James Fowler

I'm a Senior Associate in our Commercial law practice in London, and a member of our Retail & Consumer sector group. I specialise in helping consumer-facing brands to get their products and services to market, and to expand into new markets and channels.

In an increasingly omni-channel world there are many routes to growth for retail and consumer-focused business – including franchising, licensing, distribution, retail sales, and e-commerce and delivery.

I work with a variety of clients, from early-stage ventures through to multi-national household names, in a range of sectors (primarily food and beverage, retail, hotels and leisure) to help them determine the most appropriate domestic and international expansion strategies, and to draft and negotiate the contracts which underpin them.

I also support clients with the supply chain arrangements which sit behind these businesses, and regularly advise on manufacturing, warehousing and logistics contracts.

I enjoy getting to know clients' businesses and building close and collaborative relationships, so that I can provide tailored, practical and commercial advice. When negotiating contracts I aim to protect clients' key interests, whilst acknowledging the importance of ensuring that the parties foster a constructive partnership.

Before joining Bird & Bird, I spent 2 years working in the advertising and marketing industry, where I developed the passion for brands and consumer-facing industries that I have since carried across to my legal career.

You'll find me recommended in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 for Franchising, as well as for Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure.