Qualifications
LLB (1st Class Hons), BA (1st Class Hons), Victoria University of Wellington
Admitted
2001, New Zealand
With over 19 years’ experience, Nicholas acts for and advises clients on a wide range of issues including complex contractual and commercial disputes, tort law, intellectual property and administrative law.
Respected by clients for providing clear, focused and practical advice on how to deal with disputes, Nicholas also provides straightforward advice about managing the risk of disputes before they arise.
An expert in his field, Nicholas has authored several publications: Sale of Goods in New Zealand, a recent New Zealand text on the law of sale of goods, and the third edition of Butterworths Questions and Answers: Public Law. He also co-authors the leading textbook on civil procedure in the higher courts of New Zealand, McGechan on Procedure.
Recent highlights
- Acted successfully for an insurer in two High Court trials resisting claims of alleged earthquake damage by homeowners, including successfully obtaining non-party costs awards in those proceedings against the litigation funder.
- Provided regular advice to an insurer on earthquake claims, litigation and other issues.
- Resisted a summary judgment application in the High Court in respect of a multi-million dollar insurance claim.
- Drafted submissions for, and appeared as junior counsel in, important declaratory judgment proceedings heard by the Full Court of the High Court of New Zealand in determining the scope of the Earthquake Commission’s liability where multiple claims were made on the Commission in a series of earthquakes (reported as In re Earthquake Commission [2011] 3 NZLR 695 (HC)).
- Drafted submissions for and appeared as junior counsel on behalf of a regulated entity during major High Court litigation involving appeals by various regulated entities against input methodologies determinations made by the Commerce Commission.
- Advised an international airport on various issues related to airport pricing and airline alliances.