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Business Legal Services
Corporate Governance
Service overview: Corporate governance and compliance solicitors
Effective corporate governance is key to establishing and maintaining an ethical, sustainable, quality business. Our lawyers will work with you to implement the foundations of consistently up-to-date corporate governance and compliance which match your company and meet the interests of all stakeholders.
- For many senior executives, directors and board members, the challenge of both adhering to duties and legal obligations and avoiding compliance breaches whilst continuing to fulfil a corporate role is a tricky and delicate balance.
- With ever-growing pressure on stakeholders to remain up to date and in compliance to avoid serious fines and sentences, the need for control over your corporate governance and compliance is more pressing than ever.
- Our company law solicitors can assist you in setting up systems, processes and procedures that will ensure your organisation is aligned with the UK Corporate Governance Code and in compliance with all company and director duties and liabilities.
- We have the legal experience and skills to represent individuals or companies facing contentious matters, including investigations, compliance breaches, or allegations of criminal misconduct.
Experts in corporate governance
Our team can assist you across all areas of corporate governance, compliance and corporate law, as well as:
What we do: Corporate governance and compliance solicitors
As a corporate governance law firm, our expert solicitors have the legal skills and experience to recommend a tailored governance and compliance structure to underpin your business.
Our team of specialist corporate governance lawyers can assist with:
- Anti-bribery measures (in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010)
- Corporate governance strategy
- Compliance reviews and testing
- Board structure and composition
- Director’s duties and conflicts of interest (see below), including removal of directors
- Director’s liabilities
- Defining the duties of an independent board chair
- Drafting articles of association and other constitutional documents
- Executive pay and remuneration
- Succession planning
- Governance systems, planning, processes, and procedures
- Auditing and evaluation
- Risk assessment and mitigation – as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code
- Reputation risk management
- Governance reporting
- Company secretarial issues such as advice on meetings, resolutions and filings
- Shareholder consents and voting rights
- Share capital
In addition, we can assist with disputes regarding corporate governance, including:
- Investigations by regulatory authorities
- Breach of duties
- Conflicts within senior management
We also have a robust understanding of the latest compliance regulations, for example in relation to GDPR and cybersecurity, and we can advise and represent senior executives and board members on any corporate governance matter, regardless of complexity and scale.
Want to know more about how to comply to your obligations under GDPR? See our GDPR, data protection and privacy services.
Who we help
Our corporate solicitors work directly with executive leadership, financial institutions, private equity firms and investors in all types of UK businesses from start-ups and SMEs to large businesses. We rapidly assess your needs and take action which protects your interests.
Whether you require guidance in relation to a contentious matter, auditing of your compliance or the implementation of new systems and processes, our expert lawyers can offer advice and practical support that is tailored to your needs.
Additional advice: Directors’ duties – liabilities and responsibilities
The UK Corporate Governance Code makes it clear that shareholders are responsible for the appointment of directors and auditors to ensure necessary governances structures are in place and, in turn, it is the director’s role to meet compliance obligations.
Under the Companies Act 2006, all directors must act in accordance with a set of directors’ duties, including:
- Acting in compliance with the company’s constitution
- Promoting the success of the company
- Using independent judgement
- Exercising reasonable care, skill and diligence
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Not accepting personal benefits
- Retaining records
Visit the corporate section of our Advice Centre for more detailed information on Directors’ duties, Articles of Association and much more company law advice.
Testimonials
What our clients say
We’ve been working with the team for over a year and since day one they've been pragmatic, diligent and above all, committed throughout. They work hard to add value and have been of great benefit to us and our investors.
Goncalo de Vasconcelos
CEO,
Syndicate Room
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
Reliable but straightforward legal advice and support. Delivered at a very cost effective price point.
Matthew Dreaper
Director,
Keit Spectrometers
Abby and the corporate team at Harper James Solicitors provided excellent support guiding the business through what was quite a complex process at each stage.
Nigel Bacon
Chairman,
Kobus Services
We’ve been working with the team for over a year and since day one they've been pragmatic, diligent and above all, committed throughout. They work hard to add value and have been of great benefit to us and our investors.
Goncalo de Vasconcelos
CEO,
Syndicate Room
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
Nick Holzherr
CEO,
Whisk.com
For us, the support of Harper James Solicitors has been a gift. The collaboration we have had has been of tremendous importance. The service has been superb value for money.
Iraklis Bourantas
COO,
Novoville
Reliable but straightforward legal advice and support. Delivered at a very cost effective price point.
Matthew Dreaper
Director,
Keit Spectrometers
Abby and the corporate team at Harper James Solicitors provided excellent support guiding the business through what was quite a complex process at each stage.
Nigel Bacon
Chairman,
Kobus Services
Why choose our corporate governance and compliance solicitors?
We’re a modern law firm with a difference. Our innovative remote operating model means that you can access expert City-grade legal advice from partner-level solicitors at a fraction of the cost of traditional law firms. Our senior solicitors have all been recruited from top 100 UK law firms or large international businesses. Find out more about our corporate governance and compliance lawyers here:
Pricing plans
Legal support designed
to fit your business needs
Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
City
Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.
An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.
Enterprise
Have legal peace of mind for £215 per month with additional support from £145 per hour.
A monthly subscription legal support package specifically designed for start-ups and smaller businesses.
On-Demand
Providing you with priority access to a dedicated panel of highly experienced solicitors.
Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.