Andrew Bees

Partner

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2005, Andrew started his legal career as a corporate lawyer in the City. He then spent over 13 years as a senior in-house lawyer within UK government before joining White & Black in July 2024.

Andrew’s government role covered a uniquely diverse portfolio, focusing on the UK’s security and intelligence environment. Amongst other things, he advised on:

  • the procurement, negotiation and implementation of complex and high-value IT (including cloud, ERP tools, enterprise desktop and networking infrastructure), cryptographic, engineering, telecommunications, professional services and facilities management solutions;
  • the protection and exploitation of government intellectual property rights, including through the creation of a flagship government fund for investing in and developing early-stage dual-use national security and defence technologies, through negotiating licensing, collaboration and research agreements with industry and academia, and through working with cyber security start-ups as part of government accelerator projects;
  • data protection and privacy, competition law and subsidy control/state aid; and
  • the government’s response to COVID-19 and preparations for EU exit planning.

Throughout his time in government, Andrew also advised extensively on cyber security. Amongst other things, this included:

  •  developing protocols in relation to government’s role (working alongside cyber incident responders, victim organisations and regulators) in cyber incident response;
  • the creation and operation of cyber security industry assurance schemes and government-provided cyber defence services;
  • the implementation of the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (both the duties on networks and services providers and the designation powers); and
  • the Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018 and the National Security and Investment Act 2021.