Juliet Nutland

What does a commercial lawyer do?

I draft, negotiate and advise on a variety of complex commercial contracts. My recent experience has focused on assisting Managed Service Providers (particularly emphasis those within the Microsoft Partner network); IT Service Providers; FinTechs and other technology providers.I help SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups win business; whilst ensuring their assets are protected and they are in the best position possible for any potential exit.

I have on behalf of these tech businesses and many other clients (whether SMEs or larger) provided draft template documents and negotiated:Master Services, Managed Services, Professional Services, Consultancy, Partner, Outsourcing (G-Cloud and other Government Framework) agreements; and assisted with the resolution of contractual disputes.

On the regulatory side, I advise clients on the implications of DORA on their services and related financial regulations, the EU AI Act.I also help clients comply with data protection and privacy requirements.

What gives you the edge?

I ran my own franchise business so I have business owner experience (separate to that of being a Partner in a law firm).

I also have extensive in-house legal experience, having trained at a FTSE-250 technology company and later worked as sole In-house Counsel at a FinTech (which had a successful exit), as well as being seconded to the in-house legal team of an online HR platform for 5 months.As such, my advice is practical and commercially focused.

I also spent many years advising on Intellectual Property (Copyright and Trademark) and commercial litigation so I can help resolve such disputes before they get as far as actual litigation.

Did you always want to be a lawyer?

Not initially 😊I began with a psychology degree and considered other careers; educational psychology or working with children.I achieved that goal when I successfully ran and then sold, a franchise offering music and movement classes to babies and pre-school children – and loved it! But I enjoy the problem-solving nature of legal work and helping young ambitious businesses grow.

I discovered law whilst working within an Electronics and IT team at a FTSE-250 company in a support role, assisting on transactions acquiring and licensing Intellectual Property.I enjoyed the challenge of negotiating an outcome hat worked for both parties, and so decided to train and qualify as a lawyer.

What do you get up to when you’re not lawyering?

I have a built up a fantastic coat collection which I appreciate the autumn and winter for; I love spending time with my friends, both near and far, and of course spending time with my family including my miniature dachshund and going on (appropriately sized) walks.I regularly enjoy playing tennis - with all the skill of a novice middle aged woman.I am a member of the obligatory book club.