Supporting your role

Support for In-House Lawyers

Empowering in-house lawyers for business success

We’re here to enhance your impact, providing tailored support to streamline your workload, navigate complex challenges, and achieve your organisation’s goals. We understand your world because many of our solicitors have served in-house themselves.

Whether you need ad hoc guidance, overflow support, or niche expertise, our flexible model delivers tailored legal solutions without the burden of permanent headcount or hidden costs.

Let's discuss your needs

Your trusted partner

Helping you navigate complex legal demands

Having an entire business rely on you for legal expertise is no small task. From contracts to compliance and beyond, there’s always more to do than hours in the day. That’s why we act as an extension of your in-house legal team, stepping in exactly when and how you need us.

Instead of hiring another full-time lawyer, you can tap into our pool of senior solicitors – many of whom have been in-house themselves and understand the pressures you face. Our flexible, cost-effective model gives you access to top-quality support whenever you need it, whether for day-to-day tasks, specialist advice, or larger-scale projects.

Address complex issues confidently and keep your company compliant

Many in-house lawyers face the challenge of limited expertise in niche areas. Tap into our team of specialists with deep, focused knowledge across various legal fields, enabling you to safeguard your business from risks that could hinder its growth.

Regain focus on strategic legal initiatives

The demands of managing daily, time-consuming legal tasks often pull you away from your strategic priorities. Our team can handle the routine work for you, freeing up your time and energy to focus on initiatives that showcase the value of the legal team to the wider business.

Demonstrate your standing as a business leader

In-house counsel often feel the pressure to demonstrate tangible value to their board of directors. Acting as an extension of your team, we provide insights that elevate your reputation as a strategic business leader and help you contribute meaningfully to the success of the business.

In today’s fast paced environment, predictable costs and a committed legal partner are vital to maintaining business momentum. That’s why we’ve reimagined the way a law firm works to put you in control.

Flexible service plans: Access top-tier legal expertise through our one-off and subscription based plans. Whether you need ongoing support or have a specific project in mind, our plans help you control costs and scale up or down as your business grows.

Agile business model: We combine the depth and rigour of a City firm with the efficiency of a modern, distributed team. This means you get seasoned experts on hand, minus the traditional overheads.

Culture of collaboration: Our people-first culture drives us to truly invest in our clients’ success. We operate as an extension of your team – available and ready to respond, whenever and however you need us.

Curious how a forward-thinking firm can help drive your legal function forward?

Testimonials

Join over 5,000 successful businesses who have partnered with us for their legal support

Hear from in-house lawyers who’ve partnered with us to reduce workload pressure, stay on budget, and confidently handle everything from everyday tasks to business-critical challenges.

As a one-person team, I knew we would need some help for our intellectual property needs. Lindsay has been acting as an extension of my own team and with her help, we have been able to see off oppositions and defend them within budget and without the need for litigation.
Wendi Higgins General Counsel, Chameleon Technology
Sarah was great, turned around the request within the promised timeline and gave considered feedback as part of the issues list we requested.
Kim Petzel Head of Legal, Char.gy Limited
How engaged, knowledgeable and personal HJ lawyers are. They offer pragmatic and practical advise with a quick turnaround.
Barbara Opala General Counsel, Norton Motorcycle Co.
Our Extend plan with Harper James allows our in-house counsel instant access to specialist support. We relied on their valued guidance to get us through the acquisition process with accuracy and confidence.
Alison Conway Senior Advisor, Trust Payments
Sarah has been very responsive, gives helpful advice and works to our often tricky deadlines - overall great!
Amy Tindall In-house Lawyer, Ello Group Ltd
Harper James Solicitors provides excellent value for money and helps to cover gaps in specialist areas of legal practice. Using an outside legal provider enables us, as a business, to better manage our internal resources, the volume of work we have and to deal with our level of overall risk. I would undoubtedly recommend them to others.
Robert Cowling General Counsel, FleetCor
As a one-person team, I knew we would need some help for our intellectual property needs. Lindsay has been acting as an extension of my own team and with her help, we have been able to see off oppositions and defend them within budget and without the need for litigation.
Wendi Higgins General Counsel, Chameleon Technology
Sarah was great, turned around the request within the promised timeline and gave considered feedback as part of the issues list we requested.
Kim Petzel Head of Legal, Char.gy Limited
How engaged, knowledgeable and personal HJ lawyers are. They offer pragmatic and practical advise with a quick turnaround.
Barbara Opala General Counsel, Norton Motorcycle Co.
Our Extend plan with Harper James allows our in-house counsel instant access to specialist support. We relied on their valued guidance to get us through the acquisition process with accuracy and confidence.
Alison Conway Senior Advisor, Trust Payments
Sarah has been very responsive, gives helpful advice and works to our often tricky deadlines - overall great!
Amy Tindall In-house Lawyer, Ello Group Ltd
Harper James Solicitors provides excellent value for money and helps to cover gaps in specialist areas of legal practice. Using an outside legal provider enables us, as a business, to better manage our internal resources, the volume of work we have and to deal with our level of overall risk. I would undoubtedly recommend them to others.
Robert Cowling General Counsel, FleetCor

Our support in action

News and resources

We believe in championing innovation and growth, which is why we’re committed to providing ongoing, practical resources that empower in-house counsel and business leaders alike. Whether it’s legal insights, client success stories, or news that matters, our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to stay ahead of legal developments and drive lasting success.

Comprehensive legal reads

Our Knowledge Hub is your go-to resource for practical, FAQ-style guides covering a range of business law topics. Whether you’re facing a new compliance challenge or seeking best practices, our content empowers you to act swiftly and effectively. Here are a few we think you may like:


Understanding your situation

What's your next challenge?

From strategic initiatives like corporate transactions to ensuring compliance in emerging areas like AI and sustainability, the scope of your work is vast.

We offer full-service legal support to complement your expertise, addressing the specific projects that drive your business forward while helping you manage the demands of a fast-paced environment.

Here are some common business drivers we can help you navigate:

Commercial contracting

Balancing contract reviews with broader priorities can divert valuable time and focus. We collaborate with you to handle the day-to-day contracting churn, ensuring agreements are commercially robust, mitigate risk, and align with your business goals. By taking on the legwork, we enable you to focus on higher-value strategic contributions to your organisation.

Beyond managing individual contracts, we can help you streamline your entire contract lifecycle management process. From setting up playbooks with automated workflows and templates to creating customisable clause libraries, we provide the tools and guidance needed to improve efficiency and consistency. With these systems in place, you can reduce bottlenecks, accelerate negotiations, and maintain complete visibility over your contract portfolio.

Corporate transactions

Corporate transactions are often intricate and high-stakes, requiring a blend of legal precision and strategic insight. With our support, you can enhance your capabilities, streamlining the process and addressing potential risks efficiently. Together, we can help you deliver seamless, commercially sound deals that align with your business’s strategic objectives.

Crisis and incident management

In times of crises, such as regulatory investigations or reputational risks, swift and effective action is key to safeguarding your business. We act as your objective partner, providing calm, pragmatic advice that helps you navigate the situation while minimising impact. Together, we can ensure your organisation recovers stronger and better prepared.

Employment law challenges

Significant workforce projects, such as restructuring or TUPE transfers, demand both legal knowledge and tactical finesse. Our team is here to provide targeted advice and hands-on support, allowing you to execute these projects smoothly and with confidence while maintaining workplace harmony.

Staying on top of frequent changes to employment legislation, like the evolving Employment Rights Bill, can be a challenge when combined with your other responsibilities. We provide clear, actionable guidance to help you prepare your business for upcoming changes, ensuring compliance and minimising disruption.

Expansion and growth

Growth initiatives like entering new markets or securing funding require precise legal alignment with your business goals. We provide the insight and resources needed to navigate these milestones confidently, ensuring legal complexities never hinder your ambition.

Intellectual property strategy

Your intellectual property is a powerful asset, and we’re here to help you maximise its potential. From protecting trademarks to navigating disputes, our expertise complements your own, enabling you to extract the greatest value from your IP while ensuring its integrity.

Litigation and dispute resolution

Legal disputes can escalate quickly, consuming time and resources. We help you manage disputes effectively, from assessing your position to resolving issues through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Our expertise ensures you minimise financial and reputational damage while securing the best possible outcome for your business.

Regulatory compliance

Regulatory landscapes are constantly evolving, and ensuring compliance across the board requires careful prioritisation. We provide the expertise and tools to address specific compliance challenges efficiently, helping you maintain a proactive approach to regulations without overburdening your resources.

Risk management and preventative advice

Balancing legal risk with commercial opportunity is a daily challenge for in-house lawyers. We can help you identify, assess, and mitigate risks, providing a fresh perspective and practical solutions, helping you strengthen policies, create frameworks, and provide training that mitigates risk effectively.

We offer proactive services like gap analysis, compliance reviews, and mock regulatory audits to help you pre-empt and fix issues before they have a significant business impact.

Technology and digital transformation

As businesses increasingly explore AI tools, manage digital transformations, and aim for sustainability, ensuring these align with legal requirements and business goals is critical. We provide tailored advice on leveraging AI responsibly, protecting business continuity through robust IT agreements, and embedding sustainability considerations into your digital strategies. With our support, you can adopt future-focused solutions that are legally sound and strategically aligned with your vision.

Lat's talk about how we can help


Meet our experts

Your extended in-house team

Working with us means working with a team that adapts to your pace and understands the demands of your role and doing business in the real world. Our solicitors, many of whom have been in-house counsel themselves, tailor their approach to complement your existing strengths and address your specific challenges.

We’re committed to making sure you feel supported, informed, and confident. Take a closer look at who you could be working with:


What next?

Please leave us your details and we’ll contact you to discuss your situation and legal requirements. There’s no charge for your initial consultation, and no-obligation to instruct us. We aim to respond to all messages received within 24 hours.

Your data will only be used by Harper James. We will never sell your data and promise to keep it secure. You can find further information in our Privacy Policy.

Our offices

A national law firm

A national law firm

Our commercial lawyers are based in or close to major cities across the UK, providing expert legal advice to clients both locally and nationally.

We mainly work remotely, so we can work with you wherever you are. But we can arrange face-to-face meeting at our offices or a location of your choosing.

Head Office

Floor 5, Cavendish House, 39-41 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5PP
Regional Spaces

Capital Tower Business Centre, 3rd Floor, Capital Tower, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AG
Stirling House, Cambridge Innovation Park, Denny End Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9QE
13th Floor, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT
10 Fitzroy Square, London, W1T 5HP
Harwell Innovation Centre, 173 Curie Avenue, Harwell, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QG
1st Floor, Dearing House, 1 Young St, Sheffield, S1 4UP
White Building Studios, 1-4 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2NP
A national law firm

To access legal support from just £149 per hour arrange your no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your business requirements.

Make an enquiry