CMS expands technology offering with appointment of leading AI partner
CMS is pleased to announce the appointment of John Buyers as a partner in the firm's Technology, Media, IP and Competition (TMIC) practice, based in London. John joins CMS on 3 August 2026 from Osborne Clarke LLP, where he was a partner and head of the international artificial intelligence (AI) team.
John brings over thirty years of experience in information technology law advising on large-scale domestic and international technology transactions, including managed services, outsourcing, technology procurement, digitalisation, SaaS, and software integrations. His practice focuses on advising clients on digital transformation and digital regulation, with a particular emphasis on AI and machine learning.
John is one of the leading AI lawyers in the UK and internationally. He is recognised in the Legal 500 2026 Hall of Fame for Artificial Intelligence, one of only two lawyers in London to achieve this distinction. He is also recognised by Chambers and Partners as a 2026 Global Market Leader in AI.
Commenting on John's appointment, Dóra Petrányi, Global Practice Group Leader for Technology, Media, IP and Competition (TMIC) at CMS, said: “We’re delighted to welcome John to CMS. His arrival is a significant addition to our practice, bringing deep relationships with some of the world’s most innovative technology companies and a strong understanding of the complex regulatory landscape in which they operate. 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.”
John Buyers adds: “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. I look forward to working with colleagues across the firm to support clients as they respond to the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence.”
Ranked Tier 1 in Chambers & Partners Europe and the Legal 500 UK, and Tier 2 in Chambers & Partners Global, the CMS technology team supports some of the world's largest technology companies. With a 300-strong Technology, Media & Telecommunications team worldwide, CMS advises on the full spectrum of disputes, corporate, IP, commercial, data privacy and security, employment and tax.
