Declan Goodwin > Acuity Law > Cardiff, United Kingdom > Lawyer Profile

Acuity Law‘s commercial and technology team services a strong and growing roster of clients in the sector across a myriad of their commercial contract and transactional needs. Team lead Declan Goodwin is well versed in advising early-stage as well as mature tech companies, including recently helping a number of greentech companies on the drafting of their commercial contracts with customers. The firm’s growing emphasis on servicing start-ups has also led to a separate internal sector team, headed by corporate partner Tom Saunderson, which aims to concentrate resources throughout the firm to help start-ups grow their businesses through funding, assist with their operational needs and advise on any exit strategies, should this be required. Rachelle Sellek advises on a variety of commercial contracts in the sector, particularly supply agreements, as well as data compliance for tech clients.

Based out of Cardiff but by no means limited to work in the immediate geographical vicinity, Acuity Law provides ‘pragmatic and sensible advice’ to regional, national and international businesses across a wide range of transactional and commercial contractual matters. Drawing upon an ‘innate commercial instinct of when to push and when to keep things in reserve’, Christian Farrrow is a popular choice among financial services and energy-based clients, in particular, which are appreciative not only of his ‘impressive knowledge of the relevant law and the sector’ but also his very effective use of innovative technology to streamline the process. The healthcare sector also remains a fertile source of work for the team, with Beverley Jones, Jon Lawley and Phillip Pugh all regularly engaged in transactions in the space, including advice to care home operators on their M&A activity. Promoted to partner in June 2023, the ‘very able’ Tom Saunderson is ‘totally pragmatic’ and continues to gain traction among start-ups, in particular, as they grow their businesses through venture capital funding. Paul Lowe has developed a strong reputation advising on M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including on cross-border matters, and along with firm chair Stephen Berry brings a large measure of institutional knowledge to bear as a result of their many years in private practice. Jones and Farrow co-head the corporate team, while Declan Goodwin  takes the lead on the commercial front.

Overseen by commercial and technology head Declan Goodwin, the ‘knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and professional’ team at Acuity Law provides ‘commercial and clear advice’ to clients from a range of IP-rich industries, ranging from small start-ups through to established corporate entities. Much of the work centres on the commercialisation of IP, although the firm’s broader commercial litigation offering handles a growing volume of IP litigation. As well as providing traditional standalone instructions, clients also benefit from access to innovative products, including the firm’s Acuity Reputation Management online tool, which provides a cost-effective blended rate to clients seeking to exploit, protect and enforce their IPR.