In-House Counsel

Advising clients on aviation within in-house counsel roles requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, liability exposure, and operational protocols. Our in-house team supports corporate aviation departments and private jet operators with fleet acquisitions, lease agreements, airworthiness compliance, and passenger claims. We work cross-functionally to mitigate risk, manage complex contractual obligations, and ensure that corporate aviation governance supports strategic business objectives. 

• Acted as counsel for the startup of Virgin Nigeria Airways and for the airline’s first 18 months of operations.  
• Advised easyJet on a range of contractual and data protection issues, providing weekly support to the in-house legal team.   
• Secondment to British Airways Air Miles loyalty program (which later rebranded to Avios) providing cover for the Head of Legal.  

With deep sector knowledge, our banking and finance lawyers support in-house counsel on banking and finance matters, ranging from syndicated lending, structured facilities, refinancing, regulatory compliance, to financial reporting. Our team combines corporate finance and regulatory expertise to structure funding solutions, negotiate documentation, manage covenants, and safeguard against enforcement risks. We partner seamlessly with treasury, finance, credit, and compliance teams to align legal frameworks with commercial ambitions. 

• Worked closely with the board and external advisers (including auditors, accountants and external counsel) on a £28m fundraise for a multinational retail brand.   
• Advised leading international hospitality brands on the implementation of Opco Propco structures and financing arrangements both before and after signing deals.   
• Acted as Senior Legal Counsel for Barclays Bank Plc (UK).  
• Built inaugural in-house litigation and investigations teams in Asia-Pacific for both Barclays and McKinsey, and grew the team at Bank of America.

Our practical, commercial approach ensures that clients’ interests are protected in both competitive and commercial contexts when dealing with commercial contracts. Our commercial lawyers assist in-house teams with drafting, negotiating, and managing master services agreements, supply contracts, distribution deals, and framework arrangements. With clear workflows and risk registers, we build tailored contracting solutions that enhance operational clarity, reduce disputes, accelerate execution, and align with overarching commercial strategies. 

• Senior in-house roles at EMI Music, BBC Studios, Lonely Planet Publishing, and Immediate Media Publishing, covering all types of commercial in-house work from corporate transactions, contracts and brand partnerships to consumer sales compliance.  . 
• Produced template commercial agreements for operational real estate and then their negotiation, ranging from multi-million-dollar facilities management agreements, supply of goods/services agreements, to local photography agreements.   
• Responsible for international commercial property, corporate and commercial legal matters for leading international hospitality brands and an international retailer (such as leased, franchised and managed hotel development, commercial agreements and corporate matters) throughout EMEAA.   
• Head of Commercial Law at Ocado Group plc, as a member of the Legal, Governance and IP leadership team and responsible for managing the commercial legal function in the UK covering retail, IT, supply chain, business planning and logistics.   
• General Counsel at Jones Food Company Limited, advising on a broad range of commercial, contractual and regulatory matters, including supply agreements, intellectual property and technology issues, corporate engagements and collaborations with retailers and universities.   
• Corporate Counsel, ANZ, at Cadbury Schweppes, Melbourne, Australia, overseeing a wide range of regional Asia-Pacific matters and advising on corporate, commercial, procurement, IT and compliance issues.  
• Internal and external legal resource design, managing delivery of legal services.   
• Advised on international expansion including licensing, franchising, and distribution.   
• Reviewed and updated standard terms used by the BBC’s global arm for the placement of digital, TV and multi-platform advertising transactions.

Our leading compliance and risk lawyers advise on compliance and risk management frameworks, guiding in-house counsel through evolving legal landscapes, from anti-bribery and AML to financial crime and ethical conduct. We develop proactive policies, risk training programmes, internal investigations and escalation protocols. Working across business units, we embed practical compliance solutions that balance regulatory obligations with commercial agility, strengthening corporate culture and safeguarding long-term reputation. 

• Part of senior leadership teams, building trust with business partners to ensure organisations comply with their legal obligations and are aware of legal risks; developing proactive and innovative approaches to problem solving to help drive growth and achieve wider strategic objectives; implementing new efficient processes and streamlining current processes to be more efficient; mitigating commercial, legal and reputational risk throughout EMEAA.   
• Developed and hosted a monthly legal and compliance training program for the EMEA commercial legal team of an international technology business.   
• Acted as legal counsel for CLOWD9 on its commercial contracts, legal strategy, risk and regulatory compliance.  
• Acted as legal counsel for Venari Security in relation to legal strategy and risk issues arising after the acquisition of its encrypted communications technology platform.   
• Corporate Counsel, ANZ – Cadbury Schweppes, Melbourne, Australia, overseeing a wide range of regional Asia-Pacific matters and advising on corporate, commercial, procurement, IT and compliance issues.   

Our corporate governance specialists provide end-to-end support on corporate governance, advising in-house teams on board effectiveness, director duties, shareholder rights, constitution reviews, and AGM/EGM processes. With a calm, commercial approach, we help design governance frameworks that balance compliance, accountability, and strategic decision-making. Our guidance ensures structures reflect best practice, support investor confidence and align with growth ambitions across private, public and controlled enterprises. 

• Acted as legal counsel for The Gentlemen Baristas on corporate governance issues relating to an investor director.   
• Acted as pro bono legal counsel for The Queen’s Club in relation to its club rules and constitution.   
• Advised the company board (as a third party) in lieu of their conflicted General Counsel in breach of directors’ duties and wrongful dismissal proceedings.   
• Working with boards and leadership teams on strategic projects, governance and stakeholder management.   
• Acted as legal counsel for RailcarCo. Corporation in relation to its constitutional documents and succession planning.   
• Worked in-house at Disney as Director of Business and Legal Affairs.  

Our data protection experts regularly advise on data protection, translating UK GDPR into tailored in-house policies, data mapping exercises, cross-border data flows, and processor agreements. We manage breach response scenarios and the implementation of data protection impact assessments. With a calm, commercial approach, we help embed data protection by design across marketing, HR, IT and operational teams, protecting reputation and building trust in digital transformation. 

• Acted in the roll-out of GDPR protocols and contract amendments to clients and group companies.   
• Created and trained the sales team of an international SaaS business on “Legal Rules of Engagement with Partners and Customers” to raise internal compliance standards.   
• Managed data audits and ongoing data compliance programmes for large consumer-facing publishing companies (Lonely Planet Publishing and Immediate Media Publishing).  

Our dispute resolution lawyers work swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve disputes efficiently. We guide in-house counsel through commercial litigation, arbitration, regulatory investigations, and contractual disputes. Whether leading settlement negotiations or managing external counsel strategies, we provide pragmatic advice aligned with broader business objectives. Our approach prioritises cost control, resource allocation, and reputational protection across all dispute lifecycles. 

• Advised on disputes with County Councils regarding environmental waste management plans and collections.   
• Advised on construction and property disputes in relation to PFI healthcare projects and latent defects in hospital estates.   
• Advised on Consumer Credit Act claims from cardholders for breach of contract.   
• Advised on strategy, negotiating commercial settlements, managing external counsel, and advice on exiting from pre-existing relationships.   
• Advised Barclays and McKinsey on the creation and establishment of proper escalation and reporting processes for litigation and investigations matters.   
• Built inaugural in-house litigation and investigations teams in Asia-Pacific for both Barclays and McKinsey, and grew the team at Bank of America.  
• Worked with senior leadership teams to assess and advise on legal and commercial options to settle disputes between hotel owners and international brands for pipeline and trading hotels throughout EMEAA.   
• Advised on claims (including human rights claims) by prisoners against the Home Office and Prison Service stemming from detention or transport of prisoners.   
• Advised on litigation matters for a Guernsey-based wealth management firm.  

Our specialist lawyers combine sectorspecific insight with commercial legal expertise, enabling inhouse teams in the hotels, hospitality and leisure sector to thrive operationally and reputationally. We advise on everything from property acquisitions, franchise and management agreements, licensing, HR, ESG and data protection, to dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. With seamless crossdepartment collaboration, we provide inhouse lawyers rapid, strategic support that safeguards guest experiences, investor value and regulatory standing. 

• Worked in-house at Disney as Director of Business and Legal Affairs.  
• Responsible for international commercial property, corporate and commercial legal matters for leading international hospitality brands and an international retailer (such as leased, franchised and managed hotel development, commercial agreements and corporate matters) throughout EMEAA.   
• Worked with senior leadership teams to assess and advise on legal and commercial options to settle disputes between hotel owners and international brands for pipeline and trading hotels throughout EMEAA on a vast array of issues such as non-payment of fees, alleged owner interference with operations, alleged mis-management, owner insolvencies, misuse of trademarks, alleged breaches of brand standards, alleged breaches of hotel franchise and management agreements, requests to flip to franchise, breaches of confidentiality and tortious interference.   
• Advised on the sale of large portfolios, framework agreements and joint ventures in multiple jurisdictions for leading international hospitality brands.  

Our lawyers provide strategic advice on setting up and managing high-net-worth family governance structures, trusts, wealth transfers, investment oversight, and succession planning. We collaborate with fiduciaries, financial advisors, tax and private client teams to optimise asset protection and legacy preservation. Our bespoke approach and deep sector understanding ensures that family office counsel are equipped to serve UHNW and HNW clients with precision and discretion. 

• Advised on the potential implications of sanctions as well as providing assistance to or the management of family offices of UHNW individuals.   
• Acted as in-house advisor to the private business controlled by an ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) in relation to multiple claims arising from the 2008 financial crisis and misfeasance in an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.  
• Acting for a family office raising a defence in contract of ‘illegality’ relating to a £3m loan contract, resulting in a settlement.   
• Acted for a family office successfully defending a £30m breach of contract claim. 

Our commercially minded approach combines sector-specific insight with media rights expertise, enabling our media lawyers to support in-house teams in managing content production, distribution deals, talent licensing, and digital IP exploitation. We counsel on defamation, privacy, advertising standards, sponsorship agreements and platform regulation. Whether broadcast, streaming, social or publishing, we help safeguard brand reputation and maximise commercial value in a fast-paced rights market. 

• Seconded in-house to Film4 to advise on all aspects of the development and production of two Oscar-winning feature films.   
• International expansion – licensing, franchising, distribution, and equity-owned.   
• Reviewed and updated standard terms used by the BBC’s commercial subsidiary for the placement of digital, TV and multi-platform advertising transactions   
• Senior, deep in-house experience across global music, television and publishing companies (EMI Music, BBC Studios, Lonely Planet Publishing and Immediate Media Publishing) covering content creation and exploitation, IT and data, physical and digital publishing, ad tech and programmatic, digital marketing,  company acquisitions, consumer sales and subscription channels.   

Our mergers and acquisitions lawyers deliver industry-specific guidance that supports smooth transactions and reduces the risk of integration failure. We advise in-house M&A counsel on diligence, acquisition structuring, warranties, post-signing integration, carve-outs, and regulatory approval. With technical corporate expertise and deep sector insight, we ensure deals are structured efficiently, aligned to strategy, and positioned for longterm value realisation. 

• Acted as legal counsel for International Port Capital Management in relation to a successful exit from its investment in a Scottish mobile crane business.   
• Acted in the acquisitions and integrations of businesses.   
• Acted as an in-house lawyer for an international events company on multiple successful acquisitions.   
• Advised on the sale of large portfolios, framework agreements and joint ventures in multiple jurisdictions for leading international hospitality brands.  

Working closely with clients, we ensure that real estate transactions are aligned with business strategy and commercial use. Our commercial property lawyers advise in-house counsel on property acquisitions, disposals, development projects, leases, financings, and planning issues. We tackle due diligence, title risk, environmental concerns, and lease restructures, delivering pragmatic, sector-specific guidance that underpins operational goals and asset performance. 

• Advising on real estate portfolios, managing complex development projects and appointing specialist counsel.   
• Responsible for international commercial property, corporate and commercial legal matters for leading international hospitality brands and an international retailer (such as leased, franchised and managed hotel development, commercial agreements and corporate matters) throughout EMEAA.   
• Produced template commercial agreements for operational real estate and then their negotiation, ranging from multi-million-dollar facilities management agreements, supply of goods/services agreements, to local photography agreements.   

We have proven expertise in advising on reputation management, offering commercially focused solutions tailored to corporate communications and in-house counsel. From crisis readiness playbooks and media law risks to defamation, social media incidents and stakeholder communications, our team provides strategic counsel. We work alongside PR, compliance and board teams to protect brand integrity and maintain stakeholder confidence under pressure. 

• Acted for a number of high-profile reality TV stars in relation to potentially damaging allegations that could threaten their public image.  
• Acted for and advised a film production company in relation to claim against (i) its accountants and auditors, as a result of negligence and breach of professional duties in relation to audit, accountancy work and obtaining finance, and (ii) a company instructed to advise on and procure the requisite funds to complete the film.  

Our sports lawyers combine corporate expertise with deep industry knowledge to ensure that transactions are structured efficiently, risks are mitigated, and regulatory requirements are met. We advise in-house counsel on sponsorships, athlete and club agreements, broadcasting rights, league governance, event contracting, imaging and anti-doping compliance. Our practical insight helps navigate the unique commercial and regulatory landscape of sport. 

• Provided quasi in-house legal function for an international motorsport team including advising on all legal issues including driver and test contracts, engine and chassis supply agreements, title and second-tier sponsorship, general brand management, insurance, corporate governance and employment-related matters. Also advised in relation to (and negotiated) the non-exclusive right to use a driver’s image in the team’s promotional and merchandising material.   
• Negotiated licensing deals with sports rights holders for the supply of key Euros and Olympics content as secondee to an online video platform.   
• Provided an all-encompassing in-house legal service to the Young Racing Driver Academy.   
• Fulfilled an in-house legal role for international sports management consultancy The Business of Sport Limited.

Our commercially focused advice guides clients through strategic planning, including market expansion, joint ventures, exit options, and organisational structure. We support in-house counsel with scenario analysis, governance alignment, stakeholder engagement, and risk mitigation. By marrying legal foresight with business acumen, we enable strategic initiatives to proceed confidently and with robust legal foundations. 

• Acted as legal counsel for CLOWD9 on its commercial contracts, legal strategy, risk and regulatory compliance.  
• Worked with boards and leadership teams on strategic projects, governance and stakeholder management.   
• Acted as legal counsel for Venari Security in relation to legal strategy and risk issues arising after the acquisition of its encrypted communications technology platform.   
• General Counsel support – supporting boards and leadership teams in delivery of a business’ strategic goals.  
• Part of senior leadership teams, building trust with business partners to ensure organisations comply with their legal obligations and are aware of legal risks; developing proactive and innovative approaches to problem solving to help drive growth and achieve wider strategic objectives; implementing new efficient processes and streamlining current processes to be more efficient; mitigating commercial, legal and reputational risk throughout EMEAA.   
• Built long-term strategic brand partnerships between complimentary businesses to increase consumer reach and profits (BBC Studios; Lonely Planet Publishing, and Immediate Media London).

Our technology lawyers have expert knowledge on technology matters, advising in-house counsel on licensing, SaaS, outsourcing, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and data transactions. We manage supplier negotiations, SLAs, IP ownership, compliance, and change control. With a commercial and pragmatic lens, we help clients harness new technologies effectively, ensuring that innovation is supported by strong contracts, robust governance, and clear risk allocation. 

• Acted as Director Legal EMEA for seven years at Oracle Corporation.  
• Acted as legal counsel for Venari Security in relation to legal strategy and risk issues arising after the acquisition of its encrypted communications technology platform.   
• Developed and hosted a monthly legal and compliance training program for the EMEA commercial legal team of an international technology business.   
• Closed Motorola’s first $1 billion+ contract in Europe.  
• In-house solicitor at Virgin Media.  
• Responsible for legal, compliance and risk management for Microsoft’s consumer-facing businesses across Europe.   
• Created and trained the sales team of an international SaaS business on “Legal Rules of Engagement with Partners and Customers” to raise internal compliance standards.   
• Advised on entire website rebuilds and relaunches for global brands (BBC; Lonely Planet)   
• Acted as Head of Legal in charge of technology for a leading UK publishing company (Immediate Media London).    
• Head of Legal for the BBC’s commercial global digital publishing business covering apps, social media, digital magazine publishing, gaming and websites.   
• Led legal, compliance and risk management for Microsoft’s consumer-facing businesses across Europe.  
• Corporate Counsel, ANZ – Cadbury Schweppes, Melbourne, Australia, overseeing a wide range of regional Asia-Pacific matters and advising on corporate, commercial, procurement, IT and compliance issues.