Nicola advises and represents corporate and individual clients in complex commercial disputes. As a practitioner, Nicola draws on her extensive knowledge of relevant commercial law to develop strategies designed to protect and advance the rights and interests of her clients. Nicola has conducted matters in all relevant jurisdictions including the Federal Court of Australia and all Victorian Courts, including the Court of Appeal and Royal Commissions.
Nicola’s relevant practice experience includes:
Nicola has substantial trial experience and a demonstrated ability to manage both large and small litigation matters. Nicola recognises the importance of identifying a client’s broader commercial needs and aims at the beginning of a matter, working with her clients to achieve those aims efficiently. This also allows Nicola to provide advice that is not purely reactive but includes a strategic approach to achieving the desired outcome.
Nicola's expertise has been recognised by clients and peers by being named as a Rising Star in the Australia wide 2019 Doyles Guide for Commercial Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Insolvency.
Since being admitted to practice in 2010, Nicola has been involved in a number of disputes for high-profile clients, and was part of the legal team acting for one of the five unions involved in the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption hearings. Nicola was involved in all aspects of preparation for the Royal Commission hearings, including the preparation of witnesses, witness statements and documentary evidence. Nicola was present for and instructed at the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption hearings before Mr Dyson Heydon.
Nicola was also a key member of the team acting in the union’s concurrent Federal Court proceedings against its former National Secretary, in respect of which the union was ultimately successful.
Nicola has a keen interest in banking and finance matters, and was actively involved in the successful outcome of two multi-million dollar claims for monies owed to a global financial services group under a series of margin-loan agreements. Nicola has advised and acted in matters regarding the provision of financial planning advice, numerous insolvency disputes and has experience in matters of insolvent trading, unfair preference claims and the issuing of statutory demands.
Nicola’s expertise also includes advising on complex contractual disputes, including contractual interpretation, and has successfully acted in a number of joint venture disputes, including two high-profile matters in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Nicola has a demonstrated ability to manage long and intricate dispute matters at trial, and had a key role in achieving a positive outcome for an individual client involved in ongoing litigation over a period of six years with respect to a series of family trusts and businesses.
