General Counsel & Vice-President
AOL Europe
Prior to embarking on her professional career, Clare obtained an L.L.B in Law/French from Birmingham University and went on to complete the Law Society professional examinations in 1989.
In March 1990, Clare was Articled to a well-known City law firm, with a particular reputation in media and technology-related law. On qualifying she specialised initially in commercial law relating to the software industry, advising both suppliers and users (including large software houses, corporate users and Government Departments). With digital convergence, Clare became increasingly involved in advising on matters relating to digital mixed media and the online industry.
Clare has worked with AOL Europe since the pre-launch period of the AOL UK service in 1995 firstly as their external legal advisor and then in house. As AOL Europe’s principal legal advisor on all business and regulatory issues, Clare is very familiar with the issues surrounding content regulation. She is currently closely involved in the negotiations of proposed EU legislation specifically aimed at regulating the Internet and works with enforcement authorities on issues surrounding criminal content and activity over the Internet. Clare is also a member of the Management and Policy Boards of the Internet Watch Foundation.