Chris Jorgenson

Dual qualified lawyer (England & Wales / U.S.) moving back into law after 7 years in international business development for the start-up arm of a Legal EdTech company. Extensive international business development and legal experience, with communication and analytical problem-solving skills that traverse industries. A natural talent for building and maintaining strong relationships and delivering succinct commercial advice.

Ohme, London UK                                                                                                          

Legal Advisor                                                                                                     October 2023 - Present

Providing legal advice and support to all areas of this green energy tech start-up (end-to-end electric vehicle charging solutions) in a hyper-growth phase. As a member of a small legal team in a fast-paced innovative business, responsibilities have included advising on a wide range of matters including corporate/commercial law advice, data privacy matters, international expansion and litigation matters. Examples include:   

• Supporting expansion of operations into 6 new markets, including working with external counsel and internal teams to finalise terms and conditions and other legal documentation required;
• Updating template standard agreements, policies and processes;
• Setting up and managing legal intranet site. 

BARBRI Global, London UK                                                               

Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) Freelance Tutor                                                        October 2023 – Present

Tutoring candidates on the second stage of the SQE qualification assessment. Working with students both individually and in groups of 20 to develop vocational skills competency for working as a solicitor. Introducing skill standards and assessing candidates against those standards through problem-based learning modules. 

BARBRI Global, London UK                                                                                                

Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships                                                        January 2020 – July 2023

Head of International Bar Review                                                                        January 2017 – January 2020

Lead on B2B business development with higher education institutions (HEI) and sales agents in UKI and EMEA for the start-up arm of an established Legal EdTech company offering SQE and Extended U.S. Bar Exam preparation courses. Handled all phases of the contract life cycle (negotiation through closing) securing multi-year joint ventures with law faculties and membership organisations throughout EMEA, resulting in a £1.77 million annual sales pipeline. Left to pursue legal inhouse opportunities. Developed and led international expansion strategy from 2018 through 2021, supporting 20% year-on-year revenue growth. Served as part of the senior management team during a period of hyper-growth as a disrupter in an incumbent market. Scoped and built new business function for HEI business development (Institutional Partnerships). Examples include:

• Drafted and implemented internal policies and reporting protocols;
• Hired, trained and managed Institutional Partnerships team;
• Worked with external HEI faculty and leadership to develop and deliver joint international legal qualification ventures.

  Wyoming Supreme Court, Wyoming USA                                                                       

Staff Attorney / Pro Bono Coordinator                                                               October 2014 – April 2016

Developed and managed a state-wide pro bono programme delivering voluntary legal services to Wyoming's low-income population. Advised Wyoming Supreme Court on judicial and rule policy changes  to garner increased pro bono practice in the state. Designed and implemented a courthouse reference attorney programme for self-represented litigants to obtain free guidance on navigating the legal system. Conducted community and lawyer recruitment via public speaking engagements, continuing legal education teaching and promotional campaigns. Increased pro bono participation by 185%. Left due to relocation to the UK.

Mullikin, Larson & Swift LLC, Wyoming USA                                                       

Associate Attorney                                                                                           November 2007 – February 2014

Served as lead counsel on civil litigation disputes in tort, contract, insurance defense and land use matters, handling matters from instruction through resolution. Advised non-profit boards, businesses and banking associations regarding risk exposure and litigation strategies.

Sheridan County Attorney’s Office, Wyoming USA                                               

Deputy County and Prosecuting Attorney                                                            August 2005 – October 2007

State court prosecutor directing investigation, arguing pre-trial motions, conducting jury selection and    serving as firstchair counsel in both bench and jury trials. Managed a caseload of roughly 200 active cases.