Wragge & Co boosts IT practice with director appointment

Wragge & Co LLP has boosted its national information technology practice with the appointment of Mark Henley as a director. An expert in the use of free and open source software, Mark brings specialist experience to enhance the firm's full-service IT capability.

Information technology partner Peter Hall said: "Mark is one of the UK's leading authorities on the use of free and open source software. In addition to a unique blend of skills, he has a strong track record in advising central government clients on major IT projects and procurements. He'll play an important role in further developing the firm's IT practice."

Mark joins from specialist City firm Kemp Little LLP, where he was a technology lawyer. Previous experience includes advising private and public sector clients on the deployment of open source software in embedded systems and IT outsourcing. Mark has particular expertise in public procurement law and offshore outsourcing. He regularly lectures on free and open source software to organisations including the British Computer Society, the Federation Against Software Theft and the Society for Computers & Law.

Mark said: "Wragge & Co has established a strong IT practice, backed up by a wealth of experience, a first-class reputation and the strength and depth of a full-service law firm. It provides the ideal avenue for me to further develop my expertise."

Wragge & Co's Information Technology team is a 'standout practice' according to Chambers UK. Led by seven partners, it boasts more than 80 years of combined experience advising both suppliers and users of technology. With technical skills and strong sector focus, its lawyers advise financial services, pharmaceutical, local and central government, retail and aviation clients on complex IT and business process outsourcing.

Notable deals include advising Japanese client Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. on a pan-European five-year outsourcing agreement with Fujitsu Services and advising Solihull Metropolitan Council on its £6.4 million ICT contract as part of the Government's £2.2 billion 'Building Schools for the Future' programme.