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 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 that 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 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.