Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Corporate Legal Services in St Albans
Established in 2008, OnHand Counsel provides specialist corporate and commercial legal services led by Andrew James, a solicitor with over 25 years of experience. Our practice focuses on delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of entrepreneurial and established businesses. We offer expertise in business sales, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance, combining deep industry knowledge with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Our client-centric philosophy ensures personalized service, with a commitment to understanding each client's strategic objectives and operational challenges.Recognized for our competitive pricing and partner-level expertise, we serve clients across London and Hertfordshire, offering both reactive legal support and proactive business advisory services. Our extensive experience spans diverse industries, enabling us to provide insightful guidance on complex commercial transactions and regulatory matters. We maintain strong relationships with a network of independent legal professionals to ensure comprehensive support for all client needs.
Services
Corporate Law
Business Sales
Shareholder Agreements
Commercial Contracts
Joint Ventures
Corporate Governance
Mergers & Acquisitions
Business Advice
Legal Audits
Exit Planning
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of specialist corporate law experience
- Personalized partner-level service at competitive rates
- Proven track record in complex business transactions
- Extensive network of independent legal specialists
- Available 24/7 for urgent client needs
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Experienced and effective
Personal service
Good value for money
Pragmatic solutions
Highly recommended
Services
Corporate Law
Specialist corporate legal services covering business formations, corporate governance, shareholders agreements, and compliance matters. Advising businesses on legal structures, director responsibilities, and corporate restructuring. Supporting clients with regulatory requirements and corporate transactions.
Business Sales
Comprehensive legal support for business acquisitions and disposals, including due diligence, contract negotiations, and transaction structuring. Providing strategic advice to ensure smooth transfers of ownership while protecting client interests throughout the sale process.
Shareholder Agreements
Drafting and reviewing shareholder agreements to establish clear rights and obligations. Addressing shareholding structures, dispute resolution mechanisms, and exit provisions to maintain harmonious business relationships and protect investment interests.
Commercial Contracts
Creating and negotiating commercial agreements tailored to specific business needs. Covering supply arrangements, distribution agreements, licensing terms, and partnership frameworks to ensure legal protection and commercial viability.
Joint Ventures
Structuring and advising on joint venture arrangements, including partnership agreements and collaboration frameworks. Facilitating strategic alliances while addressing risk allocation, governance structures, and exit strategies for successful business collaborations.
People
Andrew James
Director
Qualified solicitor with over 25 years' experience in corporate law, previously partner at BP Collins and IBB. Founded OnHand Counsel in 2008 and established the Network of Independent Business Lawyers in 2009. Specialises in corporate transactions and commercial law.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We specialise in corporate and commercial law, including business sales, shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and commercial contracts for businesses in London and Hertfordshire.
How do you provide cost-effective legal services?
By operating independently, we offer partner-level expertise at competitive rates, avoiding traditional firm overheads while maintaining high-quality legal representation and strategic business advice.
Can you assist with complex business transactions?
Yes, with over 25 years' experience handling complex corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring across various industry sectors.
Do you offer initial consultations?
We provide free introductory meetings to discuss your legal needs and determine how we can best support your business objectives.
Are you available for urgent matters?
Our 24/7 availability ensures we can address urgent legal matters promptly, providing timely solutions for critical business needs.
How do you handle referrals to other specialists?
Through our Network of Independent Business Lawyers, we connect clients with trusted specialists for areas outside our direct expertise while maintaining coordinated service delivery.
Reviews (5)
David Abbott
Jun 26, 2021
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Andrew is that rare beast amongst lawyers - trustworthy, unpretentious, speaks plain English and doesnt overcomplicate matters. Andrew was a great help to me when I sold my business several years ago, and again recently when I needed him for something more small-scale. I am very happy to recommend his services.
Colin Vier
Jan 05, 2020
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Andrew offers a first class service. He is personal, friendly, knowledgeable and provides superb value for money. Due to his extensive knowledge he was able to produce the documentation we required in a concise manner.
Miles Cherry
Oct 29, 2019
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Andrew helped us with expert in advice, I would recommend his services which were professional and friendly.
Gill McCaughay
Jun 20, 2019
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We asked Andrew to help us with a purchase contact and some shareholder agreements. He responded quickly and was always available either on the phone or by email. He provides a personal touch and we consider him to be our company solicitor and first port of call!
Nick Siragher
Jan 01, 2018
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Andrew supported us through the negotiation and completion of a trade sale. We were very pleased with the quality of the work and the high level of personal service. Happy to recommend.
