I am a partner in our International Dispute Resolution Group in London where I specialise primarily in resolving disputes arising out of franchise, licence, distribution and agency agreements.
With deep expertise of acting for clients in the retail, hotel & leisure and food & beverage sectors, I advise companies who have expanded - in the UK and abroad - via multi-channel strategies, including franchising, licensing, distribution and agency relationships, on all stages of the dispute avoidance and resolution process.
I regularly work with our clients on pre-contractual disclosure documents and audits of recruitment materials (to minimise the exposure to misrepresentation and breach of contract claims) and advise on termination rights; managing franchisee/licensee performance issues; and strategies to avoid the escalation of network-wide franchisee/licensee unrest as well as supply chain issues and management and general dispute avoidance strategy advice.
I advise clients on the protection of their trade secrets, know-how and goodwill from exploitation by former franchisees or licensees, including enforcing post-termination obligations and restrictions through injunctive relief.
I have extensive experience of mediation, litigation and arbitration and, in addition to my significant UK disputes expertise, I advise clients on cross border disputes arising from their global multi-channel expansion programmes.
I am a regular contributor to industry publications and often speak at trade events and seminars.