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International In-house Counsel Journal logoInternational In-house Counsel Journal logo

The Changing Face of Commercial Contracts in the Tech Sector

Abstract

I have always loved drafting. There is something about a lovingly honed and sparingly worded clause which tickles my synapses. Elegance of expression meets elimination of ambiguity. At least, that’s the idea. I am inspired by the stories behind the clauses we write. The caselaw characters and actions which bring our role to life. Images of chartered oil tankers and incorrectly built swimming pools float past me as I wrestle with a multi-part liability clause. Drafting is fun because it is the written embodiment of living relationships. It is our job as commercial lawyers to reflect efficiently what is the essence of a business engagement. And, I would argue, to do so in a way which will maximise the chances of success of that joint endeavour.

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Author

Portrait image of Fiona Morris
Fiona Morris
Managing Director and Global Lead Counsel, Strategic Contracting, Accenture UK Limited, UK

Fiona Morris is Managing Director and Lead Counsel, Strategic Contracting and New Business Models at Accenture. In her role, Fiona leads a range of programs focussed on the development of legal services to support the New – examples include Applied Intelligence, new digital business models, Cloud and implementation of legal technology. A key focus is creating a truly Fit for Purpose commercial and contracting approach for services in the digital age. Over her 14 years at Accenture, Fiona has held roles as a Market Maker, negotiating major engagements with many of Accenture’s blue chip clients and she most recently held the post of Director of Legal Services for France, Benelux and Nordics. Prior to joining Accenture, Fiona was a senior associate at Clifford Chance LLP. Fiona lives in Wimbledon, UK with her husband, John.

Company

Accenture UK Limited logo

Accenture UK Limited

About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 442,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. More information at www.accenture.com

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