Nik is an experienced litigator and advocate, with a remarkable track record in obtaining successful outcomes for his insurer clients, and their insureds. Nik has been involved in dozens of property damage proceedings and is valued by his clients as a trusted advisor and has a reputation as a ‘street smart’ litigator, providing practical and-cost effective advice whilst not compromising on outcomes. Nik is also valued for his people management and mentoring and is a mentor to many junior staff.
Nik specialises in subrogated property recoveries, and acts across a diverse range of recoveries, including tortious claims in negligence and nuisance, as well as contractual claims and claims made under statute including the Australian Consumer Law, the Building Act 1993 (Cth), the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), the Water Act 1989 (Vic), and their equivalent in jurisdictions such as NSW, WA, SA and Tasmania.
Nik regularly conducts appearance work in his matters, including the Supreme Court, County Court, lower jurisdictions and tribunals, and at mediations. He also works regularly with pro bono clients in relation to their rights and remedies available to them under the Australian Consumer Law.
- Acting for four major insurers and almost 100 plaintiffs in the Supreme Court of South Australia regarding property damage losses arising from a bushfire totalling approximately $25 million.
- Acting in a multi-million dollar recovery matter for a strata insurer and other insurers in relation to a restaurant fire.
- Acting in a major subrogated recovery against a contractor regarding a fire which burnt down a function hall at a retirement community. Nik was able to recoverin excess of $3M for his insurer client and their insured for their uninsured losses.
- Regularly acting on behalf of insurers and their insureds in relation to subrogated recovery claims and uninsured losses.
- Acting on behalf of insurers in relation to first party indemnity matters, including investigating fraud and drug related matters.
- Acting for insurers as a name party in relation to denial of indemnity matters.
- Providing indemnity advice and defending numerous claims for damage and consequential loses arising out of building work and alleged defects in workmanship or design.
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Women in Insurance