Neil is the founder and director of EM Law. He has a broad-based commercial practice advising on a wide range of contracts, data protection compliance and some corporate transactions, particularly in the technology sector, both nationally and internationally. Prior to establishing EM Law in 2013, Neil travelled extensively in the emerging and frontier markets to help negotiate contracts and solve issues on major projects with various governments. He has unique experience in supporting clients in the international development sector having spent many years advising the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and then, since 2013, acting for many UK and international FCDO suppliers.
EM Law | Commercial Lawyers in Central London
International Commercial Lawyers
Neil Williamson
Commercial Contracts, AI, Technology and Data Protection
We are the experts in international commercial law
EM Law helps UK clients do business around the world and we help international clients operate in the UK. As many international contracts are governed by English law we have also advised several clients based in jurisdictions outside the UK on their contractual position with counterparties also based outside the UK.
As well as helping clients do business in the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada our team has supported clients operate in some of the most challenging parts of the world. And not just from our desks. We have unique on-the-ground experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, South-East and Central Asia and Eastern Europe along with connections to key advisers in these regions.
Our international law solicitors have extensive experience working alongside our clients to help win business, negotiate contracts and problem solve in jurisdictions where cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence and resourcefulness are key.
Services provided by our international commercial lawyers
We can assist international businesses or UK businesses looking to operate abroad with any of our practice areas:
- AI. Advising AI developers and businesses looking to procure and utilise AI systems.
- Commercial property. Working with the UK aspects of international commercial property transactions.
- Commercial contracts. Drafting various types of commercial contracts for use within businesses.
- Construction. Advising international businesses looking to construct buildings and infrastructure in the UK.
- Corporate. Advising UK businesses acquiring businesses abroad or international businesses acquiring businesses in the UK.
- Data protection. Helping international businesses with their GDPR obligations.
- Dispute resolution. Working with UK and international businesses resolving disputes with a UK nexus and cross border nexus.
- Employment. Helping UK businesses work with individuals based abroad or international business looking to recruit in the UK.
- Employee share incentives. Advising international businesses and individuals navigate UK-connected employee share incentive schemes.
- International development. Helping the aid-funded sector in the UK and abroad deploy projects and secure funding around the world.
- Media. Advising international businesses advertising in the UK.
- Software & tech. Advising international businesses procure and deploy software solutions from UK suppliers or UK-based suppliers working with international partners.
Our international commercial law experience
Highlights of our international commercial lawyers’ experience:
- Software and technology:
- US reseller arrangements. Drafting and negotiating U.S. reseller arrangements for a UK cloud-based VoIP provider.
- US public authority SaaS agreements. Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements for the supply of traffic data monitoring services to public authorities in the US.
- African real estate SaaS services. Drafting and negotiating SaaS arrangements for the supply of real estate management services to various banks in Ghana and Kenya.
- Hong Kong–Japan SaaS storage services. Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements for the supply of storage facilities for a Hong Kong based client supplying to a major Japanese corporation.
- California–UK SaaS support services. Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreement for the supply of customer support services for a Californian-based tech company supplying services in the UK.
- SaaS templates for a Danish company. Providing a suite of SaaS templates for a Danish company supplying training courses around the world.
- Canada–Somalia tax system procurement. Advising a Canadian business on the procurement of a tax system from an Indian supplier to the Government of Somalia following World Bank and FCDO rules.
- UK software supply to international governments. Supporting a UK business on tenders for and then the supply, implementation, development and licensing of software to several governments in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East and Central Asia.
- Corporate:
- Sale of Vietnamese subsidiary. Advising a UK engineering consultancy business on the sale of its subsidiary in Vietnam.
- Canadian acquisition of UK business. Advising a Canadian company on the acquisition of a UK business which included branch office operations in Zambia.
- UK business overseas expansion. Advising a UK business on the establishment of subsidiaries/branches in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- Ghana green power project funding. Advising on the provision of seed funding for a green power project in Ghana (the “Cenpower project”).
- Malta software asset acquisition. Advising a company based in Malta on the acquisition of a software asset from a UK business.
- Washington consultancy restructuring. Advising a Washington-based international consultancy on the restructuring of its operations in the UK.
- US EMI scheme implementation. Advising a US-based entity on an EMI scheme to implement in the UK.
- Commercial contracts:
- Super yacht broker contracts. Advising a super yacht broker on various contracts with counterparties based overseas.
- German retailer contract terminations. Advising a German business on the termination of certain retailer contracts in the UK.
- Indian traffic data joint ventures. Advising an Indian traffic data monitoring business on various joint venture arrangements in the UK as well as standard customer supply contracts.
- UK consultancy contracts in Australasia. Advising a UK consultancy business on a supply of services contract with banks in New Zealand and Australia.
- Data protection:
- International recruitment business. Advising a UK based international recruitment business on data protection compliance in the UK and overseas.
- Risk advisory practice. Advising a UK based international risk advisory practice on data protection compliance in the UK and overseas.
- US consultancy. Advising a Washington-based international development consultancy on data protection compliance in the UK.
- Australian SaaS provider. Advising an Australian SaaS provider on its data protection obligations in the UK.
Client reviews
Hear from our clients about how our legal expertise has been instrumental in their success: https://emlaw.co.uk/reviews/.
FAQs
Why work with EM Law’s international commercial lawyers?
Because we have extensive experience advising businesses across multiple jurisdictions on complex cross-border matters. From structuring international contracts and joint ventures to supporting overseas expansions, acquisitions, data compliance, and dispute resolution, we deliver clear, commercially focused advice tailored to the realities of global business. Our team combines expertise with a flexible, cost-effective approach, helping clients operate with confidence whether they are entering new markets, managing overseas subsidiaries, or negotiating with international counterparties.
Why is it good for a law firm to be international?
An international law firm provides extensive benefits, including global reach and expertise. It allows the firm to handle cross-border transactions and disputes effectively, offering clients comprehensive legal support across different jurisdictions. This broadens the firm’s market, enhances its ability to attract multinational clients, and provides access to diverse legal perspectives and practices.
What services do international commercial lawyers provide?
International commercial lawyers offer a wide range of services including advising on cross-border transactions, drafting and negotiating international contracts, handling disputes through arbitration or litigation, and ensuring compliance with international trade regulations. They assist clients in navigating the complexities of international business law.
How do international commercial lawyers handle cross-border disputes?
International commercial lawyers manage cross-border disputes by utilising their knowledge of international arbitration, mediation, and litigation. They work to resolve conflicts efficiently by understanding the legal frameworks of different jurisdictions and leveraging international treaties and agreements to protect their clients’ interests.
How are international disputes usually resolved?
Many are resolved through arbitration or mediation, which can be quicker and more flexible than court proceedings. The method depends on what’s written into your contract.
Can EM Law help me expand my business overseas?
Yes. We advise on establishing subsidiaries, branches, or partnerships abroad.
How do different countries’ regulations affect my business?
Every country has its own rules on trade, employment, tax, and data protection. We help you navigate these so your business stays compliant wherever it operates.
Can I use English law for an international agreement?
Yes. English law is often chosen for international contracts because it is clear, business-friendly, and widely respected by courts around the world.
Do I need different contracts for different countries?
Sometimes. A single well-drafted contract can work across borders, but in some cases, local law requires adjustments. We advise on when to adapt and when one agreement is enough.
How do international sanctions affect contracts?
Sanctions can prevent you from trading with certain countries or businesses. We make sure your contracts comply and protect you from liability.
Call our solicitors in London on
+44 (0) 203 637 6374or make an online enquiry to see how we can help you today
