James Sanford

What do you do for your clients ?

T: 0034687898071

E: james.sanford@arbor.law

Find me on LinkedIn

I am a senior commercial contracts lawyer of more than 20 years standing, with considerable experience within the FMCG, tech/telco, payment and online gaming industries. I have developed a particular specialism as a payment processing lawyer since 2007, supporting both large and small online merchants as well as leading payment providers within the UK, EEA and beyond.

After qualifying as a solicitor in 1995 (with Slaughter and May), I worked in NGO, Government and intergovernment (UNHCR) roles as legal adviser at different levels. From 2000 to 2007 I undertook various senior, in-house legal roles within the ISP/Telco, FMCG (Nestlé Group) and online gaming industries, covering UK and international commercial contract work. Since 2007, I have operated as a sole, freelance practitioner, providing legal consultancy services for FMCG, tech, gaming and payment industry clients operating in the UK, Europe and further afield.

Legal Specialties 

Broad, long-standing track record in IT/Tech, cloud services, as well as BPO, together with in-depth experience of payment processing contracts and related issues, including both for online merchant and payment industry clients. Within payments, my client work has included merchant acquiring, alternative payments, open banking and some scheme work, including critical vendor and partnership arrangements, as well as certain compliance and operational issues.

Related Expertise 

Commercial
FinTech
Procurement and Outsourcing

What Clients Say

That I provide a very user friendly, pragmatic and thorough problem solving approach to their matters. That I maintain a fresh, responsive and cost effective service which whilst rooted in legal rigour does not lose sight of the fundamental, commercial imperatives and pressures that drive their businesses.

Behind the lawyer

Outside work, I enjoy yoga (in year 3 of 4 year coach course), as well as continuing my 20 year battle to improve my Spanish, and I like to keep fit.

Education

  • Cambridge University (MA)
  • College of Law, London (LSF)

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish