Dr Sam De Silva—EU Commission Expert Group

Dr Sam De Silva, a partner specialising in IT and outsourcing at leading UK law firm Penningtons Manches LLP, has been appointed to the EU Commission's expert group on cloud computing contracts. Sam was nominated by the Law Society of England and Wales to represent the legal profession on the expert group and is the only private practice lawyer from the UK to be included on the panel.

The key objective of the expert group is to support the Commission in exploring ways to improve the legal framework for cloud computing contracts for consumers and SMEs so as to strengthen their confidence in using cloud computing services. 

The group consists of 30 individuals based throughout Europe including general counsel at cloud service providers and at businesses procuring cloud services, private practice lawyers and academics. Ten members of the group are data protection experts. 

Dr De Silva is a recognised expert in IT and outsourcing. He is the chair of the Law Society's technology and law reference group and is on the global board of trustees for the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

David Raine, chief executive of Penningtons Manches, says: "I would like to congratulate Sam on his appointment. It is a testament both to his reputation within the legal community and his wealth of experience in the IT field. He will be a tremendous asset to this prestigious panel of experts."