Chris Coughlan
Chris is an experienced IT lawyer who heads up Capital’s cross departmental technology sector.
Chris brings invaluable IT experience to Capital, having previously worked on and lead a number of large complex IT transformation, infrastructure and outsourcing projects including advising Sensus (now part of the Xylem group) on all of their smart metering projects in the UK, including the Thames Water smart network in conjunction with Arqiva.
Chris has continued to advise clients on a wide variety of technology matters here at Capital, including IT outsourcing arrangements; AI platform developments; disruptive fintech and insuretech products; and innovative products in the energy management and wider green tech space. Chris leads Capital’s relationship with the Gambling Commission and is part of the senior team advising the Gambling Commission on the Fourth National Lottery Competition.
In addition to his technology work Chris also provides commercial advice to a number of the firms sports clients, including Cardiff City and all four professional Welsh rugby regions.
Chris is a committee member of the South West Group of the Society for Computers and Law (SCL) and passionate about promoting technology in the law. He is also a member of the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales Advisory Group.
Chris is also admitted as a solicitor with the Law Society of Ireland and leads Capital’s Irish desk.
Chris Coughlan is able to articulate complex legislation very simply, he can quickly and easily assess the scenarios we put to him and help us make informed decisions based on the explanations provided.
The Legal 500 2022
Chris offers great client care, as well as fast, detailed and pragmatic advice.
Chambers & Partners 2024
- Advising the Gambling Commission in relation to the Fourth National Lottery Competition including continued advice during the implementation of the Fourth National Lottery.
- Advising Veezu, the UK’s fastest growing taxi and private hire technology platform, on various commercial and data protection matters.
- Advising Cardiff City Football Club on a number of commercial matters, including negotiating Aaron Ramsey’s contract on behalf of the Club.
- Advising the Dragons, Cardiff Rugby, the Ospreys and the Scarlets on their most recent six-year funding deal with the WRU.
- Advising a brand owner on their ongoing exploitation of a number of heritage brands in both the UK and overseas.
- Advising Howard Tenens, one of UK’s largest independently owned and operated logistics companies, on a wide variety of commercial, technology and data protection matters
- Advising the BMA on a co-branding agreement with a commercial partner.
- Advising UK Anti-Doping on the data protection issues around a new commercial venture it was entering into.
- Advising the SRA on a number of commercial and data protection matters.
- Commercial law, commercial agreements
- Intellectual property
- Contract and Intellectual property disputes
- Technology
- Data protection
- Cyber security
Career
- Partner, Capital Law Limited (May 2022 – present)
- Senior Associate, Capital Law Limited (2019 – Apr 2022)
- Senior Associate, Ashfords LLP (2017 – 2019)
- Associate, Ashfords LLP (2015 – 2017)
- Solicitor, Ashfords LLP (2012 – 2015)
- Solicitor, Berry Smith LLP (2010 – 2012)
- Trainee Solicitor, Berry Smith LLP (2008 – 2010)
- Legal Assistant, Berry Smith LLP (2007 – 2008)
- Legal Assistant, Hugh James (Jul 2007 – Sept 2007)
Education
- Cardiff University: LPC (2006 – 2007)
- Cardiff University: LLM (2002 – 2003)
- University of Wales: LLB (1999 – 2002)
Memberships / Trustee Positions
- The Law Society of England and Wales
- The Law Society of Ireland
- Board Member of the South West Group of the Society for Computers and Law
- Member of the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales Advisory Group
