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Victoria Wright
Solicitor
T: +44 (0) 845 201 3145
M: +44 (0) 7540 712 031
Click here to hear Victoria's thoughts on challenging contracts awarded under the public procurement regulations. To hear Victoria discuss the pitfalls of alleging an infringement of IP rights click here.
What are your specialist areas?
I advise on a wide of range disputes which arise in the corporate and technology world, and I have particular expertise in relation to intellectual property disputes. I regularly advise both claimants and defendants in relation to actions for infringement, passing off and disputes surrounding product development, marketing and advertising.
Litigation? Isn’t that extremely expensive and time consuming?
When a dispute arises, issuing court proceedings is almost never going to be the cheapest option, but there are many alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration, adjudication, expert determination and settlement talks. The majority of my cases never reach a court room, sometimes settling before proceedings are even issued.
What are your greatest achievements?
I think my greatest achievements are when seemingly impossible cases reach a settlement. At the outset of a dispute there are often very strong feelings on both sides and parties can become very entrenched in their positions. It is extremely rewarding to help to persuade another party to change their position or for them to concede points so that a commercial settlement can be achieved, thereby avoiding the need for court proceedings. I regularly act as an advocate in mediation, representing my client’s interests during without prejudice negotiations, and it is fascinating to see how when presented with arguments, face to face, in a clear and logical way, the “other side” will often completely change their positions and the unsolvable cases become resolved.
What does client service mean to you?
There are lots of good, knowledgeable lawyers who can answer you legal questions very well, but there are very few lawyers who can combine this with excellent client service. I’m astonished at the number of times I am told by clients that their previous advisors didn’t return calls or respond to emails for weeks at a time; in my view this is inexcusable. This isn’t a “9 to 5” culture, and I always try to make myself available to clients at all times. Disputes can arise at any time and if I were a client I’d want to know that I could get hold of my lawyers if I needed urgent advice.
International Experience
Modern commerce is no longer constrained by geographical borders and the majority of our clients are regularly dealing with international customers. As a result, I often advise on cross-border disputes both within and outside Europe (and this in turn can involve advising on international arbitration issues, such as arbitrations governed by the ICC). Recently I have been acting for a UK company in relation to a dispute which could be heard in 3 possible different jurisdictions. I also have experience of enforcing foreign judgements in the English Courts.
What do clients say about you?
A pleasure to work with. Knowledgeable, astute and commercially aware, she clearly sets legal issues in a real world framework that enables informed decision-making. Highly recommended.
Ross Penney, Business Affairs Director, Immedia Group plc
She is very quick to grasp the issues in hand and provides sensible and commercial advice. Victoria is extremely professional and knowledgeable and always deals with our enquiries efficiently and promptly. She is able to explain complex legal ideas clearly and concisely without losing sight of our business aims and objectives.
Germán Lledó, Finance & Logistics Director, Concha y Toro UK Limited
As major suppliers of GAP and credit insurance to the motor industry we value commercial and pragmatic legal advice. I have instructed Victoria on a number of occasions and have been consistently impressed with how quickly she is able to get to grips with important issues. She understands my business and delivers sensible advice promptly and at a fair price.
Peter McKenna, Managing Director, AMS Insurance Services Limited
