CMS has made a major tech hire in London, as the firm puts AI at the forefront of its growth strategy.
The international firm has hired Osborne Clarke’s head of artificial intelligence John Buyers – one of only two partners in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for AI.
Buyers brings deep expertise in the tech sector, with experience advising on transactions including outsourcing, procurement, and integration, and a particular focus on advising clients on digital transformation and regulation. He joins the firm’s technology, media, IP, and competition (TMIC) practice.
He spent more than 13 years at OC, including as head of commercial from 2014 to 2023, before which he was also a partner at Stephenson Harwood.
His hire marks the latest move in an ongoing AI and tech push from CMS, and comes after the firm recently implemented a new bonus scheme to reward staff for their use of AI.
Speaking to LB about the bonus earlier this month, CMS UK managing partner Adrian Bell said: ‘It’s more than just about adoption and counting clicks, it’s actually looking at ideas that they come up with – new income streams, new products that we can take to clients.’
Key names for AI at CMS include TMT co-heads Matthew Bennett and Anthony Waller, as well as patent attorney Rachel Free, who has expertise in AI ethics and regulation.
Commenting on the hire, Dóra Petrányi, the Budapest and London-based partner who was named head of TMIC this April, said: ‘As AI continues to reshape every sector, clients need advisers who can combine technical excellence with strategic, practical guidance. John’s calibre and reputation will further strengthen CMS’s ability to help businesses navigate the legal implications of this technology, manage risk and unlock opportunity.’
Buyers added: ‘There has never been a more exciting time to be working at the intersection of AI, law and regulation. CMS has an outstanding reputation for helping clients navigate complex, fast-moving legal and regulatory issues, and I am delighted to be joining a firm with such deep sector expertise and international reach.
