Edward Kilner

Ed specialises in IT, IP and general technology-related contracts, but he also advises more broadly on commercial matters.  After completing his studies at the University of Birmingham, Ed trained at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, qualifying into the IP and technology team in 2017.  He joined the commercial team at Harper James in 2019.

I was lucky enough to join a very busy IP and Technology team at Harrison Clark Rickerbys as a paralegal at the start of my career, immersing myself in anything and everything relating to tech. I got a taste for advising on new and interesting technologies which require innovative legal solutions – often where the law itself lags behind the businesses it applies to. This formative experience stood me in good stead for qualifying with a couple of extra years under my belt.

Ever since that time my approach has been to really get under the bonnet of what the business does and how it operates. I believe this is the best way for a business lawyer to understand its unique risks and add value.

Day-to-day Ed advises on, drafts, and negotiates business-to-business agreements for software development, the supply and implementation of on-premise and SaaS software solutions, and the provision of managed IT services, as well as various types of reseller and distribution agreements. He regularly advises on more esoteric matters, including complex data sharing agreements, international trade mark licences and image rights agreements for social media influencers, TV personalities and athletes.

I was attracted to working as a commercial lawyer because it requires you to have an intellectual grasp of a very wide range of areas of law, and most of these areas are in a constant state of flux as well, just to keep things interesting. The more experienced I am,  the more I realise the real satisfaction comes from being able to take complex legal concepts and explain them to clients in a clear and digestible way that is relevant to them; and to present creative solutions to the challenges they face.

Away from the office, Ed is a keen football fan (rumoured to be a typical Midlands-based Manchester United supporter – rumours Ed fiercely refuses to confirm or deny), and also enjoys contemporary arts and film.

Ed has taken part in our Spotlight on a Solicitor series, sharing his journey into law and proudest career moments. Read the interview to hear about his life in law.