What people say about us

Penningtons Manches acted on several deals with a strong technology element. Commercial, IT and IP specialist Joanne Vengadesan is 'calm, authoritative and knowledgeable'.

The Legal 500 – 2013 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

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

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

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

'Their commercial awareness is excellent.'

'They are very commercially astute and have furthered our knowledge on numerous occasions.'

'We find their team to be very strong and knowledgeable in this area.'

Notable practitioners

'If we were talking about IT Top Trumps, he would be the best card to have in your pack,' says one source of Sam De Silva. He is admired for his expansive knowledge across the board, and is a noted cloud computing expert.

Joanne Vengadesan is recommended for sophisticated TMT and related IP transactions and advice on structuring commercial contracts. Sources describe her as 'very calm and authoritative.'

Chambers UK - 2016 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP provides ‘quality information in a timely manner’. The highly regarded Sam De Silva advised ADInstruments on the contractual aspects of its kuraCloud service, and Joanne Vengadesan handled Alemba’s contract negotiations with VMWare Technology Alliance Partner.

The Legal 500 - 2015 edition

Penningtons Manches LLP is strong for handling complex technology transactions, advising on hi-tech manufacturing agreements and acting for IT suppliers in support of their sales processes. One high-profile matter has seen Joanne Vengadesan assisting Bluepointlondon with its £100m ‘SmartCity’ project to upgrade the electric vehicle charging point infrastructure and install hundreds of new charging points to extend the network. Other highlights included advising Tectrade Computers on contracts with its customers and advising Tata Advanced Systems on a technology purchase agreement in relation to a high-tech manufacturing matter and licence agreements for a joint venture involving prototype technologies.

The Legal 500 - 2019 edition

Our focus on technology means a highlight is engaging with smart clients whose ideas are changing the world for the better.

James Went, Partner

The firm has an inclusive culture. The operational support teams are highly valued for making a real contribution to its success. 

Jo Hines, Internal communications manager

My work is both rewarding and challenging. I have been able to develop and advance beyond the expectations I had on joining.

Laura Naser, Partner

Clients appreciate Penningtons Manches Cooper’s excellent service, swift, comprehensive advice and clear guidance on a broad range of matters.

The Legal 500

They offer us genuine advice and come back with solutions. They have a very clear, very commercial view of the legal risk of transactions; they say what's important – what matters and what doesn't – and that marks them out.

Chambers UK – 2014 edition

They've always been effective and the quality of the people is great… I find their accessibility to be of the highest value.

Chambers UK – 2014 edition

Impressive IP practice acting for life sciences businesses, universities and their spin-offs... Recommended for litigation as well as licence and research agreements.

Strengths: 'Experienced people with great knowledge, who are commercial and understand the technology market very well and execute deals efficiently.'

'They have been responsive, helpful and a pleasure to work with.'

Notable practitioners

Chris Shelley specialises in complex licence agreements and acts for pioneers in life sciences and technology. Clients say: 'He has a brilliant grasp of commercial IP matters.' He is a leading expert on advice on spin-off formation, collaboration agreements and licensing within the sector. Sources say: ‘He is excellent – he has really sound technical skills and a very patient but persistent manner.

Chambers UK - 2017 edition

The firm has strong sector expertise in the tech and life sciences spheres.

Strengths: ‘Members of the Penningtons team have in-depth knowledge of the laws and have the ability to provide timely and well-analysed responses.’

Notable practitioners

Rachel Bradley: ‘Her clients come from the life sciences, publishing and IT sectors.’

‘Chris Shelley knows the spinout space extremely well.’

Chambers UK - 2023 edition