Richard Kemp






“One of the most accomplished technology lawyers working today” (Chambers UK 2023)
“Unanimously considered to be one of the UK’s best technology lawyers” (GDR 100 2022)
“One of the top IT and data lawyers in the UK” (Who’s Who Legal Data 2022)
Richard has built an outstanding reputation for advice that combines commerciality and client service with innovative legal solutions to the business challenges of technology development, deployment and regulation.
As a tech lawyer, Richard is top ranked in Chambers UK 2023, named in Legal 500’s Hall of Fame 2023, and ranked by Who’s Who Legal 2022 as one of 25 Global Elite Thought Leaders for Information Technology.
In his career Richard has acted on many landmark projects, including:
- Acting for Apple on the establishment of ARM (1990)
- Acting on the launch of UK operations of Electronic Arts (1987) and Expedia (1998)
- Lead external European distribution counsel for Microsoft (1993-2003)
- External IP counsel to the London Stock Exchange (2003-2014)
- Acting for EE establishing the first MVNO, Virgin Mobile (2000) and on the first mobile infrastructure sharing agreement (with BT in 2001)
- Acting for Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters and Simmons and Simmons on the establishment of the Banking Legal Technology Portal (2006)
“Unrivalled in knowledge and approach” (Chambers UK 2023)
“Recommended in particular for advice on cloud-based arrangements and data protection compliance” (Chambers UK 2023)
“Has the client’s ends in mind in his delivery, which is digested, succinct and to the point” (Chambers UK 2023)
‘Uunrivalled industry experience in the technology sector, especially regarding data protection law” (Legal 500 2023)
“Simply outstanding. He knows TMT inside out and brings it to bear in order to help his clients find practical solutions to their issues. He is also a fantastic individual to work with.” (Legal 500 2021)
“A leading light in the UK market thanks to his vast expertise and understanding of technical concepts” (WWL 2023: Data – Information Technology, Telecoms & Media)
“An ideal lawyer due to his broad knowledge on IT and data protection law” (WWL 2023: Data – Data Privacy, Data Protection & Data Security)
Market Recognition
What the legal directories say about Richard:
Insight
We publish for our clients and contacts blogs, vlogs and white papers, and hold occasional events and webinars about developments in Tech Law.
Our insight is widely recognised in the market. Who’s Who Legal have named us one of their eight Tech Law thought leaders each year since 2017. Click through to our insights page or an article below.
Eleanor Hobson promoted to Senior Associate
We’re delighted to announce Eleanor Hobson’s appointment as Senior Associate at Kemp IT Law. Eleanor Hobson said: “I’m delighted to …
Marija Nonkovic joins Kemp IT Law as Associate
Kemp IT Law LLP welcomes Marija Nonkovic to the practice on 25 September 2023 as an Associate. Marija joins from …
Kemp IT Law Webinar: Legal Aspects of APIs & SDKs
Legal Aspects of APIs & SDKs: the App Economy’s Data MembranesDate and Time: 09.00 – 10.00am, Wednesday 4 October 2023 …