Partner at Browne Jacobson. Founder of Skill Diligence. 25+ years at the intersection of technology, data, and law.
IAPP AI Governance Professional (AIGP)
CIPP(E) — Certified Information Privacy Professional
Partner, Browne Jacobson LLP · 25+ years
Member, CBI AI Advisory Group
I'm a technology law partner with over 25 years advising boards and executive teams on the deals, governance questions, and regulatory challenges that come with buying, building, and deploying technology. I've been advising on AI implementations since 2015.
I work with general counsel, CFOs, and board-level leaders — helping them cut through the noise and make decisions they can defend. Through Skill Diligence, I also run in-depth AI training programmes that give teams practical capability, not just awareness.
My focus is translating technical and regulatory complexity into clear answers. Not theoretical frameworks — workable positions that hold up in the boardroom and the contract negotiation.
"A pragmatic lawyer who always does a good job for his clients."
— Chambers & PartnersRecognised as a leading expert in technology law.
— Legal 500Whether you need independent board-level counsel, a consulting engagement, or hands-on AI training for your team — this is where I can help.
Strategic, independent perspective on AI governance, risk, and opportunity. Suited to organisations that need a non-executive voice with deep technology law expertise — not just a generalist.
Through Skill Diligence, I work with in-house legal teams and businesses on AI governance frameworks, technology contracts, data protection, and practical AI adoption. Engagements range from one-day workshops to retained advisory.
I speak at conferences, board away-days, and in-house events on AI law, governance, and practical adoption. Plain-English, commercially grounded, and without the hype. Past audiences include in-house legal teams, CFO networks, and technology leadership groups.
Most AI training leaves people with awareness but not capability. My workshops are different — participants leave with skills they can use the same day, and the tools to keep building.
The programmes are designed for lawyers, business leaders, and professional teams who want to move beyond prompting and start genuinely deploying AI in their work. No coding experience needed at any level.
Delivered in-person or remotely. Available as standalone workshops or as a structured programme. Suitable for teams of any size.
Whether you want a single half-day session or a structured programme across multiple cohorts, get in touch to discuss what would work for your team.
All programmes are tailored to the audience — the language, the examples, and the tools are chosen for the people in the room.
A summary of roles, qualifications, and the platforms I've built.
I speak to business and legal audiences — not academic ones. The goal is always to leave people with something they can use on Monday morning.
I speak at conferences, in-house events, board away-days, and partner retreats. Past audiences include in-house legal teams, CFO networks, technology leadership groups, and professional conferences across the UK.
I also deliver bespoke in-depth training workshops — see the Training section above if that's what you're looking for.
Alongside the legal and advisory work, I write regularly on AI, technology law, and practical AI adoption.
Every quote below comes from a lawyer, compliance professional, or contract manager who attended a session with Richard. Named, real, and specific.
In just a few sessions, participants go from being basic users to maximising the benefits they can derive from AI. AI will play a huge role in the future of legal practice — and any lawyer, young or old, should take Richard's course if they would like to stay ahead.
This was accessible to me and enabled me to make real change to my daily work and what might be possible in my working life on limited resources and a shoestring budget.
He guided us through how to apply AI thoughtfully, creatively, and effectively to real-world challenges affecting our roles. His ability to highlight practical problem-solving approaches was refreshing.
Perfectly delivered with real life examples, practical tips, interactive tasks, humour, and a wealth of experience and knowledge. Couldn't have asked more of a few hours' session.
Well-structured, engaging, and immediately useful. I would highly recommend Richard to anyone looking to build confidence and better understand how to use AI in their day-to-day legal work.
The session was really thought provoking and provided incredibly useful tools and information which I'm looking forward to implementing as part of my role.
As a practicing lawyer, he brought relevant subject-matter knowledge and delivered the workshop in a clear, practical way. Reliable, well-prepared, and great at keeping participants engaged.
The session offered practical insights into how to prepare effective prompts and how to integrate AI tools within day-to-day professional work. I would recommend Richard for his expertise, clear delivery, and positive energy.
I'm interested in connecting with general counsel, business leaders, boards navigating AI risk, and conference and event organisers. Reach out directly — no gatekeepers.
Not sure which route fits? Drop me a line with a brief note on what you're working on.
For Browne Jacobson legal matters, you can find my profile and contact details at Browne Jacobson.