An approachable, plain-speaking, practical and collaborative lawyer of experience.

Before forming Eighty-One West, Nick honed his skills for nine years at one of Canada’s leading securities class action firms. During this time, he developed and led their institutional investor engagement, gaining extensive experience in complex claims for the private enforcement of securities law violations. He has appeared as counsel in several high-profile class actions. Nick is recognized and sought after for his claims analysis and engagement on complex legal and factual issues, and he is known for his broad market sector knowledge within the profession and institutional investor community. 

His background also includes experience with transnational public law issues. He was a vital member of the national counsel team in Araya v. Nevsun, a mass tort case in which he represented refugees in thirteen countries. The case included complex issues, including the act of state doctrine and its role in Canadian law, the adoption into Canadian law of customary international law, and conflicts of law, among others. The Nevsun case has been recognized as a case of global importance in the fight against modern slavery and was included in the Lexpert Top 10 Cases of 2019-2020.

Nick comfortably walks in different worlds and brings that skill to his practice. He has represented clients globally, from a prominent Australian farming family and sand mine to Cayman Islands hedge funds to Eritrean refugees and First Nations peoples. He has appeared in the Supreme Court of Canada, the British Columbia Court of Appeal and the superior courts of Ontario, British Columbia, and Queensland, Australia. He is honoured and grateful to have been mentored by celebrated senior counsel in both countries. 

Nick is recommended by clients and leading plaintiff and defence counsel alike as an approachable, plain-speaking, practical and collaborative lawyer of experience.

Nick’s background and values play a significant role in shaping his professional journey and his interactions with colleagues and clients. He grew up on the beaches of Queensland, Australia, and his love for his family and physical work around their property are testaments to his grounded nature. Nick prioritizes a work-life balance that includes surfing anywhere, anytime, because that is who he is, too.

QUALIFICATIONS

2003: B. Bus (Int’l), USC, Australia

2008: J.D., Bond, Gold Coast, Australia

2009: Admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland

2011: Called to the Ontario Bar

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Law Society of Ontario (Licensee)

• Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (Elected Member)