Richard Nicholas

Technology, Data & AI Lawyer

I help businesses understand, buy, develop and use AI, data and technology safely and effectively. Partner at Browne Jacobson with 20+ years advising on the issues that matter.

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Richard Nicholas

About

Founder of Skill Diligence

I work with general counsel, in-house lawyers, CFOs, and business leaders to navigate the complex intersection of technology, data, and law. My focus is translating technical and regulatory complexity into clear answers and actionable advice.

Commercial Law & AI

20+ years advising on technology deals, data protection, AI implementation and governance. I help businesses move fast without breaking the law or their reputation. Through Skill Diligence, I bring practical AI solutions directly to your team.

Trusted Advisor Network

I've built relationships with over 100 in-house lawyers, DPOs and business owners who regularly come to me and my team for advice on the issues that could be deal blockers or business enablers.

Training & Speaking

I train teams and speak at industry events on AI governance, practical AI use, legal risks, and how to build sustainable AI practices. Through Skill Diligence workshops, I help teams become AI-ready.

Areas of Expertise

Here's what I help with:

AI & Governance

AI implementation strategy, governance frameworks, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance (UK GDPR, EU AI Act, sector-specific rules).

Technology Contracts

Negotiating software, outsourcing, SaaS, data processing agreements and distribution deals. Identifying deal blockers before they become problems.

Data Protection

GDPR compliance, data security strategy, cross-border data issues, and aligning data law with business and technology decisions.

Business Training

Custom workshops on AI, data protection, technology law, negotiation and practical legal skills for business teams and in-house counsel.

AI in Business

Practical training on using AI to get work done, codifying processes, secure agent use, and aligning business and personal goals with AI tools.

General Counsel Support

Advising general counsel and in-house lawyers on strategy, risk management, team development, and navigating technology and regulatory change.

Experience

A brief look at my professional journey:

Founder, Skill Diligence

Skill Diligence · 2024 – Present

Founded Skill Diligence to bring together technology law expertise and practical AI training. Provide consulting, training, and AI implementation support to businesses, in-house counsel, and executive teams navigating the AI transformation.

Partner

Browne Jacobson LLP · Jul 2006 – Present (19+ years)

Established and run the firm's in-house lawyers initiative, training counsel on law changes, technology, negotiation and AI. Advise on technology deals, data protection, AI implementation, outsourcing, distribution and franchising. Regular speaker at industry events and conferences.

Guest Speaker

Central Law Training · Nov 2006 – Jul 2012 (5+ years)

Delivered legal update sessions and workshops on commercial, technology and contract law to in-house lawyers across the UK. Developed training programme and understood what in-house counsel actually need to know.

Solicitor / Senior Associate

Gowling WLG · Sep 1998 – Jul 2006 (7+ years)

Advised businesses on commercial and IT legal issues. Full-time secondments to HSBC and BT. Managed large-scale IT outsourcing projects for banks, airlines and pharmaceutical companies. Supervised trainee solicitors.

English Teacher

Drougia School of English, Trikala, Greece · Sep 1997 – Jun 1998

Taught English as a foreign language to students aged 6-35. Learned at least as much from my students as they did from me.

Skill Diligence Insights

Through Skill Diligence, I share regular insights on AI law, governance, practical implementation and what business leaders and in-house counsel need to know. Join 3,400+ followers staying on top of this fast-changing space.

AI Law & Business Updates

Regular updates on AI governance, technology law changes, practical lessons from implementing AI in business, and what in-house counsel and business leaders are asking me about right now. From Skill Diligence.

New insights delivered to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.

Let's Talk

I'm always interested in connecting with general counsel, in-house lawyers, CFOs, business leaders, and anyone wrestling with AI, data, and technology questions. Reach out:

Email (Skill Diligence)

richard@skilldiligence.com

Skill Diligence

skilldiligence.com

Browne Jacobson

brownejacobson.com