Bristol-based Jordans Corporate Law has appointed experienced commercial technology lawyer Declan Goodwin to lead its newly established practice covering the fast-evolving sector.
Declan, pictured, has joined as an associate director from Capital Law in Cardiff, where he was an associate for 18 months and after spending several months on secondment to assist a client with launching a blockchain-based product. 
Prior to that Declan, who qualified in 2010, spent 10 years working in Bristol, initially with Roxburgh Milkins and then at Osborne Clarke.
Jordans Corporate Law said his appointment would bolster its niche position in the tech sector. He will support customers with intellectual property transactions, outsourcing, data protection and competition law.
The firm, which became part of top three global trust, corporate and funds services provider Vistra just over 18 months ago, provides legal business and corporate governance services to a national and international client base.
It added that Declan brought a wealth of expertise as he has advised clients in connection with complex technology projects and strategic procurements, often associated with implementing new technology within a business.
The new position had been created to reinforce Jordans’ own commercial offering as well as enable Declan to play a part within Vistra’s worldwide client base.
Jordans Corporate Law managing director Debbie Farman said: “Declan’s appointment is an important strategic move for the firm, as well as another statement of our intent to expand into new areas.
“His knowledge, expertise and proven track record opens new avenues of growth – and with Vistra’s global presence, we can expand our international services to clients in the technology sector as well as all our other clients when they engage in tech projects.
“What particularly makes Declan a great fit for our team is his innovative thinking and proactive approach, and he has been recognised by clients for defusing the tense negotiations that can often arise when businesses adopt new technology by focusing on ‘what’s important’. We are thrilled to have him on board.’’
Declan added: “As always, it’s an exciting time to work in the tech sector – but it really is evolving very rapidly at the moment, and that presents major opportunities as well as challenges. The sector is currently quickly delivering revolutionary, exciting and often disruptive products and services, and traditional sectors like finance, insurance, property and transport are all embracing new technology at a rapid pace.
“As a result, companies across industry sectors face increasing challenges to stay ahead of their competitors. I’m looking forward to helping Jordans’ and Vistra’s wide and varied client base to access the tech market and navigate through this rapidly changing landscape.”
Vistra employs more than 4,000 employees in 80 offices across 46 jurisdictions.
