Members have an international reputation as specialist advocates and experts in all forms of dispute resolution in their chosen practice areas.
"Nicholas is extremely bright and personable. His knowledge is well beyond his years. Excellent drafting, advice and handling of clients."
The Legal 500
Nicholas is an experienced advocate in both litigation and arbitration, both as sole counsel and as a junior. Nicholas’ practice includes disputes relating to construction, engineering and infrastructure, energy and utilities, information technology, and professional negligence in both court and arbitration.
He has recently been involved in a series of IT disputes involving complex, long-term projects ending in termination. In addition to these areas, he also acts in respect of a range of other general commercial disputes, with a particular focus on insurance-related matters. Nicholas has been ranked in the Legal 500 listings since 2021, and is currently tier 4/band 4 for construction disputes in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners rankings, with clients commenting that he is “a very bright junior, he has a very good manner when being challenged – listens and reflects, but also has firm resolve” and “he is incredibly bright and his drafting is very clear and persuasive. I have found him a pleasure to work with.”
In 2021 Nicholas was instructed as a junior in a leading case concerning liquidated damages before the Supreme Court, Triple Point Technology Limited v PTT Public Co Ltd [2021] UKSC 29. Other more recent experience includes acting for a claimant joint venture in relation to a £50 million claim under a policy of insurance in respect of delay to the construction of biomass waste wood burning energy power plant, acting as sole counsel in a £7 million claim arising out of the termination of a contract for the inspection of fire doors across the UK, and acting as junior counsel in a £60 million claim concerning the termination of a contract for the provision of complex IT services in the pensions industry.
Nicholas works closely and collaboratively with solicitors and lay clients to achieve the best outcomes, and is often involved in tactical adjudications, as well as assisting and advising in ADR/NDR processes to bring disputes to and end quickly and cost-effectively.
Nicholas has experience of an extensive range of construction disputes, spanning from large and complex projects to residential works contracts. He has worked on disputes over defects, extensions of time, variations, loss and expense, and termination in respect of a range of projects from domestic and commercial construction to airport, roads, and railway engineering works. He has also worked on complex process engineering cases (involving canneries and medical research laboratories). Recent examples of his work include:
Nicholas has a substantial practice arising out of the intersection of construction and insurance law, and has particular expertise in coverage disputes arising out of 10-year new home insurance policies. He has also acted in a range of general commercial disputes. Recent work includes:
Nicholas has recently acted in disputes concerning oil and gas projects, renewables, waste disposal and water treatment:
Nicholas has acted on matters arising out of information technology and telecommunications disputes.
Nicholas has advised on and acted in various cases of professional negligence. Recent examples include:
Nicholas has experience of all aspects of statutory adjudication. He has drafted adjudication submissions and has acted in enforcement proceedings. His work has often involved defending complex claims in short adjudication timetables. Examples include:
Triple Point Technology Limited v PTT Public Co Ltd [2021] UKSC 29
Manchikalapati v Zurich Insurance Plc (t/a Zurich Building Guarantee and Zurich Municipal) [2019] EWCA Civ 2163
Stelio Stefanou v A Culmer Fixing Service Limited [2018] EWHC 2208 (TCC)
Zurich Insurance PLC v Nightscene [2017] EW Misc 27 (CC)
2012-2013 BPTC (Very Competent)
2009-2013 PhD, ‘Justiciability before the International Court of Justice’ (Cantab)
2008-2009 LLM (First Class) Wolfson College, Cambridge
Jennings Prize, Wolfson College, Cambridge
Bevan Prize, Wolfson College, Cambridge
2005-2008 LLB (First Class), University College London
Nicholas is a contributing editor of the new Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts (14th ed., 2020).
“The dearest things in life may be free!” Construction Law Guest Editor, October 2017
Grove Developments Limited v Balfour Beatty Regional Construction Limited [2016] EWHC 168 (TCC) TECBAR Review, Spring 2016
Nicholas speaks French, Italian, German and basic Polish.
He is a member of TECBAR, COMBAR and the Society of Construction Law.
“Nicholas is very responsive and hard working. He is also meticulous in his preparation and on the detail.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2025
“He has provided timely advice and excellent drafting.”
Information Technology, Chambers UK Bar 2025
“Nicholas is a very good junior counsel, who is able to process large volumes of information rapidly. He is very proactive and clearly knows his stuff.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2025
“Nicholas is calm, professional, excellent at retaining detail and understanding complex issues.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“Nicholas is highly recommended for his work ethic, manner and expertise.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2024
“Nicholas is very attentive, commercial, and pragmatic. At the same time, he is ready to get stuck into the technical detail.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2023
“He is incredibly bright and his drafting is very clear and persuasive. I have found him a pleasure to work with.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2022
“A very bright junior, he has a very good manner when being challenged – listens and reflects, but also has firm resolve.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2021
