Richard Kemp
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 2025, named in Legal 500’s Hall of Fame 2025 and has been recognised by peers in Best Lawyers since 2009.
Richard is ranked in Lexology Index 2026 as Highly Recommended for AI, a Global Elite Thought Leader in IT (one of two in the UK), and a Thought Leader in Data Protection, Data Security and Telecoms & Media.
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)
Market recognition
Industry recognition for Richard’s work in technology and data law:
Legal 500
IT & Telecoms 2026
“One of the most technically brilliant "tech lawyers" in the UK”
“Pre-eminent in this area”
“I mostly deal with Richard Kemp, Chris Kemp, Deirdre Moynihan, and Eleanor Hobson. All are extremely capable in their own fields and, collectively, provide a service that we are happy to recommend to our own clients, which is the highest praise I can give here.”
Noted for his “thoughtfulness and technical excellence”
Hall of Fame 2026
Chambers
IT & Outsourcing 2026
"Richard has been an industry leader for many years and shows no signs of this changing. He is a joy to work with and is technically formidable."
“One of the most accomplished technology lawyers working today”
“Richard is a true gentleman and someone whom I consider one of the most brilliant brains. He is considered, thoughtful, calm and highly intelligent. He provides huge value.”
“Richard is experienced and pragmatic.”
Band 1 – 2026
Best Lawyers
2026
Recognised by peers in the 2025 Information Technology edition of Best Lawyers
Recognised each year since 2009
Lexology Index
2026
“A leading light in the UK market thanks to his vast expertise and understanding of technical concepts”
Global Elite Thought Leader: Data – Information Law
Thought Leader: Data Privacy & Protection, Data Security, Telecoms Media & Entertainment
Highly Recommended: Artificial Intelligence
“An ideal lawyer due to his broad knowledge on IT and data protection law”
Lexology 100
2023
“Unanimously considered to be one of the UK’s best technology lawyers”
“One of the most accomplished technology lawyers working today”
Insights
Recent thought leadership from Richard:
