Legal & Public Affairs Team

Caroline Roberts, Director of Legal & Public Affairs

Caroline Roberts joined the Direct Marketing Association as Director of Public and Legal Affairs in June 2001.

In this capacity, her responsibilities include the analysis of relevant UK and European legislation and lobbying on behalf of the legitimate commercial activities of DMA members at the interface with government in the UK and in the European Union, and the development of alternative self-regulatory regimes, both to raise standards in the industry and to prevent unduly restrictive legislation. She provides DMA members with information on potential threats, opportunities and ongoing initiatives, and advice on relevant legislation and codes of practice.

Caroline also acts as Director of the Direct Marketing Commission, the independent body set up to monitor industry compliance with the DMA Code of Practice.

Before joining the DMA, Caroline spent twelve years as Director of Public Affairs for the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association, the national trade association for the beer and pubs industry. Prior to that, she worked in Parliament for ten years, six of which were spent working for the Rt.Hon. Nigel Lawson, MP, who was then Chancellor of the Exchequer.

She has a degree in Politics and Modern History from the University of Manchester.

James Milligan, Solicitor, Legal & Public Affairs Adviser

James Milligan advises DMA members on data protection, e-commerce, and financial services legislative issues. James is also involved in lobbying the UK Government, the European Commission and other industry regulators on these issues.

James is a qualified solicitor and has the ISEB certificate in data protection.

Prior to joining the DMA in 2002, James spent five years working in both private practice and in-house, including gaining practical experience in data protection and financial services whilst working for the European subsidiary of a US third party credit card processor.

Janine Paterson, Solicitor, Legal & Public Affairs Adviser

Janine joined the DMA as a Legal & Public Affairs Adviser in June 2007.

Janine's role at the DMA includes advising members on legal matters affecting the direct marketing industry including data protection, consumer law and prize draws and competitions.

Janine responds to both Government and European consultations and undertakes lobbying on behalf of the interests of DMA members.

Janine also undertakes speaking engagements at both DMA and outside conferences and events and is involved on providing bespoke in-house training for DMA members.

Janine has a degree in law from Brunel University in Middlesex and qualified as a Solicitor in 1992. Before joining the DMA she worked for 10.5 years for Which?, the consumer body advising consumers on consumer protection legislation and contributing to various Which? publications

Michelle Wicker, Solicitor, Employment, Legal and Public Affairs Adviser

Michelle qualified as a Solicitor in 2000 and joined the DMA in 2002. Prior to working at the DMA Michelle worked in private practice specialising in employment law and litigation.

At the DMA Michelle specialises in employment law and advises members on current and legislative developments in all aspects of employment law.

Michelle also speaks at seminars and workshops and lobbies on behalf of DMA members at UK and European level on all aspects of employment legislation that affects the DM industry.