Sarah Gunton

Sarah Gunton is one of our commercial partners. She joined Harper James in 2016 and comes with a rich pedigree in providing expert commercial services for her clients.

Having trained with Edge & Ellison, Sarah later moved to DLA, becoming a partner in their commercial team. She has also worked in-house in the waste industry.

Sarah advises a wide range of businesses on commercial matters such as:

• Standard terms and conditions
• Drafting, amending and advising on contracts
• Analysing contractual positions
• Information technology contracts
• Supply arrangements to complex outsourcing agreements
• Completing commercial due diligence
• Negotiating ancillary agreements

She combines a deep and detailed knowledge of the law with clear and practical advice for her clients.

In terms of sectors, Sarah has acted for clients in a range of industries, with significant experience in:

• Technology, especially cryptocurrencies, software, videogames and apps, digital commerce and biotech
• Creative industries. including media, entertainment & publishing, advertising and marketing
• Life sciences and healthcare, specifically biotech and medical devices, and public procurement
• Public sector, including local government, central government, public procurement, state aid and projects like PFI, PP and PF2
• Retail, fashion and consumer goods
• Manufacturing, including industrial products and food & drink/agribusiness
• Hospitality, travel and leisure

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I left Hertford College, Oxford with a History degree in 1989.  One fifth of my final exams related to a huge bundle of documents from a ten year period in the eighteenth century. That was what gave me a taste for detailed review and analysis and accurate use of language.  Add that to my obsession with fairness (I have three younger siblings) and you have a born lawyer.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

Making sure that everyone in a contractual arrangement gets the best possible deal – and has a contract which works and which reflects the intentions of the parties.

What Do You Do Away From Work/Outside The Office?

I manage my two unruly children, use organic methods to grow vegetables and cook up weird and wonderful things with them.