Carys Thompson: Legal Counsel at Britvic – A Rising Star in the Legal and FMCG Sectors
Carys Thompson is a distinguished Legal Counsel at Britvic, a leading soft drinks company in the UK. With a passion for commercial law, a solid educational background, and extensive work experience in retail and FMCG industries, Carys has established herself as a talented and driven professional. This article explores her career journey, educational achievements, and the skills she has developed over the years.
Carys Thompson: A Legal Expert in the FMCG Sector
Early Career and Experience at Homebase
Before joining Britvic, Carys Thompson gained invaluable experience at Homebase, a well-known UK home improvement and garden retailer. Her time at Homebase was marked by her exposure to various aspects of the business, including commercial law, property law, consumer issues, and data protection. The training contract she completed at Homebase did not have distinct seats but allowed her to get involved in a wide range of legal areas across the company. This opportunity proved to be a defining moment in her career, providing her with hands-on experience in many aspects of corporate and retail law.
Her experience at Homebase helped her develop skills in contract drafting, claims management, and regulatory compliance, as well as a deep understanding of corporate finance, media law, and consumer protection. Carys’s work at Homebase was not just limited to theoretical knowledge, but rather focused on real-world applications, where she contributed directly to several important legal matters.
DWF: An Internship and Trainee Solicitor Role
After her tenure at Homebase, Carys moved to DWF, an international legal business, where she worked as a Trainee Solicitor from January to August 2023. During this time, she was seconded to the Financial Services team, working in regulatory compliance and investigations. This role further honed her expertise in financial law, allowing her to understand the complexities of compliance and legal advice in the financial services industry.
Her work at DWF involved offering legal counsel on a range of compliance matters, including financial regulations, which provided Carys with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between law and the financial sector. This experience equipped her with the tools necessary to navigate the regulatory landscape and support clients in making informed decisions.
Carys Thompson’s Role at Britvic plc
In September 2023, Carys Thompson took on the position of Legal Counsel at Britvic plc, a UK-based soft drinks manufacturer known for its popular brands such as Robinsons, J2O, and Tango. As Legal Counsel, Carys plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s legal department, offering guidance on corporate matters, commercial contracts, compliance, and risk management.
Carys’s role at Britvic allows her to apply her legal expertise to a wide range of business activities, from commercial contracts to data protection and intellectual property. She works closely with various departments, ensuring that the company complies with legal requirements and industry standards. Her responsibilities also include providing strategic legal advice, handling regulatory issues, and managing legal risks that may arise in the fast-paced FMCG sector.
Her work at Britvic not only showcases her legal prowess but also highlights her ability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment. As Britvic continues to grow and expand its operations, Carys is an essential part of the team, ensuring that the company remains legally sound while navigating the complexities of the global marketplace.
Educational Background: A Strong Foundation in Law
The University of Law: Mastering Legal Practice
Carys Thompson’s educational journey has been marked by her commitment to excellence. She graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (LPC) from The University of Law, one of the UK’s most respected institutions for legal education. During her time at the university, she achieved a distinction in her course, a testament to her hard work and dedication to mastering the intricacies of law.
In addition to her legal practice course, Carys specialized in several key electives, including International Commercial Law, International Competition Law, and Anti-Trust Practice, as well as Commercial Dispute Resolution. These specializations allowed her to gain a thorough understanding of various legal practices and procedures that are crucial for her work as an in-house legal counsel.
University of Bristol: Building Legal Foundations
Before pursuing her postgraduate education, Carys attended the University of Bristol, where she completed her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. During her time at Bristol, she gained a solid foundation in legal theory and practice, achieving a 2:1 grade. Her studies also included an Erasmus year abroad at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, further expanding her legal knowledge and cultural understanding.
At the University of Bristol, Carys was actively involved in student societies, including the University of Bristol Law Club and the LGBT+ Society. These extracurricular activities not only enhanced her legal knowledge but also provided her with a platform to engage with like-minded individuals and develop strong networking skills.
Licenses and Certifications: A Commitment to Continuous Learning
Carys Thompson’s legal qualifications extend beyond her degree and diploma. She holds the LexisNexis Library Research Certificate, which she earned in November 2016. This certification is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and her ability to conduct thorough legal research using industry-standard resources. It underscores her dedication to staying updated on legal trends and utilizing the best tools available to provide high-quality legal advice.
Key Skills and Expertise
Throughout her career, Carys has developed a broad range of legal skills that have contributed to her success. Some of her key skills include:
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Commercial Contracts: Drafting and negotiating contracts with clients and suppliers, ensuring that terms are legally sound and beneficial for all parties.
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Regulatory Compliance: Advising on and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, especially in the retail and FMCG sectors.
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Intellectual Property: Managing IP matters, including trademark registration, licensing, and infringement issues.
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Data Protection: Handling GDPR compliance and ensuring that the company’s data handling practices meet legal requirements.
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Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Representing clients in legal disputes and using various methods, such as mediation, to resolve conflicts efficiently.
Conclusion
Carys Thompson’s career trajectory is a shining example of dedication, hard work, and continuous growth in the legal profession. From her early years at Homebase and DWF to her current role as Legal Counsel at Britvic, she has proven herself as a versatile and skilled lawyer in the retail and FMCG industries. Her academic achievements, including her time at The University of Law and the University of Bristol, have equipped her with the knowledge and expertise necessary to excel in her field.
With her strong legal background, diverse experience, and commitment to excellence, Carys Thompson is poised to continue making significant contributions to the legal and business sectors. As the legal landscape evolves, her ability to adapt and provide strategic advice will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of Britvic and the wider FMCG industry.
