In our latest Q&A with our recently appointed partners, we get to know Sydney-based cyber and technology specialist, Nicole Gabryk, a key member of W+K’s Cyber, Privacy & Data Security team.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at Wotton + Kearney.

I moved from South Africa to Australia in late 2021 and requalified in a new jurisdiction (after practising as a lawyer in South Africa for over 10 years). I have been working in cyber insurance and data protection since 2015 (at which stage the area of law and insurance was very much in its infancy) and have focused on understanding the unique challenges faced by our insurance clients as a result of the ever-growing cyber risks in the Australian market. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant colleagues who supported my career progression to become a partner in a niche and emerging field of law.

What made you decide to become a lawyer?

I was always interested in the legal profession and how law was a field that was able to shape society. Cyber Insurance and privacy law is a new field and a fantastic area of law to be involved in as it adapts and responds to newly emerging digital challenges.

What do you think is a major issue facing your area in insurance law?

Each month the cyber landscape seems to shift – threat actors get more sophisticated and new laws are enacted (or adapted) to protect individuals in the digital era, the challenges facing cyber insurers continue to evolve – this includes everything from increased third party risks (for example higher regulatory penalties and more class action lawsuits), increased first party and business interruption costs resulting from cyber incidents and more complex regulation for insureds.  

What’s the best piece of advice (work or personal) that you have been given.

The people you work with are often more important than the work you do – make sure you surround yourself with a supportive team and environment.

What do you get up to outside of the office

I love being outdoors with my family – we love to go fishing, head out on the boat or to the beach

Complete this sentence – If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be…

amazed to have so much time on my hands… and hopefully use that time to be off travelling to new places (so much to see, so little time)