About Privacy Partnership
Consultancy and Law
We are a collective of established legal professionals and innovative consultants dedicated to guiding organizations in all aspects of Data Protection, Privacy, and AI Governance. With over two decades of experience, we have been at the forefront of shaping and implementing data privacy legislation, AI ethics, and AdTech compliance strategies. We provide legal Advice through our registered law firm Privacy Partnership Law and non-legal work through our sister organisation Privacy Partnership Solutions.
Leadership and Special Advisors
Our multidisciplinary team comprises experts with diverse backgrounds, including former regulators and experienced consultants, all united by a commitment to excellence in privacy and data protection law. Our Management team members include:
- Nicola McKilligan: Senior Partner and Chief Executive, Nicola started her career as a Strategic Policy and International Officer at the ICO, and supports global clients in data protection strategies. She has a background in standards leadership, co-authoring the first UK Standard for Personal Information Management Systems BS10012.
- Jacqueline Gazey: Director with a background in management consultancy, contributing to strategic planning and client relations. Jacqueline consults for some to world best known financial brands and provides specialist support to the Gaming industry.
- Jonathan Beak: Co-founder and fractional General Counsel, Jonathan brings an in-house mindset to legal advisory, ensuring pragmatic solutions for clients.
- Robert Bateman: Senior Partner and Data Protection Consultant and Media expert. Rob delivers training, consultancy and project advice t o Clients as well as playing a pivotal rile in the consultancy service.
- Robert Bond: A distinguished solicitor with extensive experience in data protection and privacy law. Robert is one of the world's best know Data protection lawyers. A recognised legal expert and author in the fields of IT, e-commerce, computer games, media and publishing, data protection, AI, information security and cyber risks. He also has over 35 years’ experience as a Notary Public
- Jo Murphy: Fractional Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, with 20 years of experience as a UK qualified solicitor, both in private practice and in-house Jo has extensive experience in the media & entertainment sector including in video games, broadcast media, outdoor advertising and adtech. Jo offers strategic leadership and operational excellence.
- Nick Tyler: A qualified solicitor and Senior Privacy Counsel at Privacy Partnership, Nick spent 10 years at the UK Information Commissioner’s Office, where he was the Commissioner’s Chief Legal Adviser. He has held regional and global data privacy leadership roles at AstraZeneca and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, developing a deep understanding of the sector. Nick is an expert in global data transfer solutions and delivers bespoke training and communications strategies. He has particular expertise in supporting the implementation of global HR systems and applications, advising on the myriad data privacy issues and considerations involved.
- Boris Wojtan: Boris was previously the Director of Privacy at GSMA, the global industry association that helps shape the future of the mobile industry. He brings with him a wealth of privacy experience in the areas of IT and digital. Before joining GSMA, Boris was at Accenture for nine years where he led the data privacy function for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America and successfully obtained one of the first ever approvals from EU data privacy regulators for Binding Corporate Rules. Previously, Boris spent three years as legal adviser to the UK’s Information Commissioner and six years in private practice. He has also worked at the European Parliament and the European Commission.
our History
Now 25 years old Privacy Partnership was established in 2000 by Nicola McKilligan who was soon joined by co-founder Jacqueline Gazey. Nicola brought early experience from the UK Data Protection Commissioner’s Office (now the ICO), where she worked on strategic policy and international data privacy issues, as well as a background in drafting the first UK Data Protection Standard for BSI.
Jacqueline brings with her a background in project management, consultancy and compliance gained with some of the UK's biggest companies and expertise across data protection, freedom of information, and access legislation.
The business began as a consultancy, managing complex projects for multinational and UK organisations such as Prudential, TFL, Centrica, State Street, The Post Office and BAE Systems. With the arrival of the GDPR in 2018, Privacy Partnership expanded to deliver outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) services to a wider range of organisations, while building a wider team of expert consultants from regulatory, legal, and technical backgrounds.
In 2021, Nicola and Jacqueline founded Privacy Partnership Law with experienced General Counsel Jonathan Beak. Privacy Partnership Law is the legal services arm of the business and a SRA-regulated law firm. The Law firm complements the consultancy with fully regulated legal services. Since then, the practice has grown to include some of the UK’s leading privacy experts, such as Robert Bond, Boris Wojtan, and Nick Tyler.
Robert Bateman, a well-known data protection consultant, writer, and trainer has also recently joined Nicola and Jacqueline as a co-owner of the consultancy business. Robert has published widely on privacy and data protection, is a frequent commentator on regulatory developments, and brings deep expertise in UK and EU data protection practice. His addition further strengthens the firm’s reputation for combining regulatory know how with practical, business-focused advice.
Under the leadership of Nicola , Jacqueline, Jonathan and Rob Privacy Partnership offers a complete solution — consultancy, outsourced DPO, and regulated legal services — which is trusted by organisations across multiple sectors to help them navigate Data Protection and AI governance .
our approach
Here to Help
We deliver pragmatic legal advice tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our services encompass acting as outsourced Data Protection Officers (DPOs), conducting data audits, providing training, and offering strategic consultancy on data protection and AI law. Our team integrates seamlessly with your organization, functioning as an extension of your team to navigate the complexities of data privacy regulations.
Our Commitment
At Privacy Partnership Law, we are committed to staying at the forefront of developments in data protection and privacy law. Our team actively engages with regulators, industry bodies, and thought leaders to shape the future of privacy regulation and ensure our clients are well-positioned to navigate the evolving legal landscape.
Connect With Us
Whether you’re a multinational corporation, a start-up, or a non-profit organization, we are here to help you manage your data protection obligations effectively. Contact us today for a free 20-minute consultation and discover how Privacy Partnership Law can support your business.