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# My Inhouse Lawyer: Lawyers you love

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## Posts
- [The contracts you don’t have are probably your biggest legal risk](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/the-contracts-you-dont-have-are-probably-your-biggest-legal-risk-lawskool/): Often SMEs don’t run into trouble because of a bad contract. They run into trouble because there was no contract at all - or one that existed in name only.
- [Dealing with Regulators?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/dealing-with-regulators-lawskool/): Regulators are generally more concerned with whether a business appears organised, cooperative and in control than whether it replies within hours.
- [Does your contract say what you think it does?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/does-your-contract-say-what-you-think-it-does-lawskool/): SMEs cannot normally have every contract reviewed by a lawyer so inevitably the CFO or  another stakeholder will do a common sense review. Price, payment terms, liability caps and termination rights are typically the main focus and are a great starting point.
- [Data Protection Complaints: Is Your Business Ready?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/data-protection-complaints-lawskool/): The Data Protection Act 2018 (“DPA”) is a cornerstone legislation which, together with the UK GDPR, provides the foundation of the UK’s legal framework for data protection.
- [Governing Law & why it matters](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/governing-law-why-it-matters-lawskool/): You will often find a governing law clause lurking towards the end of a contract – and it is generally something that is best discussed with your lawyer. However, it can help to have an idea as to the reasons why the clause is so important, and whether it matters what law applies.
- [The Employment Rights Act 2025](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/all-change-please-the-employment-rights-act-2025-lawskool/): The Employment Rights Act 2025 (‘ERA’) is one of the most significant changes ever to employment law.
- [What is a legal person?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/what-is-a-legal-person-lawskool/): Ever wondered why we lawyers are at pains to clarify who exactly the other party is that we're dealing with? Well, apart from being pernickety (a trait that tends to go with the territory, to be fair), here’s the thing: doing business safely and effectively includes knowing which legal person you are dealing with.
- [Starting a business with family or friends?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/starting-a-business-with-family-or-friends-lawskool/): You and your best friend have come up with a brilliant plan and have taken steps to turn that idea into a successful business. Friends forever?
- [Non-Solicitation, but not as you know it](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/non-solicitation-but-not-as-you-know-it-lawskool/): Restrictive covenants are most commonly associated with employment contracts, but non-solicitation clauses can play an equally important role in customer and supplier agreements. They are increasingly used to protect commercial relationships, particularly where one party has invested time, capital, or reputation in building customers or supply chains.
- [Director ID](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/director-id-lawskool/): Concern that a lack of transparency in company information has been enabling fraud, corruption or other crime has led to new legislation requiring identity verification. From now on, Companies House will make sure that the people setting up, running and controlling companies are who they say they are. From 18 November 2025, identity verification with Companies House shifted from “nice to do” to a “must do” for most company office‑holders.
- [When to use AI & when to call your lawyer](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/when-to-use-ai-when-to-call-your-lawyer-lawskool/): Peter Drucker
- [Different ways of raising equity funds](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/different-ways-of-raising-equity-funds/): For SME’s that are thinking about raising equity funds, one of the first things to consider is the type of equity instrument to be offered to new investors. (For fund raising through debt, please see this note written by Stephanie).
- [Top tips on pre-contract agreements](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/top-tips-on-pre-contract-agreements-lawskool/): However, it would be worth heeding some lessons from the classic fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, because there are dangers in not taking the time to properly draft these types of pre-contract agreements. If not handled correctly, you might face unintended obligations or reduced commercial flexibility, which may prevent you from getting to the finishing line after all. Here are some top tips of how to win like the tortoise by being slow and steady:
- [Payment issues in commercial contracts](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/payment-issues-in-commercial-contracts-lawskool/): For SMEs, cash flow is the lifeblood of the business. Unlike larger corporates, SMEs often lack access to cheap credit or large reserves. They rely on customers paying invoices promptly to cover wages, overheads, and reinvestment. Nowhere is this more acute than in the hospitality sector, where margins are tight, overheads are high, and many businesses trade hand-to-mouth.
- [Unquantifiable risks in Construction](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/unquantifiable-risks-in-construction-lawskool/): In construction, collaboration should drive success - but heavily amended contracts are doing the opposite. They keep pushing risk down the supply chain, leaving SMEs exposed to costs, shrinking margins, and even insurance gaps for risks they were never meant to carry. Many of these risks can’t be priced or planned for - they’re simply unknowns. This note explores 5 of those challenges and why it’s time for the industry to move from risk transfer to real risk management.
- [The new ‘Failure to Prevent Fraud’ offence – Should you be concerned?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/the-new-failure-to-prevent-fraud-offence-lawskool/): On 1 September 2025, the UK’s new “Failure to Prevent Fraud” offence came into force under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA).
- [When private messages come back to bite you](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/hot-topics/when-private-messages-come-back-to-bite-you-lawskool/): As a founder, your private messages aren’t just chatter, they’re part of your company’s records. Even if, like Mr. Crombie, you ultimately win in court, the process of being sued, and having your private messages scrutinised in open court is stressful, costly and distracting. So, keep it clean. Imagine every email could be read or by a potential investor or buyers, or in a courtroom. That simple discipline might save you both money and hassle down the line.
- [Loan Agreements – a sting in the small print](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/loan-agreements-a-sting-in-the-small-print-lawskool/): Welcome to My Inhouse Lawyer’s Anecdote series. These are tales from the front line. Things our team has come across, in the practice of law, which we are sure business leaders will want to know. The purpose is really about highlighting practical gems which you wouldn’t get from AI or a web search.
- [How to manage your Intellectual Property](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/how-to-manage-intellectual-property-practical-tips-for-smes/): Start by identifying what IP you own. The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) offers a free IP Health Check Tool to guide this process: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ip-health-check
- [The pitfalls of Introducer Agreements](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/the-pitfalls-of-introducer-agreements-lawskool/): Introducer agreements are a common way to drive growth—especially for SMEs looking to expand their network and client base. They’re usually simple, low-cost arrangements where someone (often informally) refers new clients to your business in exchange for a fee. Easy, right?
- [What’s in a name](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/whats-in-a-name-lawskool/): Do you recall the first episode of The Apprentice? The group has been divided into two teams and the excited corporate hopefuls are spending most of their time on the first task choosing a team name. Ideas like “Synergy” or “Velocity Ventures” abound, as the group search for a word that conveys success, strength, dynamism and, hopefully, impresses Lord Sugar.
- [Getting your products out there](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/getting-your-products-out-there-lawskool/): Distribution agreements are a common tool in the world of trade.
- [David & Goliath](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/david-goliath-lawskool/): It is always worth requesting amendments to a Goliath’s contracts. SMEs can protect their interests without derailing the deal. Measured and well-supported requests are often more successful than you think.
- [Pride, not prejudice – The Equality Act](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/pride-not-prejudice-lawskool/): June is Pride Month – a good time to reflect on inclusivity and non-discrimination in the workplace. For SMEs, this can feel like a complex and sensitive subject. My aim is to help SMEs understand what they can and can’t do - but here's the quick takeaway: be sensitive and proceed with caution.
- [What can SMEs learn from the Post Office scandal?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/what-can-smes-learn-from-the-post-office-scandal-lawskool/): Sir Anthony Hooper
- [Boosting built-in value](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/exit-ready/boosting-built-in-value-lawskool/): Jim Collins
- [Looking out for directors](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/looking-out-for-directors-lawskool/): For small and medium-sized businesses, directors often juggle strategic leadership with the day-to-day running of the business. But amid the operational demands, it’s crucial that directors don’t overlook their legal responsibilities. Breaching those duties isn’t just a theoretical risk — it can lead to personal financial liability, legal action, or even disqualification.
- [Are Emoji’s legally binding?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/are-emojis-legal-binding-lawskool/): Emojis originated in Japan in the 1990’s and, within 10 years, had become widely used and circulated by the likes of Google and Apple. Indeed, it is now estimated that more than ten billion emojis are sent worldwide every day!
- [2025 Purpose Survey<br>– are we delivering?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/annual-purpose-surveys/annual-purpose-surveys-2025/): When we started My Inhouse Lawyer in 2017, we set out with a seemingly crazy/impossible Purpose:
- [In the frame – Framework agreements for supply chains](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-you-sell-buyin/in-the-frame-lawskool/): A key advantage of framework agreements is the ability to fix pricing or otherwise agree in advance the terms for any price-change mechanisms. This can protect buyers from market fluctuations or discretionary supplier price increases, enabling better financial planning, budget allocation and cost control.
- [Forget fisticuffs](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/forget-fisticuffs-lawskool/): All businesses need to be prepared for contract disputes, typically with their suppliers or customers.
- [Copycat commerce](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/copycat-commerce-lawskool/): Copycats beware, the courts are on to you. Here's a recent case to explain.
- [Doing business with big business](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/doing-business-with-big-business-lawskool/): An important landmark for any SME will be when it starts doing business with big businesses, whether these are global corporations or public bodies.
- [The pitfalls of auto renewal](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/the-pitfalls-of-auto-renewal-lawskool/): One of the chief bars to an effective procurement review is likely to be the auto renewal clause buried in the small print; these are very common if not the norm in services contracts. From a supplier’s point of view, the advantage of an auto renewal clause is that they offer the customer only a brief window of escape once a year; miss that, and he is locked in for another year giving them certainty on revenue streams.
- [Tips for sales contracts](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/tips-for-your-sales-contracts-lawskool/): You don’t need to be a maverick and live on the edge to help close sales quicker. This crib sheet provides some practical tips to help you create clear sales contracts helping you to reduce negotiation time and nail your quarterly sales targets without exposing your business to unnecessary risk.
- [Pitfalls of fixed price offerings](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/pitfalls-of-fixed-price-offerings-lawskool/): Fixed price offerings give a competitive edge but, if not handled carefully, can expose your business to considerable risk. By defining scope clearly, setting client responsibilities, and planning for unforeseen changes, you can manage these risks and safeguard your profitability. A well-drafted contract with clear terms for scope, payment, and liabilities is your best defence against common pitfalls.
- [Directors in deadlock](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/directors-in-deadlock-lawskool/): Following on from our Lawskool article on Shareholder Agreements, and the important role a "pre-nup" shareholder agreement plays, this article explores what happens when a private limited company, with no separate shareholder agreement, has two shareholder directors who cannot agree. This is a reasonably common situation in SMEs which I’ve come across and advised on a number of times this year, as have my colleagues on the MIL team.
- [Retention of title](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/retention-of-title-lawskool/): Sitting nervously in front of the CEO is Widget’s finance manager. What’s the concern? You are ahead of me: he didn’t include a retention of title (ROT) clause in the sale contract with Credit Risk.
- [The EU’s new AI ACT](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/the-eus-new-ai-act-lawskool/): Just as we have all, more or less, boarded the AI train, the EU has offered a timely reminder, in its recent passing of the AI Act, that whilst undoubtedly a force for good when used well, the AI landscape needs taming somewhat as we humans catch up with the exponential proliferation of AI throughout all areas of life.
- [Contractual risk](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/managing-risk-in-contracts-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Reading a contract before signing it may not be as enjoyable as reading a bedtime story but it will probably save you from future nightmares!  It will help you identify the risks to your business (whether they are commercial, financial or operational) but most importantly give you an opportunity to mitigate them.
- [Anecdote on a messy  manager exit](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/hot-topics/anecdote-on-exiting-an-employee-with-shares-lawskool/): Welcome to My Inhouse Lawyer's Anecdote series. These are tales from the front line. Things our team has come across, in the practice of law, which we are sure business leaders will want to know. The purpose is really about highlighting practical gems which you wouldn’t get from AI or a web search.
- [What to do when court is unavoidable](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/what-to-do-when-court-is-unavoidable-lawskool/): Below is a short guide to help navigate the litigation process in the English courts, focusing on commercial disputes.
- [Giving guarantees](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/giving-guarantees-lawskool/): In summary, when you give a personal guarantee, you effectively become almost as responsible for the loan as the borrower is. It’s not easy to withdraw from this responsibility. So, it’s important to consider whether you could comfortably afford this loan should the worst happen and you are required to step in and make repayments for the borrower. Giving guarantees is not something to be undertaken lightly. It’s important to get proper advice beforehand and look to negotiate the best terms you can. Feel free to get in touch if this is something you’re considering now. We’re happy to help
- [Employment law update](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/employment-law-update-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Employment law is ever changing. This article considers some recent key changes and looks ahead to some proposed ones.
- [An introduction to Incoterms](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/an-introduction-to-incoterms-lawskool/): The Incoterms® Rules are a set of standard terms and conditions relating to the transportation and delivery of goods, typically used in an international setting. They are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and are used by parties across the world to help contract on a set of standard terms. The Incoterms® Rules themselves are extensive and go into detail regarding certain obligations on the supplier and customer in a goods supply transaction, including time of delivery, responsibilities for export/import clearance and insurance.
- [An introduction to employee ownership](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/an-introduction-to-employee-ownership-lawskool/): Employee ownership is becoming increasingly popular for UK organisations. Whether considering a management exit, succession planning, incentivisation and retention models or simply seeking to give employees some “skin in the game” for the cultural benefits that it can bring, employee share ownership can be an extremely effective tool. There are a number of different structural options and mechanisms when considering this. This article considers some of the options available.
- [Wrongful trading and the twilight zone](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/wrongful-trading-and-the-twilight-zone-lawskool/): In normal trading circumstances, directors are under a duty to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders - but be aware of the twilight zone shift, making directors responsible to have proper regard for the company’s creditors’ interests. The closer potential insolvency is, the greater is your responsibility as a director to protect the creditors’ interests. Be prepared to protect yourself too from potential personal liability for the company’s debts for wrongful trading or disqualification as a company director.
- [Getting your business ready for sale](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/exit-ready/getting-your-business-ready-for-sale/): Selling your business may be the most important business decision an owner will take. So much of your time, money, energy and emotion has gone into this business – of course you’ll want to get maximum return on that investment. But how do you make sure that your business is attractive to a buyer, and at the right price? Here are a few tips to help make sure that your business is ‘sale ready’.
- [About Shareholders’ Agreements](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/shareholders-agreements-lawskool/): Many SME founders at some point will be met with the question of whether a shareholders’ agreement is needed for their company.
- [Restrictive covenants & beyond](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/restrictive-covenants-beyond-lawskool/): When key executives or founders leave a business, it is understandable that the owners would want to ensure that the departing individuals don’t misuse contacts and confidential information in ways that could damage the business. The higher profile of the departing individual the greater the levels of anxiety about the potential damage they could cause. A lot of time, effort and emotional energy can be spent devising a set of restrictive covenants to prevent or at least mitigate any damage.
- [Data subject access requests](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/data-subject-access-requests/): Anyone who’s been following the Post Office scandal will now know about the importance of disclosure in litigation – that is, the requirement for each party to a dispute to make sure that it discloses to the other side (and the court) ALL the documents it has that have a bearing on the case, whether they are helpful or harmful to that party’s case.
- [Getting to know your company books](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/getting-to-know-your-company-books/): Can I let you into a secret? Statutory company books are one of my guilty pleasures! I love seeing a set of corporate records that is accurate and up to date. It tells me a lot about the company that I am working with. It shows that, among other things, they understand the importance of getting the basics right. Equally, I love the challenge of unravelling and correcting a set of company books that has been neglected, turning them from being inaccurate and non-compliant into a thing of beauty. Inaccurate and non-compliant company books are often discovered when a company is trying to complete an investment round or sale and it inevitably costs them time and money to sort out (when time and money are often limited).
- [How to avoid a dispute](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/how-to-avoid-a-dispute-my-inhouse-lawyer/): As inhouse lawyers building long term relationships with our clients, we see patterns emerge in terms of the type of circumstances that can lead to an issue or dispute arising once a contract has been signed. These circumstances span from the very start of the contracts process when the parties are agreeing the main terms through to the performance and management of the contract post signature.
- [Directors’ conflicts of interests](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/directors-conflicts-of-interests-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Directors are under a duty to avoid conflicts of interest. Where a director identifies an actual or potential conflict, they must be transparent about the nature and extent of that conflict. The legal impact of a failure to properly declare a conflict will depend on the severity and impact of the conflict on the company and may result in a need for the director to pay compensation or at its most serious, may constitute a criminal offence.
- [AI – the law is adapting](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/ai-the-law-is-adapting/): As SMEs think about using AI to grow, we’re beginning to be asked about the legal issues.
- [Different ways of raising funds](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/different-ways-of-raising-funds-lawskool/): For SME’s that are thinking about raising funds, one of the first things to consider is the type of equity instrument to be offered to new investors. (For fund raising through debt, please see this note written by Stephanie).
- [How to save money on lawyers](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-you-sell-buyin/how-to-save-money-on-lawyers/): There are some easy ways for businesses to save money on lawyers, and make the most of their lawyers. Several of the tips below could save your time too.
- [What to include in your AI Policy](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/what-to-include-in-your-ai-policy/): It seems like everybody is talking about AI these days. Whether it’s regaling it or prophesying the end of the human race, AI is on people’s minds and it’s not going away.
- [Introduction to ESG](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/introduction-to-esg-lawskool/): Environment, social and governance (ESG) were first brought together as a concept by the United Nations Environment Programme Initiative in 2005, aimed at bringing sustainability to the finance and investment communities.
- [Getting ahead of risk](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/getting-ahead-of-risk-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Risk management in its most basic form is a methodology used by businesses to help identify and mitigate risks that may arise. This could be anything from within your day-to-day operations (such as unpaid invoices) to large scale, external risks (such as a pandemic) that could completely change your strategic approach. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to risk management – what works for one company may be completely impractical and unworkable for another.
- [Succession planning for SMEs](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/succession-planning-lawskool/): Political history is not short of examples of succession planning risks.
- [The 4-day working week](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/the-4-day-working-week-lawskool/): The pandemic revealed that the traditional office based nine-to-five, five day a week working model may no longer be fit for purpose. As a result, many organisations have adopted a hybrid model. However, as the campaign for a legislated four day week continues to build momentum, some companies are looking to see whether a four day working week can be beneficial for both their business and their employees.
- [Understanding blockchain](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-you-sell-buyin/understanding-blockchain-lawskool/): Businesses of all sizes are beginning to look at the opportunities being presented by distributed ledger technology (for example blockchain). Notwithstanding some of the highs and lows of cryptocurrencies over recent years, solutions built on similar underlying infrastructure are slowly making their way into the commercial world and interest is growing. There is no shortage of investment in development of blockchain based ecosystems, but the next major leap forward will be translating that interest into real-world “mainstream” adoption.
- [The do’s and don’ts of taking a business loan](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/the-dos-and-donts-of-taking-a-business-loan-lawskool/): Start-up, scale-up or grown up, there may come a time when any business leader needs to consider taking a business loan. Whenever you’re borrowing, there are some do’s and don’ts that are useful to remember.
- [Tops tips when working with influencers](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/tops-tips-when-working-with-influencers-lawskool/): Many B2C businesses rely on influencers as a means of achieving broader customer reach. Lately, there has been some fatigue around influencer marketing due to their perceived lack of authenticity. Despite this, it continues to be a powerful tool for marketers because, ultimately, people will pay more attention to a brand when they see a positive review from someone they are following on social media.
- [Making board meetings useful](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/making-board-meetings-useful-lawskool/): You may roll your eyes when you hear mention of a board meeting thinking that they are time-consuming and an unnecessary administrative burden on your business. But, they don’t have to be like this! Managed correctly, board meetings can be useful and can help your business grow.
- [Some thoughts on legal tech](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/some-thoughts-on-legal-tech-lawskool/): We design something that works for you whether it’s monthly, flex, solo, multi-team or includes legal tech
- [5 business lessons, alphabet style](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/hot-topics/5-business-lessons-alphabet-style-lawskool/): Being a business lawyer gives you an advantage in business. Not only do you understand the law, you also understand commerce. I think this is why our clients love working with our team so much. We are a bridge between the two, and help to make business happen.
- [Data protection myth busting](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/data-protection-myth-busting-lawskool/): The GDPR was imported into UK law by virtue of the Data Protection Act 2018. So, it does apply despite Brexit. See this article on GDPR post Brexit. (Meanwhile, we’ll refer to the GDPR in this note (instead of the DPA) as most people still think of it that way).
- [Legal jargon buster for contracts](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/legal-jargon-buster-lawskool/): As noted in my Crib Sheet for businesses reviewing contracts for the purchase of goods/services, the reality is that businesses sometimes fly solo and review contracts without legal input.
- [How to review a contract](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/how-to-review-a-contract-lawskool/): Whilst it’s inevitably safer to get a lawyer to check over every contract you’re entering into, if you’re an SME without an in-house team this isn’t realistic, and you are likely going to choose which contracts to seek legal input on and which contracts to review yourself. This crib sheet is to assist you in the latter situation when you are reviewing contracts yourself.
- [Battle of the forms](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/battle-of-the-forms-lawskool/): Your business is running nicely, and you’re buying and selling on the basis of your “you-favourable” standard terms and conditions (Ts&Cs) … or so you think. Are you? Are you absolutely certain they apply? After all, they’ve got:
- [The Equality Act](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/the-equality-act-lawskool/): Guidance on the Equality Act 2010
- [Top tips on dealing with disputes](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/top-tips-on-commercial-disputes-lawskool/): Over the years we’ve helped many of our clients with disputes. It seems obvious that if you go to a surgeon, they’ll recommend surgery. So, if you go to a litigator, they’ll likely recommend litigation. Yet we approach things differently, very much based on our knowledge of the business and wanting to ensure that your end-goal doesn’t become an own-goal.
- [Ten things you need to know about international sanctions](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/a-crib-sheet-on-sanctions-lawskool/): Under the United Nations, international sanctions have been around for about 50 years. They are restrictive measures aimed at countries, organisations and individuals intended to prevent or settle conflicts, stop nuclear proliferation, combat terrorism and prevent human rights violations.
- [The Plastic Packaging Tax](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/the-plastic-packaging-tax-lawskool/): This environment-facing tax (the PPT) came into force on 1 April.
- [Top tips on M&A](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/10-top-tips-on-ma-my-inhouse-lawyer/): M&A is often seen as a process that is rife with complexity, the potential for disagreement, misunderstanding and poor execution. Yet by making sure a deal gets started on the right footing and keeping in mind certain key principles along the way then you go along way towards setting yourself up for success.
- [Preparing your business for sale – a practical guide](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/preparing-your-business-for-sale-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Preparing for an exit is often a very daunting prospect for many business owners. For SME’s, this can have the added complexity of family ownership structures and often close personal relationships within the management teams which can make the process emotionally challenging!
- [Reducing the stress of M&A](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/reducing-the-stress-of-ma-my-inhouse-lawyer/): I have spent over 20 years as a corporate lawyer working on private company mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. I also spent 3 years as a general manager leading transactions, which provided some useful insights from a client’s perspective.
- [Health & safety when WFH](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/health-and-safety-when-working-from-home/): Some companies have announced that “working from home” will be the new normal, only requiring employees to come into offices as needed. Others are going to set days in the office: but 9.00 – 5.00, Monday – Friday is definitely now not the norm.
- [A crib sheet on shadow directors](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/are-you-a-shadow-director-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Beware the law of unintended consequences… don’t unwittingly derail your careful corporate structure, limited liability position or tax planning by acting like a director if you aren’t one.
- [Hybrid working – is it a way forward?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/hybrid-working-is-it-a-way-forward/): Whilst there are issues to consider from the employee perspective, not least whether a change to hybrid working may lead to an increased sense of isolation, ultimately negatively impacting upon performance, this note looks at the issue from an employer’s perspective.
- [Can you dismiss an employee who refuses to return to the office?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/can-you-dismiss-an-employee-who-refuses-to-return-to-the-office/): During lockdown, many employees have become used to working from home – the so called, ‘new normal’ and we are seeing an increase in employment disputes where employees are refusing to return to office working.
- [Can we require employees to get vaccinated?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/can-we-require-employees-to-get-vaccinated/): Following the easing by the government of the Covid rules in England, people who have been working from home are being encouraged by Boris Johnson to return to their workplace gradually. Many businesses will have carried out health and safety assessments and taken those reasonable steps necessary to minimise the risks identified to their staff and to give confidence to their employees that their workplace is safe. But can an employer require their return to the office and what if an employee is reluctant (or refuses) to be vaccinated?
- [How good is your cybersecurity?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/how-good-is-your-cybersecurity/): As we said in the earlier article, probably your greatest hurdle is the cavalier attitude that many – even colleagues – take to their personal cyber-security.  It’s all too difficult.  Get them to take it seriously, and do the same with their personal systems (at least the easy basics).  If they take their own cyber-security seriously, they’ll do the same at work.  If they don’t, you’ve little hope.
- [They’re using my brand!](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/theyre-using-my-brand/): It’s one of the last things you want to hear as a business owner: you’ve built up your reputation and loyalty with your customers based on your brand and values, only for a competitor to muscle in and seek to profit on the back of that hard work. So, what can you do?
- [Crib sheet on data breaches – what to do](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/data-breaches-what-to-do-lawskool/): So – you’ve got your two data privacy notices in place, your data retention policy, your data protection policy, your procedures to implement the policy, and your staff are well trained. Major companies have all these and still data breaches happen. It could easily be yours too. It happens.
- [Employment law update April 2021](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/employment-law-update-april-2021/): My Inhouse Lawyer's employment law specialist, Jonathan Waters, highlights some of the ‘must know’ updates to employment law.
- [Design liability under construction contracts – a crib sheet](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/design-liability-under-construction-contracts/): Main contractors and clients will often look to a contractor to take on design responsibility under a construction contract. If you’re an architect or a structural engineer then this might sit comfortably with you, but for other contractors, consultants, trades and suppliers whose skills and expertise lie outside of construction then its important you’re not signing up to something that’s inappropriate for your business.
- [10 golden rules on data protection](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/gdpr-makes-data-protection-business-as-usual-lawskool/): The GDPR is still the gold standard for data protection around the world and we’re seeing many countries adopt GDPR-style laws. The UK incorporated GDPR in 2018 (by virtue of the Data Protection Act 2018) and has created a “UK GDPR” regime that closely aligns with “EU GDPR”, so whether you have customers, contacts or operations in the EU or not, your UK business will still need to fulfil GDPR requirements.
- [Crib sheet on GDPR post Brexit, 10 step procrastinators guide](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/10-step-procrastinators-guide-to-tackling-gdpr-post-brexit/): From December 31 2020 at 11 pm – “exit day” – EU law no longer applies in the UK.  Well… not exactly. The “UK GDPR” will apply to personal data that your UK business processes, regardless of where you get it.  The “EU GDPR” will apply to businesses in the EEA, but it will also apply to businesses outside that target services or goods to or monitor the behaviour of people in the EEA, for example through a website or app.
- [What you need to know about Confidentiality](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/what-you-need-to-know-about-confidentiality/): Your employees are critical to protecting your sensitive data. Their confidentiality obligations should be set out in your employment contracts. Is it clear to your staff what their responsibilities are? Maybe you have a staff handbook that sets out the relevant policies and procedures. In any case, do make sure you communicate clearly to key staff about the importance of secrecy, and procedures for sharing sensitive information.
- [Top 3 legal tips for start-ups](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/what-are-the-top-3-legal-recommendations-for-startups/): I often get asked this question and it’s a tricky one. How can I offer maximum help in the minimum amount of time, without knowing the whole picture?  I go back to the basics:
- [Risk & Compliance Alert:<br>Read if you transfer personal data to the US](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/risk-compliance-alert-if-you-transfer-personal-data-to-the-us/): On 16 July 2020 in what’s colloquially known as Schrems II, the European Court of Justice (CJEU) held that the Privacy Shield between the EU and the US is invalid. This means all transfers of personal data to the US that rely on the Privacy Shield are illegal with immediate effect.  There is no grace period.
- [M&A deals for SMEs: why so difficult ?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/acquisitions-a-better-way/): I’ve specialised in private company mergers and acquisitions for 25 years - transactions with values anywhere between £1 and £50m plus. What’s always concerned me is that, regardless of the value of the deal, the legal process typically follows the same formula.
- [Anti-Money Laundering 101](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/anti-money-laundering-101/): The UK is one the world’s leading international financial centres with a strong and open economy. However we are also vulnerable to economic crime. For example, the National Crime Agency estimates that money laundering alone costs the UK more than £100 billion a year. Anti-Money Laundering, or AML, is about tackling this head on. There are regulators at both the international and national level governing how to deal with the fight against financial crime. Our government has an economic crime plan which aims to make the UK the safest and most transparent place in the world to conduct financial business. Complying with the anti-money laundering  regulations can be a complex process. In this article, we cover some basics. We explain what money laundering is and how to prevent your business from being used by criminals to launder proceeds of crime.
- [A crib sheet: choosing and using a virtual data room](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/choosing-and-using-a-virtual-data-room/): If you are selling your business or raising funds, one key aspect will be due diligence i.e., a buyer or finance provider looking under the bonnet to see what they are getting for their money. Historically, hard copies of documents would be stored at a location and reviewed manually. That all changes with advent of technology which allowed documents to be stored and reviewed online
- [A crib sheet: corporate housekeeping tips](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/a-crib-sheet-corporate-housekeeping-tips/): When a new company is started, the owners often use basic paperwork provided by a third party establishing the company for them - Articles, shareholder agreement, basic appointment of directors and so on – and this is fine. But then these are equally often put in a drawer and forgotten. It’s all too easy for corporate events to happen without being done properly, and this will have to be unravelled and sorted before a sale or getting investors. It’s all straightforward and obvious... but too often gets forgotten as not immediately important for the business.
- [Making a team member redundant?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/making-a-team-member-redundant/): Broadly, it will exist if either the business, or the place at which the employee worked, closes down or there is less work available for the employee to do – either now, or at some point in the future. The latter is often overlooked. It means that an employer can ‘look forward’ and, based on future business projections, make employees redundant.
- [Some guidance on unfair dismissals](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/people/some-guidance-on-unfair-dismissals/): Before looking at what constitutes an unfair dismissal, let’s take a step back and look at fair dismissals.
- [An introduction to workplace mediation](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/an-introduction-to-workplace-mediation/): Another way of dealing with a workplace issue is to consider mediation. This can be particularly effective when there are personnel issues within a team.
- [Commercial Leases](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/premises/commercial-leases/): There are many types of interest which can be taken when acquiring commercial premises. The most relevant for you is to take a lease of part of an office building. Some of the below are relevant when acquiring a whole building; however there are more issues to consider for a lease of part.
- [Crib sheet for buying an IT solution](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-you-sell-buyin/a-crib-sheet-for-going-about-buying-an-it-solution/): Buying IT solutions is one way to help. What are the benefits of such solutions?
- [IP 101 – Protecting your ideas](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ip/protecting-your-ideas-ip/): Set out below is a nuts and bolts guide to the very basic parts of intellectual property, giving you a thumbnail guide to the subject. Intellectual Property (or IP for short) is the right or property in “the creations of the mind”. It is a way of ensuring that creativity and invention can be protected (and potentially monetised) and it enables, encourages and rewards creativity and progress by establishing “rights” (or IPR) in those creations or inventions. These rights can then be exploited for financial gain.
- [Why you need standard terms of business](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what_you_sell/standard-terms-of-business-lawskool/): This is where standard terms of business come in. They are a contract, yes, but more than this, they are an essential risk management tool for your business: you can do business on terms you know that work for you and your customers, and you can limit your liability if things go wrong. Businesses that have thought about their sales process, identified problem areas, and made sure that these are documented, will reduce the risks their business is exposed to, and be better prepared for when things do go wrong. Standard terms make sure that you and your customers are clear about commercial aspects of your relationship, such as price, warranties, delivery and payment. They also think ahead about what could go wrong, to prevent issues arising, and, should the worst happen, give you rights and protection to reduce your exposure.
- [Exit Readiness, think like a Buyer and not a Seller](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/finance/exit-readiness-think-like-a-buyer-and-not-a-seller/): Well in advance of your planned exit (1-3 years ahead), gather up all your business’s key documents and information, review fully, index, save in one place and clean up any errors or problems you find - such as contract problems, potential disputes, compliance and employment issues. Essentially, create your ‘data room’ today and in the run up and get ahead of any challenges the buyer might raise.
- [Company directors & Covid-19](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/compliance/company-directors-covid-19/): Covid-19 economic disruption means you as a company director must think differently, particularly if your company enters the “twilight zone” of potential insolvency. If it does, your conduct as a director could later be closely scrutinised.
- [Alternatives to Litigation](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/alternatives-to-litigation/): The process of going to court is called litigation. Employment disputes, for example, have to be heard before a specialist court (known as an Employment Tribunal), whilst others will either go to the County or to the High Court, depending on the value and complexity of the claim.
- [Crib sheet for construction subcontractors](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-you-sell-buyin/a-primer-for-subcontractors-trying-to-get-paid/): Your subcontract may appear to allow the main contractor to delay payment to you, or the main contractor's QS may be telling you (often in good faith) that you are not entitled to payment yet, but in both cases your claim for prompt payment (and interest on late payment ) may be much stronger than you think.
- [General Counsel: Guardian of the company](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes/general-counsel-guardian-of-the-company/): What is it like to work with General Counsel? What is a General Counsel? How is it different from working with a solicitor’s firm?

## Pages
- [Fiona Mills](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/fiona-mills/): I enjoy working in-house because it allows me to truly understand the business and see the tangible impact of my work. Being part of the wider team means I can contribute to strategic commercial decisions, not just legal ones, and build strong, trusted relationships across the organisation. As a commercial property lawyer, I know just how central property can be to a business. It is where people work, where customers or clients walk through the door, and where so much of daily life happens, so getting the documentation right really matters. I particularly value taking complex legal issues and making them accessible, so we can work collaboratively to solve problems and deliver practical outcomes that make a real difference for SMEsI worked in international law firms as a commercial property lawyer before moving in-house, where I was Head of Legal for a large media business. In that role, I led on all property matters, from negotiating leases and drafting templates to managing legal processes, resolving disputes and advising senior stakeholders on strategic issues. I have broad experience across commercial property transactions, with particular expertise in negotiating commercial leases and related documents. Alongside this, I run my own small business, which gives me a practical, commercial perspective that I bring to all of my legal workI recently swapped London for Bristol and am embracing a house renovation project and a new life with my partner and two young children. I'm a passionate traveller, having worked in four countries and visited over 60 and I am always planning the next adventure. I also founded and run Little Lawyers, a passion project that teaches young people essential legal and life skills, so they step into adulthood ready to advocate for themselves and navigate whatever the world throws at them
- [My Inhouse Lawyer vs subscription legal services](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/my-inhouse-lawyer-vs-subscription-legal-services/): Subscription legal services and My Inhouse Lawyer both offer alternatives to traditional law firms, but they are fundamentally different models.
- [Sarah Waterland](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/sarah-waterland/): I am really keen to get to know your business and what could be working better for you, so I can help you to get on with running things without legal headaches. I like to demystify legal processes and take things back to basics. My goal is to help you to understand where the biggest legal risks lie and to give you the tools to make effective decisions, or to know when to ask for specialist helpI have 25 years of experience working in-house for two major High Street retailers, both of which were on exciting journeys to keep pace and innovate within the manufacturing, distribution and retailing worlds. I have worked with global brands and tiny businesses to help get products to market in a compliant way. I was Deputy General Counsel at Next for over 20 years through a period of huge change, from the infancy of online own-brand sales to the global multi-brand hub it has become. I then spent nearly 5 years as Head of Legal at Holland & Barrett supporting its expansion overseas and the development of relationships with other retailers, as both marketplace seller and manufacturer and supplier of its own-branded wellness products. Very early on in my inhouse career, I was taught to consider myself as a retailer first & foremost, who brought legal expertise to retailing issues and this remains my approach. I am great at listening, not just to the problem presented, but to see where the gaps are, so we can consider the whole picture and decide on the best way forward togetherI am lucky enough to live in the countryside and love being outside, with my faithful four-legged friend, Indie and when I'm at home, I'm happiest baking treats for my son and his friends. I volunteer for a number of community projects in the village and love a new challenge, so have just taken up padel.
- [My Inhouse Lawyer vs Other Fractional Lawyers](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/my-inhouse-lawyer-vs-other-fractional-lawyers/): While both models offer flexibility, My Inhouse Lawyer provides a more advanced, scalable and resilient solution. By combining embedded legal support with broader expertise and team-based delivery, it overcomes many of the limitations associated with traditional fractional lawyers.
- [Next-Gen Fractional](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/next-gen-fractional/): The future of fractional legal support gives you access to senior lawyers who use Legal AI/Tech as BAU, offering strategic support, breadth of expertise, and long-lasting solutions which simultaneously give you flexibility at a sensible price point
- [The Future is Fractional](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/the-future-is-fractional/): Businesses typically adopt fractional models when:
- [My Inhouse Lawyer vs Employed Inhouse Lawyer](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/mil-vs-employed-inhouse-lawyer/): My Inhouse Lawyer and an employed inhouse lawyer both provide embedded legal support, but they differ significantly in flexibility, cost structure and scalability.
- [Fractional lawyer vs employed inhouse lawyer](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/fractional-lawyer-vs-inhouse/): .A fractional lawyer and an in-house lawyer both provide embedded legal support, but they differ significantly in cost, flexibility and structure.
- [Fractional lawyer vs legal contractor](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/fractional-lawyer-vs-legal-contractor/): .A fractional lawyer and a legal contractor can both provide legal support without hiring a full-time employee, but they operate very differently.
- [Fractional Lawyers vs law firms](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/fractional-lawyer-vs-law-firm/): A fractional lawyer and a law firm both provide legal support, but they operate in very different ways.
- [Legal Support Comparison For UK Businesses](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/legal-support-comparison/): Comparing traditional options with next-generation legal support
- [My Inhouse Lawyer vs Legal contractors | What’s the difference?](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/mil-vs-legal-contractor/): Many businesses consider legal contractors when they need additional legal support.
- [My Inhouse Lawyer vs Law firms](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/mil-vs-law-firms/): Choosing a legal partner is a key decision for many businesses.
- [FAQs on Fractional Lawyers](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/faqs-on-fractional-lawyers-my-inhouse-lawyer/): Frequently Asked Questions about fractional lawyers
- [Will Gould](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/will-gould/): I enjoy working closely with ambitious management teams and being part of a business as it grows and evolves.
- [Fractional Lawyers UK](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/fractional-lawyers-uk/): While the term “fractional lawyer” is not formally defined, it is increasingly used to describe flexible, embedded legal support models where the lawyer operates as an embedded part of the business, providing both strategic and operational legal support.
- [Masayuki Negishi](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/masayuki-negishi/): The proliferation of technology and the increasing significance of data in decision-making mean that businesses of all sizes and types have to grapple with data privacy, which can create unnecessary frictions and bottlenecks if not done correctly. The answers to privacy issues business face are rarely black and white, and in my role as privacy counsel, I help businesses pick the right shade of grey that strikes a good balance between compliance and risk. It is something I very much enjoy doing because the context in which privacy issues arise differ from one business to another, and it is the diversity of the context which makes the task of solving privacy issues interesting and rewardingI have over 20 years of professional experience gained through roles held at City law firms and leading international financial/professional services firms. I started my legal career practicing commercial/technology law with a focus on outsourcing, but privacy has been my specialism since 2012. As an IAPP-certified privacy expert, I bring extensive experience of handling a broad range of privacy-related matters in the UK, EU, and beyond. My extensive inhouse experience allows me to offer pragmatic and actionable advice to enable our clients to address the privacy challenges they faceGaming has been my passion ever since I got hold of my first PC, and when I’m not working, I can usually be found glued to my PC or PS5 playing games. I particularly enjoy multiplayer online games, and I find the way in which gaming can bring disparate groups of people together fascinating!
- [Russell Alexander](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/russell-alexander/): For me, law has never been separate from business — the two are inseparable. I’ve always been fascinated by how businesses grow, make decisions and navigate risk, and I find real satisfaction in applying legal judgment in that environment. Before becoming a lawyer, I set up and ran several small businesses, which continues to shape how I operate: commercial, pragmatic and aligned with the bigger picture.
- [Ruth Finney](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/ruth-finney/): I love working inhouse because it’s hands on and outcome focused - you see the whole journey, not just the paper. I’m pragmatic, plain English and collaborative, and I care about building long term relationships where legal helps the business go faster, not slower.I bring a calm, commercially minded approach and the ability to translate legal complexity into clear choices for the business. I’m experienced in drafting and negotiating day to day commercial contracts, spotting the real risks, and working cross functionally with sales, ops and finance to get things done. Running a micro business myself, I bring an owner’s mindset so legal work is fast, clear and proportionate to the risk. I’m equally comfortable rolling up my sleeves on urgent issues as I am setting up the frameworks, playbooks and templates that keep things running smoothly. Above all, I aim to be the kind of trusted partner you enjoy working with as much as you rely on.I’m usually on two wheels in the Shropshire Hills. I run a small mountain bike guiding venture called Recce. I love introducing riders to local trails, planning the odd bikepacking overnighter, and I’m always up for talking kit, maps and cake stops
- [Privacy notice for clients](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/privacy-notice-for-clients/): View our privacy notice for clients.
- [Simon Wilkes](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/simon-wilkes/): I really enjoy working with different businesses, providing practical and commercial solutions to help them achieve their strategic goals. For me, that means collaborating closely with the business, building strong relationships, and developing an understanding of what is crucial for their success. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from delivering on a project from start to finish, and making a meaningful contribution towards a positive outcomeI bring over 25 years’ inhouse and private practice legal experience, across roles based in the UK, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. This has included nearly a decade as a General Counsel, heading up award-winning legal departments and advising boards of directors and C-suite colleagues as a member of senior leadership teams.
- [Recognition](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/recognition/): Welcome to the Recognition section of our site. Here you'll find the awards we have won, testimonials from clients and partners who have been working with us for years and our annual Purpose Report which shows what clients think about our Purpose and whether they think we're delivering our Purpose. If you're interested in working with us, give us a call on 0207 939 3959 or book a call with us using one of the buttons below
- [Testimonials](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/testimonials/): Some wonderful words from our wonderful clients and partners
- [Howard Morris](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/howard-morris/): Lawyering is successful when it is a tool for a business to achieve its goals, to protect its rights and property. Contributing to the business and not treating the business as a means to stay aloft in an ivory tower is when working as a lawyer is its most pleasing. That’s why I’m excited to be working with My Inhouse Lawyer as the team are passionate about and are genuinely changing the experience that SMEs have of the legal profession for the better.Over 30 years' experience in commercial law, domestically and internationally, and over 10 leading Dentons, one of the World’s largest international law firms. I understand law as a professional service. I get the challenges of developing and running a business. Most of all I’ve experience of working with many different people in many different occupations and locations, how to get along, how to reach a deal and how to help colleagues produce the best.A passion for modernist architecture and design has grown into a business. My wife and I have a large following on social media and an online magazine all about the buildings and designs we love. I’ve become an architectural photographer and write posts and articles.
- [Paul Smith](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/paul-smith/): I love working with businesses to help them overcome challenges, plan for the future and deliver exciting projects by giving strategic and pragmatic legal advice
- [Emily Griffin](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/emily-griffin/): I’m passionate about spreading the word about MIL and showing business leaders how they can benefit from our approach. We’re changing the way businesses experience legal support by offering practical, clear advice that’s accessible and tailored to their needs
- [Rita Ray](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/rita-ray/): My role is fulfilling and incredibly enriching, offering a unique opportunity to continuously expand my skill sets.
- [Fred Muchardt](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/fred-muchardt/): Working inhouse was always my goal. By being a part of the businesses I support, I can more effectively identify, quantify and mitigate risks, and what I really love is finding the solutions that enable agreements vital to the success of the businessI started out doing procurement and logistics for a small oil and gas exploration company, working in some very interesting locations. After returning to the UK and qualifying as a solicitor I practiced in the City at Dentons and HFW doing a mixture of corporate and commercial work. I then moved inhouse to Schlumberger (now SLB) where I held several General Counsel positions. I supported the legal needs of a range of businesses, from professional consultancy services and complex wells and facilities construction to software and exploration data. My extensive experience advising across a wide range of commercial arrangements includes industry procurement and construction contracts, software licensing, SaaS contracts and technology cooperation arrangements. I have also led the legal support for a number of acquisitions, divestments and re-organisations as well as joint ventures in various jurisdictions
- [Chris Green](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/chris-green/): I love supporting our business purpose. We’re here to change the experience business leaders have of the legal profession for the better, and my role is about getting word about MIL out there to ambitious business leaders.
- [Awards](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/awards/): Proud to be among the Top Ten High-Flyers for both 2024 and 2025
- [Pete Ferguson](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/pete-ferguson/): I love working with people and enjoy nothing more than helping individuals find their perfect next role. For me, this has developed into supporting those who wanted to find a role which enables them to enjoy a successful career without sacrificing other priorities in their life.
- [Laura Perkins](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/laura-perkins/): I enjoy helping people. Working inhouse has given me such a great perspective. I have worked alongside many different teams and levels of a business and enjoyed seeing how well we can collaborate together for the benefit of the business. I really enjoy working alongside various business teams to cut through and bring an idea to life or provide a commercial solution. I have been lucky enough to work across exciting, people-centric industries including luxury fashion, travel and media, as well as a global commercial law firm. Inhouse, I have generally been working with senior stakeholders and have come across all manner of contracts, issues and projects, from licensing iconic Japanese art work, SaaS agreements to support finance teams, to advising on passing off issues and everything in between. Of course, data protection is also never far from my mind!My fascination with people and problem solving has led me to study psychodynamic therapy on the side. I am also perennially attempting to learn Spanish with notions of a grand tour across Central America and acquiring a hacienda in Mexico. Closer to home, I relocated to Cheshire from London and am enjoying exploring my new surroundings and discovering a (slightly!) more rural life.
- [Alice Darwall](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/alice-darwall/): I approach my work as a business person using my legal skills and knowledge to support business success. Martha Lane Fox commented “the one principle of the right lawyer is to make your business great”. I moved from a City law firm to working inhouse because I like working in and with business, and I love to see the impact of my work on a business’s success, whether that is closing a deal or delivering a win for a disputeI have worked across a variety of sectors and in businesses with global footprints, and my experience covers M&A, financing and restructuring, JVs, franchising and licensing, dispute resolution, trademark portfolio management, and employment law. For 18 months, in a break from law, I ran a small, specialist online coffee company, which gave me first-hand knowledge of what matters in a small business and a hugely expensive coffee habit! Just as importantly, I bring tenacity and speed, an absolute commitment to simplifying the legal process and delivering solutions rather than just advice. My role is to help executives make better decisions and solve problems fast and cost-effectively
- [Dan Chu](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/dan-chu/): Whether it is launching a nascent product, securing terms with an important new partner, or acquiring another business, the ambitions and challenges facing SMEs are those that align with my passions. My biggest motivations as legal counsel are to help clients navigate through complexity, provide clarity on the most relevant issues and act as a trusted partner to successfully achieve their goals.Following eight years at a top 10 City law firm, the bulk of my career has been spent acting as general counsel in fast growth and dynamic SME environments within the oil, shipping and fintech industries. A few highlights from my inhouse career include advising on $1.3 billion in equity raises over a 12-month period, undertaking multiple acquisitions of other SME businesses, an IPO listing on the New York Stock Exchange and developing SaaS terms and legal structures for new products within the fintech space.
- [Rob Evans](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/rob-evans/): Lawyers don’t run a company – but if you want to get to the heart of what a company does and how it’s going, you’ll likely find a lawyer in the thick of it. I love the issues and interactions that being an inhouse lawyer provides, which can be rewarding and challenging in equal measure!My first career was as an aerospace engineer. While I really enjoyed that job, I wanted a career that was very broad and would allow me to work for any company, anywhere.
- [Stephanie Donaldson](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/stephanie-donaldson/): I strongly believe that being a General Counsel is so much more than just advising on the black letter of the law and enjoy being an integral part of a successful business in helping it to thrive, adapt and grow. I enjoy the variety and challenges that being an inhouse lawyer brings as well as using my skills to enhance the day-to-day operation and efficiency of a business and ensuring it is protected from all potential legal risks.I started my career gaining experience on a broad variety of finance transactions in private practice at Olswang LLP (now CMS). This was especially useful when I moved inhouse to Barclays (Wealth and Investment Management) where my general finance knowledge came in handy in structuring and negotiating credit deals with their high net worth client base and where I led the Corporate Jets & Superyachts legal team. More recently, I have honed my legal skills in a more generalist role as sole counsel of the London branch of Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG, a German bank, mainly supporting the Equities and Wealth & Asset Management businesses and everything that comes with running a 350 staff branch!I think it is important to try and give back to the community, which has led to some really interesting roles outside of my day job, including being a non-executive director on the board of NeuroResponse (a social enterprise developing a unique care pathway for Multiple Sclerosis patients), a trustee on the board of Revolving Doors Agency, a charity which champions long-term solutions for justice reform that tackle the root causes of reoffending and I am a governor and vice-chair of the governing board of Thorley Hill, a local primary school in Bishops Stortford.
- [Ivana Mensah](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/ivana-mensah/): I enjoy working closely with people to help them to achieve their goals. I believe that a client-centred and holistic approach helps me to understand what is needed and how I can assist. My Inhouse Lawyer ensures that the client’s best interest is always at the centre of what we do; this goes hand-in-hand with my ethos and ensures that I love what I do.I am an aspiring solicitor with over 6 years’ experience in client facing and business to business roles. I hold a Politics and International Relations Undergraduate degree and a Master’s in Law and Legal Practice.I enjoy travelling, reading and meeting up with friends and family in my spare time. When travelling, I love to immerse myself in different cultures and experience the different landscapes either by going for walks or through camping.
- [Jennefer Francis](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/jennefer-francis/): I love working as an inhouse lawyer as it allows me to properly get to know how an organisation works and enables me to be part of a team focused on driving improvement and success in that organisation. The depth of knowledge gained as an inhouse lawyer means I can provide the right kind of, on the spot advice knowing the business needs and challenges of that organisation. I am an experienced lawyer with 18+ years of private practice and inhouse experience. I have an in-depth knowledge of corporate and company law and expertise in intra-group transactions, commercial contracts, employment law, property law, data protection and IP.
- [Oli Cooper](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/oli-cooper/): I firmly believe that legal counsel should enable and facilitate innovation and progress. I am passionate about building strong and trusting relationships, and delivering and protecting value. I’ve been fortunate to have worked across Financial Services and Technology sectors (including Fintech) and have deliberately avoided becoming entrenched in “following the process”. I have a growth mindset and look broadly for useful and informative insights which can benefit my clients, wherever that may come from.I started my career at Norton Rose Fulbright in the corporate team focusing on M&A and regulatory issues across insurance and life and pensions markets. Since then, I have held various senior legal roles in-house initially advising on and managing large strategic transformation programmes (including at Friends Life and Guardian Financial Services) but subsequently moving into more wide-ranging general counsel advisory roles.
- [Martin Davidson](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/martin-davidson/): I love working with like-minded curious individuals with businesses that find new ways to have a positive impact on the world we live in.I have over 20 years’ experience working with innovative businesses and forward-looking management teams.  I qualified as a corporate lawyer at city firm, Herbert Smith Freehills and then moved inhouse to Sky where I developed broad legal skills across a range of B2B and B2C businesses.   This included general advisory work on some of Sky’s most innovative product launches across a full range of legal disciplines: consumer, advertising, privacy, product development, sales & procurement, IP rights distribution and regulatory compliance.
- [Kate Fazakerley](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/kate-fazakerley/): I’m a very practical, hands-on lawyer. I thrive on getting stuck in and really understanding a business and its objectives so I can provide meaningful advice that facilitates their success. My satisfaction comes from seeing the positive impact that I’m having and from building strong relationshipsI spent the early part of my career in private practice at Mills & Reeve and the last ten years working in-house in very different organisations, both leading teams and as sole counsel. My expertise covers a diverse range of areas from logistics, procurement and education to IT, data protection and compliance. I have a pragmatic approach and am naturally dynamic, always looking to improve old ways and be more efficient. I enjoy the challenge of making complex concepts simple and I never sit on the fenceI live near the beach and am at my happiest when I’m getting some sea air walking the dog or swimming in the sea. I’ve got the open water swimming bug and love finding new locations to freeze half to death! To unwind in the evening, I enjoy listening to audiobooks and podcasts
- [Ian Lakin](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/ian-lakin/): Being General Counsel for entrepreneurial SMEs has allowed me to see things with a greater commercial perspective and to deliver solutions which meet the needs of the business. I enjoy the challenge of working out what needs to be done and how.I’ve been working as a lawyer for over 25 years, initially in private practice and then as inhouse counsel for entrepreneurial SMEs.
- [Charlie Tomlinson](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/charlie-tomlinson/): The most rewarding part of my role, is getting to know a business, from the inside out so that I can develop strategic, legal and commercial solutions that add real value. I love working closely with the management team, sharing their journey and helping deliver their goals and ambitions. I also enjoy being able to manage and resolve challenges which is where I feel I can really add value. Being often told “I am not like a traditional lawyer”, I take as a real compliment!Having been a partner in a national law firm, a general counsel and a commercial director, I believe I can bring a wide range of skills and experience.  In private practice, I led a national construction and built environment practice, acting for developers, contractors, funders and utilities with both an advisory and dispute resolution practice. In industry, I worked with a large public body and a FTSE 250 utility and waste company where I was involved in major development, infrastructure and energy projects. More recently, I have really enjoyed supporting the growth businesses in the renewable energy sector, particularly in relation to emerging technologies. I have been fortunate to work as a commercial director which developed my understanding of the wider commercial and financial imperatives that under-pin business strategy.I like to nourish my creative side by directing (and occasionally acting) in the theatre. I am also a rugby and cricket addict and a fair weather cyclist! We love France and try and get there as often as we can.
- [The Tactical & The Practical – A Presentation by Jonathan Waters](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/the-tactical-and-the-practical/): A 30-minute video presentation and Q&A for The FD & CFO Centre from My Inhouse Lawyer: The Tactical & The Practical
- [Law Report](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/law-report/): LexisNexus Law Report - My Inhouse Lawyer
- [Helen Littlewood](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/helen-littlewood/): I love making a difference for the companies I work with and seeing a company flourish. Being involved in a company’s journey, making a difference, and seeing the results makes me love what I do..I am an experienced employment lawyer and I have been working in traditional law firms for over 13 years. I am passionate about My Inhouse Lawyer. I believe our approach gives business leaders a much more refined solution than the traditional law firm approach and that we can make a huge difference. I’ve worked with a range of organisations from sole traders, to SMEs and PLCs and I bring a personable pragmatic approach to everything I do. I’m excited to embark on my new role helping to bring My Inhouse Lawyer to the North.My family and two young children keep me very active! You can usually find us outdoors playing sports. I have a passion for horse riding which, I am glad to say, my children both share.
- [Chris Groves](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/chris-groves/): I am at my best working closely with business teams to really understand their strategic objectives, which enables me to provide the best practical support and identify sound solutions to any legal or regulatory challenges they face. I enjoy working as part of a team, leveraging my experience but always willing to learn and improve.I trained at Norton Rose before moving inhouse to Shell International working as a corporate lawyer for 5 years. For the last 20 or so years I have worked mainly in the technology, media and telecoms sectors, I was Deputy General Counsel for Orange SA where I also headed up their M&A Team and supported over 20 operations worldwide. I then spent 10 years at Turner Broadcasting where I was EMEA General Counsel and then 3 years as a general manager, which helped me to be more rounded as a lawyer. More recently, I was Chief Legal Officer of a Dutch Telco wholesale telco business and have also supported a Ugandan based tech company.I live in South East London, with my wife Lesley, and our three children. I love spending time with them and am always trying to improve the quality and variety of food that I cook for us. I am also trying to spend some time improving my tennis playing skills at our local club. For most of my career I have travelled fairly extensively, and now that is largely over I am focusing on some community projects. I have just been appointed to the Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Brixton, and recently completed my training as a restorative justice facilitator.
- [Book an Introductory Call](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/introductory-call/)
- [Alex Melrose](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/alex-melrose/): I love working with businesses to help them succeed and growing those relationships so I’m part of the team. I have a practical, positive approach and focus on supporting and creating opportunity wherever possible. I'm always ready to roll up my sleeves to get stuck into a challenge, however big or small!I've worked inhouse for the majority of my career having started life as an M&A lawyer at Linklaters, one of the leading firms. I am a generalist and have experience advising on a wide variety of issues at board level across a number of sectors, most recently in luxury retail at Selfridges but also in support services, facilities management, commercial property and oil & gas. I've worked increasingly with businesses and executive teams who have sustainability at their core and on initiatives to support the increased awareness of social and environmental responsibilities. Alongside my time as a lawyer I am involved with a small, disruptive wine business focussed on bringing wine-on-tap to the UK and reducing the industry's carbon footprint.I spend time with my wife Lara, our two girls and a new dog. I am also renewing my love of fishing since moving out of London and have a near-obsessive interest in wine and France. I try to combine these last two as frequently as possible and over the last couple of years have been helping to restore an old patch of vines in Provence. We made our first wine in 2019!
- [Anecdotes](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/anecdotes/): These Anecdotes are tales from the front line. Things our team has come across, in the practice of law, which we are sure business leaders will want to know. The purpose is really about highlighting practical gems which you wouldn’t get from AI or a web search
- [Lawskool](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/library/): In this section you’ll find a treasure chest of knowledge and insight. All our articles in one place for your convenience.
- [Hot Topics](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-hot-topics/): In this section you’ll find a selection of articles which are topical right now.
- [Premises](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-premises/): Premises & Commercial Real Estate is one of 9 core areas where we could make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. There are broadly two ways to think of this: (i) Multi-site, or where buying sites / premises is a fundamental component of your core business (for example retail, developers, leasing, events and storage businesses) or (ii) acquiring sites for mainly office use.
- [People](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-people/): People is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. People is a wide subject. It includes everything from employees to freelancers, subcontractors, advisers, shareholders, directors and non-execs. It even includes the people who might become shareholders at some point in the future (the spouses of your existing shareholders for example) and investors. It’s almost everyone in your daily ecosystem. The people who are helping you build your empire. In each case, you’ll want to think about how best to regulate the relationship. What boundaries to set. Who does what and what happens when things end or go wrong.
- [M&A and Financing](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/ma-and-financing/): M&A and financing is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. We talk about this as the journey from start-up, to scale-up to a grown-up business. At each stage you’ll have different financing needs. You might be bringing on early stage investors. You might be bringing on growth capital. It could be pure debt, pure equity or a combination of both such as a convertible loan note. Some of this will depend on whether you choose to grow organically or buy acquiring smaller businesses. You might be dealing with lenders, angel investors or VC firms.
- [IP](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-ip/): Intellectual Property is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. It’s a wide subject and there are many types of IP. There is also the proprietary side which is about registering your IP rights. And the licensing side which is about using your IP to create revenue.
- [Exit Readiness](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/exit-readiness/): Exit readiness is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. When is the right time to start preparing your business for sale if you’re planning an exit? There are two answers to this.
- [Disputes](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-disputes/): Disputes is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. Few people like confrontation and no one likes a dispute but they can happen from time to time. At these times, it helps to have someone who knows how to nip it in the bud and prevent an escalation. This is often about getting the right help at the right time.
- [Webinar – Primer on Redundancy & Dismissals](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/webinar-primer-on-redundancy-dismissals/): An overview for companies looking at their options in light of Covid-19In this presentation by Jonathan Waters, we cover the Job Support Scheme, Redundancy and avoiding pitfalls, alternatives to redundancy, unfair dismissals (what it is, claims, pitfalls), constructive & wrongful dismissal and return to work issues.
- [Risk & Compliance](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/risk-and-compliance/): Risk, Governance and Compliance is one of 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers. There are many aspects to this topic. Some of it is about regulating risk in your contracts and deal doing. Some is about corporate housekeeping – board meetings and shareholder comms. Increasingly it’s about being able to demonstrate that you are compliant with things like Data Protection, Financial Crime, Modern Slavery and so on.
- [Supply](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/supply/): Supply is one of the 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers.
- [Sales](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/sales/): Sales is one of the 9 core areas where we can make a positive difference to your business. In this section you’ll find some insight and tips from our top inhouse lawyers.
- [Lawskool](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/lawskool-for-smes/): If you ever watched a legal drama and imagined yourself a lawyer or wished you understood some basics so you could be shrewder in your business deals, you’ve come to the right place. Lawskool is your chance to learn from some of the best inhouse legal minds around. Plenty of practical tips and insight. All designed for a short read. But if you’d rather talk than read, give us a call on 0207 939 3959 or book a call with us using one of the buttons below
- [What Our Clients Think](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/what-our-clients-think/): It starts with a conversation about you.  What you want and the experience you're looking for
- [Webinar – A Primer on Redundancy & Dismissals](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/webinar-redundancy-and-dismissals/): An overview for companies looking at their options in light of Covid-19In this presentation by Jonathan Waters, we cover the Job Support Scheme, Redundancy and avoiding pitfalls, alternatives to redundancy, unfair dismissals (what it is, claims, pitfalls), constructive & wrongful dismissal and return to work issues.
- [Imagine Video](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/imagine-video/): It starts with a conversation about you.  What you want and the experience you're looking for
- [Inhouse delivers better outcomes](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/inhouse-delivers-better-outcomes/): It starts with a conversation about you.  What you want and the experience you're looking for
- [Market is moving towards inhouse](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/market-is-moving-towards-inhouse/): It starts with a conversation about you.  What you want and the experience you're looking for
- [A compelling alternative to traditional law firms](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/a-compelling-alternative-to-traditional-law-firms/): It starts with a conversation about you.  What you want and the experience you're looking for
- [Employment | Return to work](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/employment-return-to-work/): This video presentation and Q&A for the FD Centre from our friends at My Inhouse Lawyer covers employment law issues surrounding “returning to work” in the context of Covid-19.  In 30 minutes, Jonathan Waters covers the following areas:
- [test](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/test/)
- [Blog](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/blog/)
- [Disputes | Alternative Dispute Resolution](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/disputes-adr/): An introduction by Andy Collier
- [AML Presentation – Letting Agents](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/anti-money-laundering-presentation/): Money laundering and terrorist financing risks and how to be compliant with current regulations.In this presentation by Corinna Venturi, we help agents understand the money laundering and terrorist financing risks to their industry and how to be compliant with the current regulations. We also explain the January 2020 regulatory updates and what needs to be done prior to HMRC registration.
- [James McLeod](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/james-mcleod/): Being sole legal Counsel for an entrepreneurial SME for the last seven years has been incredibly exciting. I love being integral in taking issues from the CEO to free him up to grow and change the company. The sheer variety of issues has been amazing - I love the daily challenge of getting stuck into all kinds of different matters, however familiar or new they may beIn my inhouse time I've worked on resolving all kinds of issues - legal, compliance, HR and employment, governance and commercial matters, always with a view to getting a practical response to the CEO/CFO in their response-need time (often "I want this yesterday"). These issues have included virtually  anything, from high-falutin' technical financial services and compliance questions to HR niggles and everything in between. Before then my time at SJ Berwin and Herbert Smith gave me working experience of corporate matters such as M&A as well as pensions & employment mattersSettled in Sherborne in Dorset with fiancee, two Border Terriers and a cat, I’m developing and improving an old house, and in term-time singing in the Sherborne Abbey Choir (three services per week, plus rehearsals and plenty of weddings in the summer). Plenty to keep me busy.
- [Jonathan Waters](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/jonathan-waters/): I love the buzz of working within an organisation and seeing things through from beginning to end. To me, being an inhouse lawyer is all about finding commercial and practical solutions to problems. I particularly enjoy client presentations and, in doing so, have earned a reputation for making the law simple, understandable and, believe it or not, fun!I have been an in house lawyer for over 30 years and have worked for a diverse range of clients, from SMEs to listed companies. I qualified as a barrister in 1990. In addition, I am also a qualified arbitrator and registered mediator. In the last year, I have been privileged to have received 4 national awards for my legal expertise and have previously been included in The Lawyer Magazine ‘Hot 100’ lawyers. I specialise in employment law, dispute resolution (arbitration and mediation) and commercial contracts and have lectured internationally on these subjects. My employment law experience is wide ranging and includes advice on disciplinary, grievance and dismissals, discrimination, TUPE, redundancy consultation, selection and implementation and the variation of contractual terms, amongst many other things! I also represent clients at Employment Tribunals and at the Employment Appeal Tribunal.  During my career I have dealt with a number of high level, reported, legal cases in the courts including; breach of directors duties (in particular, the duties owed, by a non executive director, to their company), employment references (what is a ‘satisfactory reference’ and who decides?), race discrimination (overturning a then record award of compensation of £815k in the Supreme Court) and the extent to which an arbitrator must disclose an interest in arbitration proceedings”. I have extensive business, senior management and legal experience have worked as a General Counsel in a number of sectors, including insurance, leisure/hotel/retail, healthcare and, latterly, soft commodities. I am currently Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee of a company involved in the education sector.My passion is football - both playing (more goal hanging at my age !) and watching my local team - Colchester United, where I have been a season ticket holder for many years. I’m also a petrol head, having owned numerous classic cars (30 at the last count). My daily driver is 1964 Rover P4. Another passion is history, particularly, the First World War.
- [Covid-19](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/covid-19/): Information on Covid-19 is spreading much like the virus itself. There’s a lot to read and things are changing fast. If you’d like to talk rather than read, please get in touch. Below are our responses to some of the questions you’re asking us set out against our 9 rings for ease.  Please note what we're sharing here is not legal advice; given how quickly things are changing we invite you to give us a call
- [Rated People Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/rated-case-study/): Everyone’s heard of Rated People and many of us have used them for our home improvement projects. Rated People is a venture backed fast growth technology business. It was an early disrupter as one of the first marketplace platforms connecting homeowners with a home improvement need to tradesman able to help. The idea was to add quality where there is little regulation of the trade industries. They are the no 1 online marketplace in this sector with over 50,000 tradespeople using their site and over 1,000,000 jobs are posted every year and growingWe’ve been working with Rated People for 2 years. We were brought in by the CFO as he was managing law firms himself and was spread too thin. They had been using 3 law firms and wanted to manage costs better and coordinate activities. We lead their GDPR program, have helped with employment issues, litigation support and we coordinate all the legal work as a GC wouldMy Inhouse lawyer have given us exactly what we need - senior people who know our business and leadership team really well and are to hand when we need them to be.  Really responsive and nice people to work with too.  They've provided us with the right level of legal support, a resource that can be there when needed but also scaled back in quieter periods. They’re also happy to get involved and really seem to be invested in the business on a personal level, much more than I expected of an outsourced service
- [Rich Hinchliffe](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/richard-hinchliffe/): I thrive – and hope my clients do too - in situations where people put trust in me to de-mystify the sometimes murky “Law” and take sensible, commercial, smart decisions to move businesses forward. I work as a partner rather than someone from the outside, taking time to properly understand how companies work and what make them tickI have spent many years on both sides of the fence – private practice and inhouse - so have a blend of experience that works well for my role at My Inhouse Lawyer. My career splits up neatly; first was City firm training, hard yards in London private practice, then as a Partner, specialising in corporate and commercial work. In the middle came 7 years in Brussels, cutting my teeth as a consultant lawyer.  Latterly I joined the inhouse ranks at global multi-national Nielsen, where I was European General Counsel leading a large pan-European team. I have a wealth of experience covering all the inhouse bases with particular experience in M&A, all aspects of commercial contracting, employment, legal aspects of big (and small!) data and anti-trustYou will probably find me on a bike, looking for the nearest hill to conquer or letting off steam torturing my trusty old bass guitar (you can catch my band, DNR, at all good venues across Hertfordshire….)
- [Business Development](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/relationship-director/): Our purpose is to vastly improve the way SMEs experience the legal profession. Currently SMEs don’t necessarily get the best experience across the board. By their own account, many find traditional law firms to be detached, out of touch with their business reality, slow to respond, poor value and lacking in follow through. Our purpose is to elevate the conversation. We don’t just overcome existing shortcomings. We deliver a client experience that SMEs love. If you want to be a part of our story, we look forward to hearing from youOur purpose is achieved by delivering a genuinely responsive, flexible inhouse, one-stop legal and compliance experience. Something tailored for each client releasing them from the pressures of doing legal and compliance work and creating freedom for their growth with a conscious application of our values of fairness, freedom, oneness and growthWe work exclusively with ambitious SMEs. This includes well-funded start-ups as well as businesses turning over between £2m and £250m. Many of our clients are turning over around £10-50m. They are fast-growing companies looking for a better solution for their business than traditional law firms can offer. They’ll never need an employed inhouse lawyer but love the way we work with them (as opposed to traditional law firms) because our model is designed with them in mind. If you want to work 9-5 with a large corporate, we aren’t for youYou’ll mainly help us with business development activities, yet you’ll also help ensure clients receive an on-value experience and you'll join in team based activities. For this role, ideally you’ll be a lawyer or an MD or sales director who has worked with inhouse lawyers with a proven track record of building up a client following.  You will have the freedom to plan your own schedule with a strong focus on results, client experience and teamship
- [Inhouse Lawyer](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyer/): Our purpose is to vastly improve the way SMEs experience the legal profession. Currently SMEs don’t necessarily get the best experience across the board. By their own account, many find traditional law firms to be detached, out of touch with their business reality, slow to respond, poor value and lacking in follow through. Our purpose is to elevate the conversation. We don’t just overcome existing shortcomings. We deliver a client experience that SMEs love. If you want to be a part of our story, we look forward to hearing from youOur purpose is achieved by delivering a genuinely responsive, fractional inhouse, one-stop legal and compliance experience. Something tailored for each client releasing them from the pressures of doing legal and compliance work and creating freedom for their growth with a conscious application of our values of fairness, freedom, oneness and growthWe work with ambitious SMEs. This includes well-funded start-ups as well as businesses turning over between £2m and £250m. Many of our clients are turning over around £10-50m. They are fast-growing companies looking for a better solution for their business than traditional law firms can offer. They may never need  to employ an inhouse lawyer but love the way we work with them because our fractional lawyering model is designed with them in mind. If you want to work 9-5 with a large corporate, we aren’t for youAs a Principal, you will mainly be engaged in working with our clients yet the role and your contribution is wider. For example, you’ll help to find and win business, you'll deliver a consistent, on-value and on-brand client experience, and engage fully in the team culture. For this role, being a good legal counsel is only the start.  You'll be looking after a portfolio of our clients so you’ll also be a self-manager, organised and responsive  For our team we look for people with humility, a willingness to learn and a positive outlook.  You will have the freedom to plan your own schedule with a strong focus on results, client experience and teamship
- [Values We Live By](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/values-we-live-by/): You hear people say that life isn’t fair. Yet fairness dwells in the choices we make. Business can help to shape the world. The way we do business can have an impact. And it’s up to us to be a force for change. With intent and purpose. In treating our clients, partners and team fairly, we set an example. We create a possibility that they will see it and pass it forward…and pass it forward again like a wave rolling across an ocean. This is how all movements begin. Simple ideas, everyone understands creating the change we choose to see in the world
- [GMAC Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/case-study-gmac/): GMAC provides solutions to business schools and candidates to help them discover and evaluate each other. If you ever considered doing an MBA, you will have heard of the GMAT because it is the most widely used exam for business school admission with 9 out of 10 business school enrollment programs using the GMAT score. Headquartered in the United States, GMAC is the non-profit business that owns and administers the GMAT. It has evolved into a global business with offices in the UK, India and Hong KongWhenever Robin has a question for the UK, she’ll reach out to us. We then bring in the right people from the My Inhouse Lawyer team to do the work or connect Robin and her team to the right people in My Inhouse Lawyer’s broader network for anything that’s non-legal.  Examples include helping out on privacy, IP and employment law, the goal being to help GMAC protect its interests in the UK and help harmonise the group-wide legalities so there is, as far as the law allows, consistency between the UK subsidiaries and the US.  It’s a great example of how we support companies outside of the UK with interests in the UKTwiggy, Thank you for the delicious tea and crumpets and for the insightful conversation.  You and your team are fantastic.  We look forward to growing our relationship with you—as we continue to grow
- [Vibration Group Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/case-study-vibration-group/): The Vibration group is a collective of event businesses formed to reflect the way clients buy event services – specialists teams who are best in class. It supplies some of the event industry’s most important brands and agencies by providing high quality production, people, entertainment, venues and place-making services. If you’re an event goer, you’ll likely have come across Vibration without knowing it. The club nights at their Printworks venue are the stuff of legendBefore us, Vibration group had been working with a freelancer and a number of law firms.  They wanted a more joined up solution. Initially Kelli from our team supported Simon the Group CEO on commercial aspects across the collective of businesses. Later as the relationship deepened we designed a multi-team solution to help them get the best results fast and reduce their external legal spend.  Recently we brought in Yinan for a transaction, and having done a great job, she now works with Broadwick one of the collective of businesses.  Susan, our commercial real estate specialist, helps with venue acquisition and Robin helped with IP.  As part of our fast-tracking sales program, we also introduced a  legal-tech solution to them looking to create a more low-touch contract signing processThey really know our various businesses and are now very much part of our team.  The service we receive is incredible - really hands-on. And they’ve pretty much paid for themselves by reducing our external legal spend. Couldn’t be happier!
- [Gama Healthcare Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/case-study-gama-healthcare/): Gama is all about infection, prevention and control. It’s another of the market-leading businesses we support that’s probably touched our lives without our knowing it. They help professional healthcare institutions keep infections at bay and are on a mission to reduce worldwide infections by offering the best innovative solutions. Gama is a global healthcare company with 200 staff across the UK, Australia and China and sells to over 60 countries through their distribution network. In a bid to be at the cutting edge of IPC science and innovation, they also have a dedicated R&D division tasked with creating cutting edge productsWhen we first met Gama, it was around the time of the GDPR in 2018. As a fast growth company, they had a lot on and were looking for practical expertise to help with implementing the GDPR. We kicked off with a tailored program including guided fact-finding sessions with key business units, a gap analysis, a roadmap for implementation including drafting policies that fit existing business processes and creating a How-To programme to transfer knowledge directly to their employed teams. Knowledge transfer is something we’re passionate about as we’re empowering our clients to DIY long after we’re gone. After the program concluded, we were asked to stay on and get more involved in implementation.  We are their go-to source for all things privacy and priv-tech relatedThe MIL approach has been excellent. From the start, they’ve been keen to transfer knowledge to our teams so that we are empowered to self-implement, even though this would mean less work for them. Because of this, we have built up a lot of trust in them. Abigail’s knowledge and approach has been excellent. It’s unusual to find a privacy expert who combines the legal side with the technical and who is practical too. The service has been really responsive and anytime I need to, I know I can pick up the phone to Twiggy to talk over broader areas. It really feels like we’re in it together. Very happy to have found them and looking forward to working together as we grow
- [Shenton Group Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/case-study-shenton-group/): Shenton Group is the UK’s leading technical expert in continuous power solutions. It’s likely they’ve touched all our lives at some point because these are the guys who keep the lights on 24-7, all around the UK when there is a power failure. When we met with MD Jody Meeks a few years ago, there was no specific need for us. Jody had been using law firms until then and they were fine. Yet instinctively Jody felt they’d be better off working with senior people who really understood his business and he liked our concept enough to give us a try. We’ve been working together ever sinceFor Shenton Group, we put our Flex solution in place as we didn’t know how much they’d need us. Yet as our relationship deepened, it’s evolved in to more of a monthly engagement.  Chris is mainly the go-to source for contract advice and negotiation. He deals with contracts of all shapes and sizes, where they are complex, lengthy, a customer requires something unusual or just where the senior manager has enough on his plate already. Shenton will often be engaged in regional framework agreements where they are having to swallow a lot of heavy-duty documentation. Chris is there to reduce their risk and, where necessary, to negotiate directly with the legal department on the other side of the tableI absolutely love the solution. It's hands down one of the best I’ve come across and much better than what we had in place before. Chris is a great to work with, he has a good knowledge of our business, industry and team.  It’s great to be able to reach out to Twiggy on things as well and that she checks-in with us from a client experience point of view. Highly recommend working with these guys
- [Corinna Venturi](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/corinna-venturi/): I love to simplify, educate and take the (compliance) worries away. I’m interested in providing risk-appropriate Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance solutions for our clients. In other words, it’s about being practical and realistic as opposed to gold-plating. I also like to go beyond just creating policies and hold knowledge transfer workshops with our clients so they truly understand what to do and how to do it after I’ve set them upA highly experienced AML compliance specialist for 13 years with over 20 years in various trust and financial services firms, my most recent role was MLRO and Head of Compliance for Vistra, one of the largest corporate service providers in the world. I am a Fellow of the International Compliance Association, have a diploma in Financial Crime and have acted in MLRO (SMF17) and Compliance Oversight (SMF16) capacities at a number of firms. I am a compliance all-rounder with particular expertise in  AML Compliance, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, and Fintech. The sorts of businesses who’ll seek out my expertise include Trust and Corporate Service Providers, Financial Services Firms, Estate Agents, Lettings Agents, Art Market Participants (Fine Art Dealers)I live in West London and enjoy running, snowboarding and big, Italian family parties
- [Kelli Read](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/kelli-read/): I love working with dynamic SME management teams to build strong collaborative partnerships where I can have a real and direct impact to help deliver breakthrough business achievements. I especially love that each day brings new challenges and new opportunities to think flexibly and offer holistic business solutions, not just to impart legal responsesI am delighted to work closely with a number of SMEs protecting their bottom line and proactively identifying opportunities to create value and facilitate growth. When people ask what I do, I say that I’m a reformed lawyer bringing a combination of simple common sense, sound commercial judgement and collaborative management experience to the table – long before legal ink ever hits paper.  Following a start in private practice, I was bitten by the inhouse bug and for the past 20 years,  I’ve been in General/Senior Counsel roles in a variety of environments – often highly regulated - including investment banking, private equity, professional services, technology services, healthcare and education. I am a generalist with the breadth and depth of experience to understand the drivers of strong performance and navigate new challenges with curiosity and convictionOriginally from Australia, I made my home in West London over 25 years ago. I’m an avid and intrepid traveller but am yet to venture to Antarctica in the footsteps of my Dad
- [Robin Hassan](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/robin-hassan/): I see my role as the trusted right-hand to the business, collaborating with colleagues to work out solutions to the daily issues facing every business. I build that trust on the foundation of a balance of sound judgement, a relaxed, calm and methodical approach and a passion for truly understanding the business I am working with and its attitude to risk in any given situationI work with SME businesses across a diverse range of markets helping to protect the value of their IP assets, manage their workforce, obtain funding, navigate the changes to data protection, streamline and negotiate supplier, customer and procurement agreements as well as providing strategic guidance on potential business opportunities.  I'm an experienced barrister and bring over 23 years’ experience. I joined Sky in its infancy and rose up to Director of Legal. In that role, I led a team of 24 specialising in technology, telecoms and advertising sales, broadcast content clearance, intellectual property and litigation. I was on the Sky leadership team providing strategic input on all aspects of Sky’s businessIn between acting as a taxi service to our three children, I like to keep active. I can usually be found on two wheels pedalling, with friends through the Berkshire countryside or on the slopes of a mountain. Failing that, you might like to look amongst the wood shavings in the workshop
- [Nicola Proudlock](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/nicola-proudlock/): There is no space for innovation where everyone thinks in the same way. One of the things I love about supporting our SME clients is being able to make a unique contribution, in a way that really makes a positive difference to management. For me, it’s not just what you know, it’s how you approach things that matters…and that means having a client’s best interests at heartI’ve been supporting growing businesses as a lawyer for over 20 years. I worked in law firms before moving inhouse, working with technology, biotech and pharma businesses such as Shire and Pfizer. I’ve worked at a senior level in global businesses, have a good breadth of general counsel experience, plenty of strategic and transactional exposure, and enjoy being properly hands-on with SMEs. A strong all-round generalist, with particular expertise in Technology, Life Sciences, IP & transactional IPI live in Hampshire in the South Downs, have grown-up kids, and am mad about the great outdoors, health and fitness. I do triathlon training “for fun”, and have been known to swim silly distances in lakes and rivers. I also love mobile photography and growing (and eating) my own garden produce
- [Caroline Lueder](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/caroline-lueder/): Working with SMEs has brought a completely new dimension to being a lawyer. No two days are the same, I love the variety and the buzz of activity. My clients are an amazing bunch. I really enjoy being on the journey with them, learning about their businesses, being able to give them access to the type of legal support usually only available to large companies and helping them find solutions to their commercial and legal problemsI’ve been a corporate-commercial lawyer for over 25 years, with my first 13 years at leading City law firm Simmons & Simmons. My desire to be closer to business led me to move inhouse – at first to Electronic Data Systems (now HP) and then 7 years at Colt Telecom where as VP of Commercial Legal Affairs, I ran a team of 26 international lawyers, worked on Colt’s most high value/strategic deals and simplified the team’s delivery of internal legal services. I’m bilingual (French/English) and a Company Secretary with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). My approach is all about being responsive, practical and creating strong relationshipsI live in West Hampstead, London. I have two grown-up kids and a much-loved 7 year old mischievous Labrador called Toby. I love taking long country walks with my husband and am all about having a positive mindset
- [Wendy McKenzie](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/wendy-mckenzie/): I love supporting the business on finance and accounting and keeping things simple for our rapidly growing client base. I’ve been working within financial accounts & payroll for over 20 years and have a keen interest in technology to make things more efficientA part-qualified Accountant & Certified Technical Accountant, I started in my father’s business at 16 then studied accountancy at college and have been responsible for financial accounts & payroll of various SMEsMy main passion is scuba diving. Mainly diving wrecks and with sharks (not at the same time)
- [Ed Harding](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/ed-harding/): My Inhouse Lawyer was born out of a desire to provide SMEs with the kind of common sense legal advice I typically found was given by inhouse lawyers at some of the larger companies I worked in.  I love spending time with founders to understand their businesses, their ambitions and challenges and trying to connect them to people and opportunities I come acrossI’m a founder of the business responsible for Sales, Finance, Ops, Team and Key Relationships with a particular passion for the application of technology across the legal industry.  I seek out the latest legal tech solutions that can help us help our clients to drive efficiency.
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- [Certino Case Study](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/case-study-certino/): Certino is the world’s first cloud based software solution for shadow payroll automation. Shadow payroll is a fascinating and highly complex area. If you’ve ever worked in a large corporate and had to work abroad, you’ll appreciate the genius of it. When employees of large international businesses work around the globe, they become subject to differing tax regimes which can be a minefield to navigate. This was all done manually before until Certino created proprietary software solution that allows people to pay the right tax, in the right place, at the right time.  What used to take months can now be done accurately within 30 minutesWe met Richard through our friends at Smith & Williamson. Richard has deep expertise in global mobility and international employment tax in particular shadow payroll.  He created Certino to transform the way international companies manage tax liabilities of a mobile workforce by automating the entire process. He’d worked closely with General Counsel in his previous role at Baker Hughes and understood the need to get the right legal help from the start. Our approach which gives access to senior counsel without ownership, suited him very well. Since then, we’ve also brought in other members of the Liberti group to assist the company as it grows. Caroline handles everything from corporate shareholder /investment agreements, to sales agreements, employment contracts, to international aspects to JVs with leading accountancy firms.  We’ve been working together for 3 yearsThroughout my career, I have worked closely with many inhouse lawyers and external law firms and appreciate the value and peace of mind that an exceptional commercial lawyer can bring. When I set up Certino I looked for someone who would not only give advice when asked but who would proactively lead and guide us through the legal aspects of setting up and running a business. My experience with My Inhouse Lawyer has surpassed all my expectations
- [Join](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/join/): Bring your inhouse experience to life as a next-gen fractional lawyer
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- [Twiggy Harding](https://myinhouselawyer.uk/top-inhouse-lawyers/twiggy-harding/): I care about building a beautiful purpose-driven business with a strong culture and great people.  A growth mindset is a large part of what My Inhouse lawyer is about. We're creating a better solution for SMEs than traditional law firms can offer, creating a better way of working for our team, better ways of doing business based on values we can live by and becoming better ourselves each day than we were the day before. Whether you are a client, team member or curious passer-by, welcome. We look forward to meeting you and working with youI am a founder of the business responsible for Strategy, Culture, Brand Experience, Team, Key Relationships. I have a special interest in creating SME appropriate legal solutions. I like to take legal challenges apart, look at them anew and re-stack everything in a way that makes sense for SMEs.
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