James Richardson

42 Oakfield Lane
Bristol, BS8 3PQ
+44 117 945 8267 | james.richardson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jamesrichardson

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Advisor, CCM/Legal Departments
Meridian Capital Group, London
January 2021 – Present

Provide strategic legal advisory services to Corporate Compliance Management (CCM) and Legal Departments on complex commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property matters. Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance contract management processes and ensure adherence to international trade regulations.

• Advise on licensing negotiations, software licensing agreements, and joint development agreements across multiple jurisdictions, facilitating successful cross-border transactions valued at over $50 million annually
• Develop and implement comprehensive contract management systems, reducing contract cycle time by 35% and improving compliance tracking across 200+ active agreements
• Provide expert guidance on export control compliance, customs regulations, and cross-border regulatory frameworks, ensuring full adherence to U.S. and European Union requirements
• Draft and negotiate complex contractual agreements including non-disclosure agreements, buy-sell agreements, and licensing arrangements, protecting organizational interests and mitigating legal risks
• Collaborate with business units on intellectual property strategy, including patent law matters, trademark protection, and trade secrets management
• Lead dispute resolution efforts and provide litigation support for contract disputes, intellectual property infringement claims, and employment law matters
• Conduct legal revision of corporate policies and procedures to ensure compliance with data security protection regulations and evolving legal standards

Senior Legal Counsel
Nexus Technology Solutions, Manchester
March 2017 – December 2020

Managed diverse legal portfolio encompassing corporate law, employment law, and commercial transactions for a multinational technology organization. Provided comprehensive legal support for M&A activities, divestitures, and complex licensing transactions.

• Negotiated and drafted software licensing agreements, joint development agreements, and professional services contracts with aggregate value exceeding $30 million
• Supported three major divestitures and two strategic acquisitions, conducting due diligence and managing transaction documentation from LOI through closing
• Provided day-to-day counsel on employment law matters, including workforce restructuring, executive compensation, and conflict resolution
• Developed training programs on contract negotiation, intellectual property protection, and export control compliance for business stakeholders
• Managed litigation portfolio including oversight of outside counsel, case strategy development, and preparation of pleadings and motions
• Advised on enforcement and sanctions matters related to trade compliance violations

Associate Attorney
Blackstone & Partners LLP, London
June 2013 – February 2017

Provided legal counsel on commercial transactions, intellectual property matters, and corporate governance issues. Supported senior attorneys in complex litigation and appellate practice matters.

• Drafted and negotiated various contractual agreements including licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and vendor contracts
• Conducted legal research and analysis on patent law, trademark law, and trade secrets issues
• Prepared pleadings, motions, and appellate briefs for commercial litigation matters
• Advised clients on corporate law matters including entity formation, governance, and compliance
• Managed contract lifecycle from negotiation through execution and renewal for 100+ commercial agreements
• Provided litigation support including discovery management, witness preparation, and trial assistance

Legal Associate
Thornton & Associates, Birmingham
September 2011 – May 2013

Supported law firm's corporate and intellectual property practice groups in transactional matters and litigation support activities.

• Conducted due diligence reviews for M&A transactions and licensing deals
• Drafted contractual agreements, amendments, and legal memoranda
• Researched intellectual property infringement issues and prepared analysis for client advisement
• Assisted with document drafting for commercial transactions and corporate governance matters
• Supported senior attorneys in contract negotiations and client consultations

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
University of Cambridge, Cambridge
Graduated: May 2011

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of Bristol, Bristol
Graduated: May 2008

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Licensed to practice law in England and Wales, Bar Number: 847652
Admitted: 2011

SKILLS

Legal Practice: Corporate Law, Contract Law, Intellectual Property Law, Employment Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, Trade Secrets, Litigation, Appellate Practice

Transactional: Contract Negotiation, Contract Management, Licensing Negotiations, Software Licensing, M&A Transactions, Divestitures, Cross-border Transactions, Buy-sell Agreements

Compliance & Regulatory: Export Control Compliance, Customs Regulations, Cross-border Regulation, European Union Regulations, Data Security Protection, Enforcement and Sanctions

Legal Operations: Document Drafting, Legal Revision, Pleadings and Motions Drafting, Contract Lifecycle Management, Law Department Management, Litigation Support

Specialized: Non-Disclosure Agreements, Joint Development Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, Intellectual Property Infringement Analysis

Professional: Consulting, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Strategic Advisory

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member, American Bar Association
Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals

LANGUAGES

English (Native)
Spanish (Professional Working Proficiency)