Eversheds Sutherland strengthens Commercial Advisory practice with technology partner hire

Nichola joins the firm from DLA Piper, bringing more than 15 years’ experience advising global clients on complex, high-value technology and digital transformation programmes, including major outsourcing arrangements.

She is widely recognised for her technical expertise and commercial insight across regulatory compliance programmes and strategic partnership arrangements, with experience spanning cloud-based infrastructure, AI-enabled solutions, and financial services regulatory frameworks such as DORA and PRA requirements.

Nichola is ranked in Legal 500 as a “Key Lawyer” and is recognised for her work on insurance-focused outsourcing and technology arrangements involving advanced digital and cloud-based solutions.

Her arrival further strengthens Eversheds Sutherland’s ability to support clients operating at the intersection of technology, regulation and transformation, as organisations respond to accelerating change in digital infrastructure, AI adoption and evolving financial services regulatory expectations.

Simon Gamlin, Commercial Advisory Practice Group Head and Global Co-Head of Commercial Advisory, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“This is a deliberate investment in an area, in line with our practice group strategy, where we continue to see sustained client demand. The intersection of technology, sourcing and regulation is becoming increasingly complex, and it is critical that we continue to build capability in this space. Nichola’s experience adds real strength to the team and aligns closely with how we are developing our broader commercial advisory offering across our global platform. We are delighted to welcome her.”

Simon Lightman, Partner and Head of Technology, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Nichola is a fantastic addition to the team. She combines strong technical depth with a practical, commercial mindset, which is invaluable for clients navigating complex technology and outsourcing projects. With the pace of change around AI and increasing regulatory pressure, her experience will be hugely valuable. We are very pleased to have her on board.”

Nichola Donovan, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“For me, Eversheds Sutherland stood out as a firm with a strong sense of direction. Its client base and sector strengths align closely with my practice, creating exciting complementary opportunities from day one. I am looking forward to working closely with the team and helping to grow the practice in a focused way that delivers genuine strategic value for clients.”

Nichola’s arrival follows a raft of strategic appointments including, most recently, Partners Laura Fannin, Grant Edwards and Chrissy Findlay.