Clifford Chance
James McPhillips advises clients in a variety of industries on complex technology and commercial transactions, with a particular focus on strategic digital transformation projects and cloud services transactions. James’ most recent experience includes counselling clients on the legal implications of developing, purchasing, deploying, and using generative artificial intelligence systems and tools.
James is consistently recognized by Chambers USA in the area of Technology & Outsourcing with a specific focus on cloud computing and artificial intelligence. He also has extensive experience advising clients on strategic information technology outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO) transactions; software-as-a-service (SaaS) agreements; core systems implementations; software licensing and development arrangements; and other related corporate and commercial transactions.
- Advised multiple financial services companies in the strategic procurement and deployment of cloud-based generative artificial intelligence systems and tools from several of the world’s leading generative artificial intelligence technology companies.
- Advised global systemically important financial institutions and other large financial services firms on cloud-based strategies, including negotiating high-profile transactions with the world’s largest cloud-service providers.
- Led the multi-disciplinary legal and consulting team that advised an American multinational financial services corporation in building the next generation of cloud-enabled infrastructure for the world’s capital markets. This transaction was shortlisted by the Financial Times in the “Innovation in Market Firsts” category at the 2022 FT Innovative Lawyers North America awards.
- Advised a global automotive manufacturer on a unique and strategic partnership with a leading technology solutions provider to reinvent the company’s connected-vehicle experience. The transaction included the negotiation of complex licensing, regulatory, data privacy and all other commercial aspects of the companies’ innovative partnership.
* Experience prior to joining Clifford Chance.
News and client work
Contact details
- Clifford Chance, Washington D.C.
- +12029125010
- Email me
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Practice area TechDigital
Career and qualifications
- Harvard College (AB, cum laude) 2004
- University of Georgia School of Law (JD, cum laude) 2009
- Admitted as Attorney-at-Law in District of Columbia (2010), New York (2022), Virginia (2009)
- Joined Clifford Chance as Partner 2023
Awards and citations
- Recognized by Chambers USA in Technology & Outsourcing (2017-2023)
- Named a “Next Generation Lawyer” for Outsourcing
The Legal 500 U.S. (2018-2019)