Alison Berryman

What does a technology lawyer do?

Great question! Day-to-day, my work usually involves at least one of the following:

• Contract drafting and negotiations. If you're an SME selling to enterprise customers, agreeing contract terms can involve lengthy negotiations and require careful drafting. I ensure that clients’ interests are protected, but always with a focus on getting the deal over the line.
• Regulations, regulations, regulations... every year, tech companies have new rules to comply with. Whether it’s to regulate AI, internet safety, or cyber security, consumer protection or public sector procurement, I help clients identify what’s relevant and what needs to be done.
• Data protection and privacy compliance. This really falls into both of the above categories, but as it’s such a big area, it deserves its own bullet point.

What gives you the edge?

The most frequent (and gratifying) feedback I get from clients is “Well, that was easier than I expected!”

I've worked with hundreds of early-stage, scaling and long-term tech SMEs from every corner of the tech sector. I have helped with everything from legal ‘housekeeping’, to finalising multi-million pound contracts with huge organisations - think major banks, huge international retailers and public sector bodies. I enjoyguiding them through the process and ensuring their businesses don’t take unnecessary risks just because “it’s our standard”.

I love getting my head round complicated tech and data processes, and boiling down what you need to do into a few (relatively) straightforward steps. I never make a mountain out of a molehill.

As well as my clients, many of my close family and friends have owned and held senior roles in start-up and scaling tech companies. I’ve shared a home (at different times) with people who are right in the thick of scaling a tech business, just finished a stint at Y-combinator, working their earn-out at IBM, or in the process of selling to a PE fund. I have seen how each of these phases comes with its own set of stresses - I always do my best to make it feel easier.

Did you always want to be a technology lawyer?

I worked in the music industry while I was a student, and got a job at Universal Music Publishing after graduation. I was hoping to get a foot in the door to become a music lawyer but realised (after a very enjoyable few years going to multiple gigs every week) that music law wasn’t actually as interesting as it looked, and decided to switch to tech. I’ve never looked back.

What do you get up to when you’re not lawyering?

I still love music, and spend a lot of time performing and watching other people perform. I love spending time with my husband and dog. I can (usually) tolerate my teenage children.