Hogan Lovells appoints Nikki da Costa as Director of Legislative Affairs

Nikki is a recognised authority on the UK's legislative and parliamentary processes, having founded the legislative unit at 10 Downing Street. She has served as Director of Legislative Affairs for two UK Prime Ministers, including supporting the Government to advance its legislative programme in a “virtual Parliament” during COVID-19. She has also served as a Policy Fellow to the Minister for Women and Equalities in the UK Government’s Equality Hub, leading a cross-Government taskforce considering the impact of government policy on women and how to increase women’s role in politics, business and society.

Nikki has twice been named one of the top 100 Women in Westminster and is a well-known commentator on policy and legislative issues. 

Janice Hogan, Practice Group Leader for the Global Regulatory and IP practice globally, said: "Nikki’s appointment is a significant further step in the continued growth of our market-leading Global Regulatory practice. With businesses facing increasingly complex regulatory environments, Nikki’s unique experience will be invaluable in providing strategic advice that goes beyond traditional legal services." 

Charles Brasted, Deputy Practice Group Leader, added:  “Nikki has a proven track record at Westminster, particularly on advising on legislative and parliamentary affairs. Her unique experience will be a vital addition to our market-leading public law and policy offering. She will work closely with partner Julia Marlow, Director of Government Affairs Robert Gardener and myself to help clients  deliver change as we enter a period of intense policy and legislative activity.” 

Nikki joins the firm from Flint Global, where she advised clients on a wide range of legislative and government affairs issues before stepping down earlier this year to stand in the UK General Election. Her work on legislative and government affairs will be exclusive to Hogan Lovells, while she also focuses on her executive coaching business. 

Reflecting on her appointment, Nikki da Costa said: “I am delighted to be joining the market-leading regulatory practice at Hogan Lovells, especially at a time when geopolitical change is creating significant challenges and opportunities for businesses, particularly in highly regulated sectors. I look forward to collaborating with the firm’s global network and advising clients on navigating the UK’s legislative and parliamentary processes.”