Ian Williamson
Ian Williamson is a Partner in our commercial and technology team, and leads the firm’s technology sector. He has more than 20 years’ experience advising on complex commercial and technology matters.
He is based in our London office and joined Birketts in 2025 from Ernst & Young, where he was a Partner in EY’s client-facing commercial and digital law team. Prior to EY, he worked in leading commercial and technology practices at top tier law firms and spent time in-house as General Counsel to an international fintech business.
Ian advises on all aspects of commercial contracting, technology agreements and data use and monetisation. He also supports clients on the legal and practical implications of artificial intelligence.
Ian works with both UK and international clients looking to do business in the UK, providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice grounded in a strong understanding of technology-driven businesses.
Recent work highlights
Numerous instructions for a FTSE 100 global consumer products business, including leading negotiations for a global outsourcing and transformation project for the client’s finance operations platform.
Acting for UK based PE house on Data Protection/ UK GDPR compliance project for 14x portfolio businesses.
Supporting Spanish headquartered technology business with its standard UK terms and conditions, including those applicable to the reselling of Microsoft licenses.
Advising international insurance company on its intragroup services agreements.
Supporting UK based data driven energy platform with various projects, including advice in relation to the applicability of DORA when supporting FS clients.
Experience & education
2016 – 2025 Ernst & Young LLP, Partner from 2022
2014 – 2016 International Fintech Business, General Counsel
2005 – 2014 Bird & Bird LLP, Senior Associate
2001 – 2005 McGrigors (now Pinsent Masons), Solicitor (qualified in 2003)
2004 BPP Law School, Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test
1996 – 2001 University of Glasgow, LL.B Hons and Dip. LP
