Lorna
Jacques

WHO I HELP 

Start Ups. University spin outs. Multi-million-pound businesses.  

HOW I HELP

Legal guidance. Legal support. Risk management. Operational challenges. Investment opportunities. M&A. Commercial contracts. Intellectual property & data protection. Support in-house teams. 

SECTORS/SUPPORT 

Engineering. Manufacturing.  

“A trusted commercial partner, not just a legal adviser.” 

Lorna Jacques is Director of Commercial & IP at AAB, where she combines legal expertise with a commercially driven and relationship-focused approach to client support. With experience spanning both private practice and in-house legal environments, Lorna advises businesses on commercial contracts, intellectual property, employment matters, and wider corporate legal issues, helping clients navigate complex challenges with clarity and confidence. Alongside leading the Commercial & IP team, she also plays an active role in Business Development. Lorna manages & supports teams within operational management and strategic development of GS Verde Law, ensuring clients benefit from a collaborative and fully integrated advisory service.  

Commercial Insight, Practical Advice. 

“My interest in commercial law developed through my studies and later through my in-house training experience within the aviation industry. Working directly inside a business environment gave me invaluable insight into the commercial pressures organisations face and reinforced the importance of providing legal advice that is practical, commercially grounded, and easy to apply.  

When I discovered GS Verde’s in-house style legal retainer service nearly a decade ago, it immediately resonated with me because it reflected the same commercially focused approach I had developed during my in-house experience. It gave me the opportunity to work closely with a wide variety of businesses while building long-term relationships and becoming genuinely invested in helping clients achieve their ambitions.”

Making a Positive Impact

“One of the things I enjoy most about my role is the variety. No two weeks are ever the same. My time is split between client advisory work, leadership responsibilities, operational management, business development, and supporting junior members of the team. I work closely with our multidisciplined teams to ensure our clients benefit from the full-service approach AAB offers.  

The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing the positive impact we can have on a client’s business. Whether it’s successfully negotiating a complex contract, resolving a commercial issue, or helping a business prepare for future growth, I enjoy delivering solutions that genuinely make a difference. I also gain a huge sense of satisfaction from helping strengthen client relationships and contributing to the growth of the wider business.”

Commitment & Dedication

“Building strong, long-term relationships with clients is one of the most important parts of my role. I always try to understand as much as possible about a business from the outset, not just the immediate legal issue, but also their future ambitions, growth plans, and wider challenges. Clients want solutions that genuinely fit their business, so flexibility and understanding are essential.  

I’m proud to have developed long-standing relationships with many of our retained clients, several of whom have continued working with us for many years. One of the greatest compliments I’ve received from a client was being described not only as a trusted adviser, but also as a friend. For me, that reflects the level of trust and partnership that strong client relationships are built on.”  

A Compassionate Approach

“As my role has evolved over the years, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned has been the importance of balance, delegation, and building a strong team around you. Moving into a director-level position brought increasing responsibilities across leadership, operational management, business development, and people management, all alongside client delivery. Learning to prioritise effectively and trust the expertise of colleagues has been incredibly important.  

I strongly believe in investing in people and creating an environment where individuals feel supported to grow and develop. Supporting junior colleagues, helping them build confidence, and seeing them progress within their careers is something I find particularly rewarding.”

 Looking Ahead

“The legal sector is constantly evolving, particularly with the rise of AI and emerging technologies, which is an area I’m especially interested in developing further. Understanding how technology can support the way we work, while also helping clients navigate the legal implications surrounding AI and evolving legislation, is becoming increasingly important.” 

Tackling the Challenges

“One of the biggest challenges within my specialist area is balancing work volume and competing demands. My role requires me to manage leadership responsibilities, operational delivery, client expectations, and business development simultaneously, so organisation and proactivity are essential. One habit I’ve developed is tackling the most difficult task of the day first, once that is done, everything else feels far more manageable.  

And finally, if there’s one misconception I’d love to challenge about the legal profession, it’s that lawyers are boring. We absolutely can and do enjoy having fun.”