Anna Ward

Anna Ward

Partner

[email protected] LinkedIn
Role
Partner (Solicitor)
Qualified
England & Wales, 2013
Specialisms
Commercial Contracts, Intellectual Property, Data Protection
Career in one sentence
Commercial Lawyer with many years’ experience in Commercial, Intellectual Property and Data Protection roles, helping clients navigate legal risks, negotiate effectively and stay compliant with regulatory requirements—particularly in the tech and digital sectors.

What does a commercial, IP and data protection lawyer do?

Lots of different things! It mainly revolves around:

  • Negotiating and drafting commercial agreements – whether it be with suppliers, re-sellers, consultants, customers or others
  • Preparing standard terms such as end user licence agreements, customer terms of service, data processing agreements and other business terms
  • Helping clients to comply with data protection legislation and other regulatory requirements in the tech space.

I spend a lot of time talking to my clients, helping them to understand what they need, and guiding them through the tasks mentioned above. I take a pragmatic, collaborative approach, often preferring a quick phone call over dozens of email exchanges!

What gives you the edge?

I spent over 10 years as an intellectual property and commercial litigation lawyer, which helps me to spot (and avoid!) contractual issues that might result in a fall out down the line. My background in trade marks, brands and copyright also ensures that I have a close eye on clients’ innovations and brand assets.

Did you always want to be a commercial lawyer?

No! I studied French at university, with no real idea of where that would take me. It was only in my final year that I began to consider law, with a vague notion that litigating high profile disputes would be an exciting and rewarding career path.

I wasn’t completely wrong. However, after a decade of sparring with opposite numbers in fast-paced and highly stressful disputes, I realised that what I really enjoy is working collaboratively with others towards a common goal – not attacking opposite parties’ arguments and waiting for them to do the same to mine. That led me to switch my focus to non-contentious commercial, IP and data protection work, which I love!

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

I spend most of my spare time with my two small children, exploring the outdoors and embracing the chaos of life with a 3 and 5 year old.

When I have a moment to myself, I usually head out for a run or a hike, or catch up with friends at a local tap room.