Meet the team… Ann Critchell-Ward

In this edition of ‘Meet the team…’, we speak to Ann Critchell-Ward, Partner in HCR Law’s Commercial team, based in the Welsh Marches and occasionally Leamington Spa.

What first attracted you to a career in law?

I was first attracted to a career in law after successfully overturning a tree preservation order on a leylandii in a conservation area. That early experience showed me how practical and persuasive legal reasoning can be, and how directly it can affect real-life outcomes. At the time, I thought I’d become an environmental lawyer, but what stuck with me was the mix of strategy, detail and problem-solving.

What type of legal advice do you provide? And to what sorts of clients?

I provide legal and strategic advice that helps businesses run smoothly day to day and make confident commercial decisions. This includes purchasing and supply arrangements, sales and distribution models, marketing and brand protection and licensing and collaboration agreements.

I often support matters right through the business lifecycle, from an initial idea and go-to-market to scaling, restructuring and, ultimately, exit. My clients range from owner-managed businesses and growing companies to established organisations with complex commercial, legal and intellectual property needs.

What is your most memorable legal experience? And why?

I’ve been fortunate to work on a number of standout matters, but one that really stays with me is winning an arbitration in a patent dispute in Japan. It was a fascinating experience, working with excellent local counsel and seeing first-hand how a different legal system approaches advocacy, evidence and decision-making.

It reinforced how important it is to be adaptable, well-prepared and culturally aware when advising across borders. And, of course, it was incredibly rewarding to achieve such a strong outcome for the business.

What is your number one top tip for clients?

Don’t assume your contracts will stay fit for purpose for the whole of their term. Businesses and risks change, so review key agreements regularly to make sure you still have the protections (and flexibility) you need to respond quickly if circumstances shift.

What do you enjoy most about your role at HCR Law?

The people-first culture. There’s a genuine sense of support and collaboration across teams, and you’re trusted to focus on delivering great outcomes for clients while still having the space to develop.

I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to create something new in the Welsh Marches, building relationships with the fantastic teams in our Hereford, Shrewsbury and Wye Valley offices, taking on new challenges and helping to shape the way we work as a future-focused Commercial team.