Supply chain

Supply chain

Supply chain

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Overview

Modern supply chains are under increasing pressure from shifting tariffs and trade policies, geopolitical uncertainty, evolving regulations and growing expectations around resilience and transparency. We help clients navigate the legal and commercial issues that arise across the entire supply chain, from sourcing and procurement through distribution, logistics and dispute resolution.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together lawyers across commercial contracting, international trade, transportation, real estate, construction, regulatory compliance, finance and disputes to help clients manage risk, strengthen resilience and capitalize on new opportunities. Whether negotiating a critical commercial agreement or supporting a broader supply chain transformation, we provide practical, business-focused advice aligned to our clients’ strategic objectives.

Our capabilities

Strengthen Supplier and Distributor Relationships

Strong supplier and distribution networks depend on clear commercial arrangements and effective risk allocation. We advise on the negotiation, drafting and management of commercial agreements across procurement, manufacturing, distribution, sales and logistics activities, both domestically and internationally.

Our team helps clients establish frameworks that support operational efficiency, supply continuity and long-term commercial relationships. We also advise on logistics and distribution infrastructure, including warehousing, transportation and third-party logistics arrangements, helping clients develop practical solutions that align contractual obligations with business objectives.

Structure Strategic Outsourcing and Supply Chain Transformations

As organizations adapt their operating models, supply chain structures and service delivery arrangements, legal and operational risks must be carefully managed. We advise on outsourcing, insourcing and supply chain transformation projects, including transitions involving logistics providers, service providers and complex commercial arrangements.

Our lawyers support clients throughout the lifecycle of these initiatives, helping to maintain business continuity, manage transition risks and preserve commercial flexibility. We also assist with contracting processes, governance frameworks and training programs that promote consistency and efficiency across procurement, sales and legal functions.

Manage Regulatory Risk and Compliance

Regulatory requirements affecting supply chains continue to expand across trade, customs, product safety, data protection, labor standards and sustainability. We help clients understand and address these evolving obligations while supporting efficient cross-border operations.

Our team advises on customs and trade matters, supply chain due diligence, supplier governance programs and compliance frameworks designed to address legal, regulatory and reputational risks. We help clients develop practical approaches that support transparency, accountability and resilience throughout their supply chains.

Resolve Supply Chain and Distribution Disputes

Disputes can have significant operational, financial and reputational consequences. When challenges arise, we help clients resolve supply chain and distribution disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

Drawing on our experience across commercial contracts, international trade and cross-border operations, we assist clients in addressing complex disputes efficiently and strategically. Our focus is on helping clients protect their business interests, manage disruption and achieve commercially practical outcomes.

Carol Osborne
Carol Osborne
+44 (0) 20 3207 1241
Carol Osborne
Carol Osborne
+44 (0) 20 3207 1241
Zachary Sallen
Zachary Sallen
+1 212 541 2177

Meet the team

Carol Osborne
Carol Osborne
+44 (0) 20 3207 1241
Zachary Sallen
Zachary Sallen
+1 212 541 2177

Related insights

Insights
Nov 25, 2024

Managing technology supply chains

The FCA, PRA, and Bank of England have published their finalised critical third party (CTP) rules (and accompanying guidance) in PS24/16 Operational resilience: Critical third parties to the UK financial sector.[1]The new rules, which come into force on 1 January 2025, will see designated technology providers whose failure is deemed to pose a systemic risk to the UK financial system become subject to new principles-based, outcomes-focused rules and requirements overseen by the financial services regulators. This is timely given the increasing trend in third-party related incidents affecting operational resilience at financial services firms.  On 31 October, the FCA published its “lessons for operational resilience” following its review of the financial services sector’s response to the recent CrowdStrike outage, which noted that third-party related issues were the leading cause of operational incidents reported to it in 2022-2023. This only serves to bolster the regulatory case for the CTP rules, given the risk posed to the stability of financial markets by dependence on a small number of third party service providers.  The new CTP rules sit alongside the wider rules on operational resilience set-out in PS21/3 Building operational resilience, which become fully operational on 31 March 2025.

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The FCA, PRA, and Bank of England have published their finalised critical third party (CTP) rules (and accompanying guidance) in PS24/16 Operational resilience: Critical third parties to the UK financial sector.[1]The new rules, which come into force on 1 January 2025, will see designated technology providers whose failure is deemed to pose a systemic risk to the UK financial system become subject to new principles-based, outcomes-focused rules and requirements overseen by the financial services regulators. This is timely given the increasing trend in third-party related incidents affecting operational resilience at financial services firms.  On 31 October, the FCA published its “lessons for operational resilience” following its review of the financial services sector’s response to the recent CrowdStrike outage, which noted that third-party related issues were the leading cause of operational incidents reported to it in 2022-2023. This only serves to bolster the regulatory case for the CTP rules, given the risk posed to the stability of financial markets by dependence on a small number of third party service providers.  The new CTP rules sit alongside the wider rules on operational resilience set-out in PS21/3 Building operational resilience, which become fully operational on 31 March 2025.
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