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Insightful & commercial – legals that support business operation

Claire Banks

Managing Associate

cbanks@greenwoods.co.uk

Claire works with organisations to ensure the legal frameworks which underpin operations are effective and commercial. Being curious about your operations and working in partnership with you and your teams makes sorting out ‘the legals’ including legal advice on commercial contracts, straightforward – not a chore. And, as a result, you can be safe in the knowledge, you’ve got it covered.

Since joining us in 2018 Claire has made a significant impact. She began her career at a large national law firm before moving into a legal department in local government in 2008. After living in the Middle East where she took a break from law, Claire joined Greenwoods.

Testimonials

“Claire Banks is a very positive and clear communicator and assists me in understanding the various elements at a level me and my team can understand.”

(Legal 500 2025)

“Claire Banks and her team provided an excellent service, were efficient and understanding as well as taking the time to comprehend the workings of the charity… and we are very grateful for all of the support from the team at Greenwoods.”

(Charity Client)

“Claire has provided timely and insightful support and advice for our Academy Trust since its inception. Her client focus is exceptional, understanding and relating to the pressures on us and in our sector as whole. She smartly translates that understanding into practical, empathetic and relevant advice.”

(A Multi-Academy Trust client)

“…Claire Banks had a significant role to play in my acquisition and was able to communicate to me in a language I could understand and relate…effort and hard work was exceptional working long hours, evenings and weekends to maintain the momentum of the deal to ensure we got through to the end.”

(Corporate & Commercial Client)

“Whenever I have used the team, it is as if they are carrying the works for themselves; they care and take the role of a professional to the next level’, remarks a client.”

(Legal 500)

“The team members are true professionals and nice people to boot. I wouldn’t consider any other company for legal matters in the future.”

(Corporate and Commercial Client )

Claire has specialised in corporate and commercial work since 2006, building the knowledge and experience to advise on a broad range of matters, including legal advice on commercial contacts. She has worked on numerous corporate M&A and restructuring projects as well as supporting clients with their commercial needs.

She has also spent time on secondment where she delivered bespoke in-house support for a wholesale and retail motor finance provider so knows how to take a commercial approach. Her focus, dedication, and client management and relationship skills are simply exceptional and she has been recognised as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Legal 500 for the last three years.

Alongside supporting businesses with legal advice on commercial contracts, Claire has expertise in supporting academy schools and charities. She understands and appreciates the specific challenges faced and plays a key role in both our Charity and Education teams where issues often overlap.

Claire has also served as a Governor at a secondary school in Peterborough, so has had hands-on experience in the issues educational settings come across. Her unique perspective and practical experience enhance her ability to provide insightful and practical solutions tailored to the needs of these sectors.

Case studies

Advising on 'South Wales' largest commercial property deal in the past 12 months'

We provided complex legal advice in connection with this transaction which included a split exchange and completion, complex financing arrangements and multiple jurisdictions.

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Advising leading fleet software and technology business on the sale of its group company

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Leading personal care contract manufacturer

Advice on supply of goods, distribution and manufacturing agreements between our client and its customers which include leading high street names and brands.

Independent Charity Client

Advising an independent dog rescue and rehoming charity

We have assisted our charity client on a range of agreements including the key documents for use between the charity and the individuals who use its services and agreements for the provision of grants.

Independent School Client

Advising on a suppliers draft Invitation to Tender and contract for the provision of security services

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Charitable Company Client

Strategic advice on launch of revenue producing service for charitable company

We advised our clients with the legals around their new venture to supply country park planning, design and management consultancy services to third parties.

Education Client

Advising on an academy conversion and transfer

Providing commercial and governance advice to our multi academy trust client on the transfer of a secondary school to its trust from a local authority with advice provided by our Real Estate team on the property elements.

Claire Banks

Case studies

Advising on 'South Wales' largest commercial property deal in the past 12 months'

Advising leading fleet software and technology business on the sale of its group company

Leading personal care contract manufacturer

Advising an independent dog rescue and rehoming charity

Advising on a suppliers draft Invitation to Tender and contract for the provision of security services

Strategic advice on launch of revenue producing service for charitable company

Advising on an academy conversion and transfer

Articles by Claire

Heads of Terms: Setting the Stage for a Successful Transaction

Confidentiality Agreements in commercial trading relationships

Notice of claim provisions in APAs and SPAs: Parties beware

Six due diligence checks to help verify credibility of a counterparty