Nicholas is an experienced Workplace Relations & Safety Special Counsel, known for his responsive and pragmatic approach to addressing his client’s legal issues.
Experience
Nicholas advises on the full range of employment issues, with his practice having a particular focus on the Australian Public Service and government clients and a deep understanding of the complex statutory frameworks they operate in.
He has extensive experience running complex and sensitive workplace investigations for both private and public sector clients under various pieces of legislation and policy. Nicholas has also represented clients in front of various courts and tribunals for a full range of employment and industrial disputes.
Recognised as “One to Watch” for Labour and Employment law by Best Lawyers in 2025, Nicholas is known for delivering high-quality investigation reports and offering tailored, strategic advice with minimal fuss. He brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors and has been consistently recognised for his contributions to pro bono work and client satisfaction.
Nicholas’ areas of expertise include:
- workplace investigations (public and private sector)
- enterprise bargaining and agreement interpretation
- APS and public sector employment law
- litigation and advocacy before tribunals and commissions
- workplace restructures, misconduct, and compliance.
Career highlights
Nicholas’ career highlights include:
- conducting complex workplace investigations for:
- private sector clients, including BHP; and
- public sector clients under various statutory frameworks including the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2013 (Cth) and the Public Service Act 1999 (Cth)
- advising a number of Commonwealth agencies, including the Department of Finance in the most recent round of enterprise bargaining
- advising and appearing for the Commonwealth on a variety of employment matters, including unfair dismissal, general protections and anti-discrimination
- secondments to a number of Commonwealth agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia
- advising and instructing counsel for an individual client in a high profile adverse general protections case involving threats of disciplinary action.