Sarah is a Partner in Shoosmiths' IT & Technology team advising on all aspects of IT transactions, non-contentious IP, data laws, and commercial contracts. With a particular focus on sustainable and emerging technologies (and the convergence of the two), including AI and robotics, blockchain, the metaverse and web3, Sarah co-leads our AI Advisory practice and is passionate about partnering with clients to scale-up AI and other bleeding-edge technologies responsibly.
Sarah advises clients across a range of sectors on the sourcing, deployment and commercialisation of technologies and data as part of their digital and AI transformation strategies. She works with multinational organisations to design and implement AI governance frameworks and operationalise emerging laws and regulations. Her practice is deeply rooted in IT, focusing on the digital and sustainable transformation of sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive and Mobility; Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and Telematics; TMT; 3PL; and Energy.
Sarah has supported clients with the procurement, development and implementation of connected technology solutions, including the deployment of new business models to monetise the data generated by AI systems in IoT environments. As well as advising on the data compliance aspects of innovative technologies, she also leads strategic IP transactions focused on complex technology development and licensing, collaborations, acquisitions and divestitures. In the metaverse gaming and sports sectors, she has led matters pertaining to image rights agreements and structures, and the terms and conditions underpinning smart contracts for the primary and secondary sale of NFTs.
Sarah has worked with policymakers to help define our pro-innovation approach to AI regulation in the UK, including advising the Government on proposed amendments to IP laws in the context of text and data mining for training AI algorithms. As an Advisory Board Member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI, Sarah has also participated in regular evidence-giving sessions at the Houses of Parliament to discuss how the purposeful and responsible use of AI can drive positive change across the digital marketplace.
Sarah has led and facilitated the end-to-end delivery of net zero carbon projects (including EV charge point infrastructure rollouts) and zero waste technology solutions. She has also helped FTSE 100, Financial Services, and Technology clients to protect valuable data and IP assets, manage liability and third-party risk, and secure returns on investment when integrating robotics or AI into complex multi-vendor supply-chains, including outsourcing and managed services arrangements.
Sarah is recognised for providing tailored and pragmatic business solutions to her clients and her experience working both in-house and in private practice, as well as across different business areas and in multi-disciplinary environments, has fostered a profound appreciation for the multi-faceted risks that clients face, and an ability to quickly identify market trends and realise commercial opportunities.