Commercial law expertise grounded in real-world business experience
Joe Al-Khayat has 15 years of commercial law expertise from the independent Bar, within law firms and within tech companies.
As an award winning entrepreneur with experience of scaling a global business, Joe understands the importance of combining specialist legal knowledge with business insight to drive the right commercial outcome.
Services
For Law Firms and In-House Counsel
With experience across Tier 1 firms, listed companies, and government departments, Joe brings both deep legal expertise and commercial judgment.
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Disputes & Investigations.
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Breach of contract claim against SaaS company arising from data breach and implementation.
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Investigation on behalf of listed company on whistleblowing and allegations of fraud.
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Breach of contract claim for Sports Agent against Premiership Football Club
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Defending listed energy company on enforceability of contract provisions.
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IP dispute over image rights and royalties involving international luxury fashion brand.
Mediation & Arbitration.
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Multiple mediations in general commercial disputes and shareholder disputes. Settlement rate of 80%.
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Arbitration counsel with expertise in arbitration agreements, governing law and jurisdiction issues and enforcement. Expertise in LCIA and ICC rules.
Training & Consultancy.
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Developing and delivering training materials for lawyers. Recent examples include Part 36, Calderbank offers, interim applications, arbitration claims, termination provisions, exclusion clauses, damages and heads of loss, governing law and jurisdiction.
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Providing in person and online commercial training and revamping corporate precedents.
For Tech companies & Start-ups
With experience as an award-winning entrepreneur, Joe helps tech companies close deals, manage risk, and resolve disputes in ways that support business growth.
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Company & commercial advisory.
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Funding round for global business involving equity and convertible note instruments, and company restructure involving multiple jurisdictions with high-profile investors.
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Advising on privacy and global data protection regimes including GDPR, Privacy Act 1988, and Data Protection Act 2018, with practical insights into the AI Act.
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IP and commercialisation agreement from Government joint venture involving patented security technology.
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Advising on GDPR compliance of software being deployed in the EU involving data encryption at rest and in transit, along with data residency and cloud hosting.
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Drafting and negotiating SaaS licence agreements, escrow agreements, master services agreements, software development, joint ventures, and global reseller agreements.
Disputes & Mediation.
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Multiple mediations in general commercial disputes and shareholder disputes. Settlement rate of 80%.
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Arbitration counsel with expertise in arbitration agreements, governing law and jurisdiction issues and enforcement. Expertise in LCIA and ICC rules.
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Training & Consultancy.
-
Multiple mediations in general commercial disputes and shareholder disputes. Settlement rate of 80%.
-
Arbitration counsel with expertise in arbitration agreements, governing law and jurisdiction issues and enforcement. Expertise in LCIA and ICC rules.
Law Firms and
In-House Counsel
Disputes & Investigations.
Experienced in complex commercial matters — from contract breaches and fraud to image rights disputes across tech, sports, and luxury sectors.
Mediation & Arbitration.
Experienced in commercial and shareholder disputes with an 80% settlement rate, serving as arbitration counsel in SaaS, joint venture, & shareholder matters.
Training & Consultancy.
Delivers training to lawyers on key commercial and dispute topics, and has revamped contract and dispute resolution precedents for a government department.
With experience across Tier 1 firms, listed companies, and government departments, Joe brings both deep legal expertise and commercial judgment.
Tech Companies and Start Ups
Company & commercial advisory.
Advised on global funding rounds, data protection (GDPR, AI Act), and IP commercialisation, with expertise in SaaS, joint ventures, and complex cross-border tech agreements.
Disputes & Mediation.
Mediates disputes between employees, founders, and shareholders, and provides expert evaluations on internal conflicts to assess likely outcomes.
Training & Consultancy.
Advises teams on contract risks, liability limits, and exclusions, guiding executives on common pitfalls and indemnity coverage.
With experience as an award-winning entrepreneur, Joe helps tech companies close deals, manage risk, and resolve disputes in ways that support business growth.
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Was a report commissioned during ‘without prejudice’ negotiations protected by without prejudice privilege?
Yes said the Court of Appeal in Providence Building Services Ltd v Hexagon Housing Association Ltd [2024] EWCA Civ 962
What Clients Say
“Joe is an excellent barrister. He is a strongly analytical barrister who is very good with clients. He is methodical and practical in his approach to a problem and demonstrates real strength in all he does. A confident advocate.”
Partner,
Law Firm
“Joe was instructed in a sports law dispute involving a Premiership football club. His advice in the matter was clear and well reasoned demonstrating great commercial insight in his approach”
Legal Director,
Sports Agency
“Joe is an excellent advocate and is able to cross-examine difficult witnesses with ease. I have found his written advice to be clear, concise and well drafted. Joe is often willing to provide quick responses without me having to worry about being 'on the clock'.”
Managing Associate,
Law Firm
“A valuable asset to the commercial team, providing expert advice on high-profile matters. His professionalism, versatility, and strong client and stakeholder management skills. Highly regarded team member.”
Deputy General Counsel,
Government Legal Department
“Exceptional expertise in multi-track contractual disputes, particularly exclusion clauses and enforceability issues. Advice is clear, concise, and delivered promptly. As an advocate, he is highly effective in cross-examination.”
In-house Counsel,
Aviation Business
“Handled a six-figure professional negligence claim with precision. His pleadings put significant pressure on the opposing side, leading to a favourable settlement.”
Managing Associate,
Law Firm
What legal training attendees say
“I have recently moved seats as I am undergoing my training . The content was delivered in a concise and palatable way which made it very easy to understand. The webinar was brilliant!”
Trainee Solicitor – Law Firm
“I thought Joe's style of explaining was very comprehensive. Using case law to explain made it far easier to put into practice.”
Paralegal – Law Firm
“The session was clear and concise.”
Solicitor - Law Firm
“Detailed and presented well."
Senior Solicitor – Law Firm
Training and education partners
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Company & commercial advisory.
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Funding round for global business involving equity and convertible note instruments and company restructure involving multiple jurisdictions with high profile investors.
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Advising on privacy and global data protection regimes including GDPR, Privacy Act 1988, Data Protection Act 2018. Practical insights into the AI Act
-
IP and commercialisation agreement from Government join-venture involving patented security technology.
-
Advising GDPR compliance of software being deployed in the EU involving data encryption at rest and in transit along with data residency and cloud hosting.
-
Drafting and negotiating SaaS licence agreements, escrow agreements, master services agreements, software development, joint ventures and global reseller agreements.
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Disputes & Mediation.
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Mediating disputes involving employees, founders, directors and shareholders.
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Providing Neutral Evaluation or Expert Determination on internal disputes to provide indicative expert opinion on prospects or likely outcome.
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Training & Consultancy.
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Contract pitfalls for sales managers, professional services teams and contract managers.
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Guidance to executives on exclusion clauses, liability caps, common contract mistakes and professional indemnity insurance.