We’re pleased to welcome James Peel as a partner in the commercial and intellectual property (IP) department, strengthening further our offering in this area across the region and beyond.

James specialises in commercial contracts and data protection, advising clients on practical, tailored contractual solutions to support their day-to-day operations and longer-term objectives.

James’s work includes supply and outsourcing contracts, IP licensing agreements and IT contracts, alongside advising on data protection compliance matters; policy documentation; responses to subject access requests; and freedom of information law issues.

He has particular experience in supporting clients in the education sector, particularly on funding agreements and related compliance, drafting contracts for education collaboration arrangements, and negotiating agreements with other providers, funders and commercial organisations.

Katy Hansom, partner, and head of the commercial and IP department at Andrew Jackson, said: –

“James’s appointment is a really positive step for the team, and for our clients. He brings a strong mix of commercial contracts and data protection expertise, together with a deep understanding of the education sector. As regulatory and contractual issues continue to grow in complexity, having additional breadth of experience at partner level is hugely valuable.”

James added:- “Andrew Jackson has a strong reputation for providing clear, commercial advice that genuinely supports businesses. I’m very pleased to join the firm as a partner, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to help clients navigate their commercial and regulatory challenges.”

The strength of Andrew Jackson’s corporate and commercial practice is independently recognised by The Legal 500, a leading guide to the UK legal profession, where it has remained top ranked for several years. The guide describes the firm as “‘proactive and very responsive’, with vast experience of advising clients on complex international transactions”.

The announcement of James’s role follows the recent appointment of Keith Benton, who also joined the firm’s commercial and IP department as a partner. The team now comprises three partners who are ably supported by a further two experienced fee earners.