EM Law | Commercial Lawyers in Central London

International Commercial Lawyers

Neil Williamson is a Corporate Lawyer

Neil Williamson

Commercial Contracts, Technology and Data Protection

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.

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Our law firm 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.

Our lead lawyer for international law work is Neil Williamson. Examples of his experience:

Software and Technology

  • Drafting and negotiating U.S. reseller arrangements for a UK cloud-based VoIP provider.
  • Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements for the supply of traffic data monitoring services to public authorities in the US.
  • Drafting and negotiating SaaS arrangements for the supply of real estate management services to various banks in Ghana and Kenya.
  • Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreements for the supply of storage facilities for a Hong Kong based client supplying to a major Japanese corporation.
  • Drafting and negotiating SaaS agreement for the supply of customer support services for a Californian-based tech company supplying services in the UK.
  • Providing a suite of SaaS templates for a Danish company supplying training courses around the world.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • Advising a UK engineering consultancy business on the sale of its subsidiary in Vietnam.
  • Advising a Canadian company on the acquisition of a UK business which included branch office operations in Zambian.
  • Advising a UK business on the establishment of subsidiaries / branches in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
  • Advising on the provision of seed funding for a green power project in Ghana (the “Cenpower project”).
  • Advising a company based in Malta on the acquisition of a software asset from a UK business.
  • Advising a Washington-based international consultancy on the restructuring of its operations in the UK.
  • Advising a US-based entity on an EMI scheme to implement in the UK.

Commercial Contracts

  • Advising a super yacht broker on various contracts with counterparties based overseas.
  • Advising a German business on the termination of certain retailer contracts in the UK.
  • Advising an Indian traffic data monitoring business on various joint venture arrangements in the UK as well as standard customer supply contracts.
  • Advising a UK consultancy buisness on a supply of services contract with banks in New Zealand and Australia.

Data Protection

  • Advising a UK based international recruitment business on data protection compliance in the UK and overseas.
  • Advising a UK based international risk advisory practice on data protection compliance in the UK and overseas.
  • Advising a Washington-based international development consultancy on data protection compliance in the UK.
  • Advising an Australian SaaS provider on its data protection obligations in the UK.

Why Choose EM Law for International Commercial law work?

We are an outward looking firm and we particularly enjoy working for clients who are based overseas or who want to do business in foreign jurisdictions. In these circumstances it is especially important to adopt a commercial approach and to be able to draw on first hand experience of working in these markets. National laws of course differ but with our experience we are able to spot areas where local legal advice is or is not needed.

International Commercial Law FAQs

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.

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