world’s leading brands. The team advises on large scale, business critical IT projects, international patent litigation cases and complex, multi-jurisdictional data protection and privacy issues.

Commenting on her appointment, Jonathan Tardif said: ‘Sophie is an extremely talented disputes lawyer who will bring a refreshing and joined up approach to our tech focused client base. Her trusted extensive knowledge in the area of tech disputes and her ability to offer real forward thinking insight are a great fit with the firm’s strategic objectives.’

Declan Cushley, partner and head of IP and commercial group at Browne Jacobson also commented: ‘I am delighted to welcome Sophie to our team. Her wealth of expertise in complex tech disputes will be a real asset to our current offering and will allow us to further build on our credentials with our target markets. She will be a real boost for our growing practice.’

Sophie Ashcroft added: ‘I am delighted to be joining Browne Jacobson at an exciting time as it continues its growth in all areas. The firm has a stellar reputation as a national powerhouse and its work is highly regarded. I am looking forward to expanding the firm's disputes offering and using my experience to best serve our clients.’

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