London 2012
Secondees
I am an associate from the dispute resolution department and have been on secondment at the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) since May 2009. In that time we have passed the three years to go mark and we'll soon be at the 1,000 days to go date (on 31 October 2009). The milestones are a reminder of the unmoveable deadline for the organisation's work.
Fortunately for LOCOG there is not much call for litigation advice although there is a role to play in preparing LOCOG for that eventuality and it is relevant to the way in which we structure our contracts to ensure that the organisation has all of the remedies it may need to ensure that everything happens on time.
I work with the Commercial/Licensing and Culture, Ceremonies and Education teams. On the commercial side I have been involved in the commercial negotiations with potential sponsors and suppliers of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The legal team is involved right from the start so we participate in the tenders and pitches as well as producing the legal documentation.
On the cultural side I have been providing legal support for a number of the projects that form part of the arts and culture programme (known as the Cultural Olympiad), as well as the Torch Relay, which will take place around the UK in the months leading up to the Opening Ceremony. The relay requires a broad range of legal documentation to be put in place including agreements with sponsors, broadcasters, local authorities and torchbearers.
I have found that working in-house has given me a more direct relationship with clients, who will call by, looking for an almost immediate response. Working among the clients you are advising gives you a better understanding of the client's motivation and aims. It's also great to be involved in the discussions on the creative side as you can advise more effectively when you can appreciate what the team is trying to achieve.
LOCOG is a dynamic place to work and there is a real commitment to the ideals and values which the organisation propounds. The workforce is very diverse and includes a broad range of people from different backgrounds. Transparency and communication is also excellent and teams are given regular updates from department heads about what is happening at management level.
My attitude to the London 2012 Games has changed as a result of the secondment. It is difficult to be anything other than positive and supportive when you see how hard everyone is working towards making it a success and how many exciting events will take place in the run-up to and during the Games.
Katherine Stephens, dispute resolution associate on secondment to LOCOG
- It is difficult to be anything other than positive and supportive when you see how hard everyone is working towards making it a success...
- Katherine Stephens, dispute resolution associate on secondment to LOCOG
- To find out more, please email Julie Parsons