Nicolas maintains a broad practice in commercial and public law, primarily in the fields of insolvency, competition and consumer law, insurance, taxation, equity and trusts, corporations and securities, banking & finance and derivatives, class actions, regulatory investigations, building & construction, and administrative and constitutional law.

Before being called to the Bar, Nicolas was an associate to the Hon. Justice Nettle AC of the High Court of Australia. He developed broad commercial and public law experience in Melbourne and London as a solicitor for over six years at Clayton Utz, at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in London, and at the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Due to his regulatory experience, Nicolas has particular knowledge in competition and consumer law, including cartel conduct, digital platforms and contentious regulatory investigations. During his time in London, Nicolas developed experience in general commercial litigation and all aspects of insurance coverage disputes, with a focus on complex policy-holder claims relating to building & construction, banking & finance, business interruption, and bushfire litigation. Through that experience Nicolas gained knowledge in building & construction disputes more generally and is familiar with both the English and Australian standard forms of building and engineering contracts. He has since developed experience in building & construction arbitrations in Australia.

Nicolas is also well versed in public and constitutional law, particularly in judicial review matters, and regularly advises both private and government clients. He is a member of the Tax Bar Association and has a keen interest in that field. His work in constitutional law has been cited in leading texts and by the High Court of Australia.

Nicolas holds degrees in commerce and law from Monash University. He also read for the Bachelor of Civil Law at the University of Oxford. During his studies Nicolas received several academic awards, including the Sir Rupert Cross prize in evidence at Oxford.

Nicolas read with Alistair Pound SC. His senior mentor was Peter Hanks QC.