Nicola is a Partner based in our Christchurch office, specialising in employment, health law, privacy law, and dispute resolution.
She has extensive private practice experience as an employment law expert, as well as significant in-house experience having been Principal Legal Advisor Employee Relations at New Zealand Police and General Counsel at District Health Boards New Zealand.
Nicola is an expert in disciplinary processes and investigations, as well as restructuring, personal grievances and alternative dispute resolution. She has broad experience in health & safety advisory work, managing complaints and adverse events, and has extensive experience in high-profile government and coronial inquiry work.
Nicola is known for her pragmatic approach, and ability to navigate clients through difficult situations without damaging ongoing relationships. Prior to joining Lane Neave, Nicola was Special Counsel at another national law firm.
In addition to her New Zealand experience, Nicola has worked in London as in-house counsel to investment banks. She has graduate qualifications in viticulture, wine science, and Spanish.
Experience / Work Highlights
- Appearing before the Coroner at the Inquest into 19 deaths arising out of the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend and Cyclone Gabrielle weather events.
- Representing the Attorney General on behalf of New Zealand Police in High Court defamation proceedings brought in the context of an ongoing employment relationship.
- Appearing before the Government Inquiry into Havelock North Drinking Water.
