Nicola Gillespie
About Nicola Gillespie
Nicola Gillespie serves as the Director of the Legal & Risk Department and the Global Head of Contentious Risk at Linklaters LLP, a position she has held since 1999. She has played a key role in establishing and leading risk management initiatives within the firm.
Work at Linklaters
Nicola Gillespie has held the position of Director in the Legal & Risk Department at Linklaters LLP since 1999. She serves as the Global Head of Contentious Risk, overseeing critical aspects of risk management within the firm. Gillespie has been a key member of the leadership team in the Legal & Risk Department since its establishment in 2001. Her role involves regular reporting to the Executive and Audit Committees on matters related to risk, compliance, and liability.
Education and Expertise
Nicola Gillespie studied Law at the University of Cambridge, where she earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree from 1984 to 1987. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her extensive career in legal risk management. Gillespie's expertise includes establishing in-house risk and compliance functions within law firms, as well as managing contentious risk related to professional insurances and liability.
Background
Gillespie has been with Linklaters LLP for 25 years, contributing significantly to the firm's approach to legal risk and compliance. She established the Risk Department in 2001, which was among the first in-house risk and compliance functions in a law firm. This initiative marked a significant development in the firm's operational structure and risk management capabilities.
Achievements
In 2007, Nicola Gillespie created the Contentious Risk Team at Linklaters, focusing on global professional insurances, claims, liability, and quality management. This team plays a crucial role in addressing complex risk issues and enhancing the firm's overall risk management framework. Gillespie's contributions have been instrumental in shaping the firm's risk strategies and compliance protocols.