Nikki enjoys a broad commercial practice, with a strong background and focus on trial advocacy.
Before joining Richmond Chambers as a junior, Nikki worked as a criminal defence solicitor in Scotland. That provided valuable Court-room experience, working with top advocates in the Scottish legal profession and on a wide range of proceedings (including murder-trials, sexual offence cases, and misuse of drug offences).
Nikki has since re-qualified in New Zealand and brings that trial focus to her commercial/civil practice. Nikki works with the senior barristers at Chambers in a variety of different specialties. Nikki has appeared in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, along with a number of tribunals and arbitration hearings.
Nikki also has an excellent academic record, having obtained a Masters in Law from Trinity College, Dublin. Nikki is dual qualified in Scotland and New Zealand.
Acted as junior counsel for the respondent in a commercial licence dispute regarding third party indemnities.
Acted as junior counsel for landlord in a commercial property dispute concerning an agreement to lease and lease for a large-scale complex.
Acted as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, involving trust and property issues and a related charging order.
Acted as junior counsel for the plaintiff in respect of an application to register and enforce a foreign (Korean) judgment, including separate judgment on evidence matters and stay of proceeding.
Acted as junior counsel in successfully obtaining name suppression on endangering safety grounds.
Acted with senior counsel, in successfully varying a charging order over property and cancelling registration of the charging order.
Assisted senior counsel for the plaintiffs in a judicial review proceeding regarding a proposed jet-capable airport at Wanaka.
Assisted senior counsel in relation to submissions made by Stuff NZ (interested third party) with regards to access to, and publication of, commercially sensitive court documents.
Assisted senior counsel in respect of a judicial review in respect of an extended supervision order imposed.
Acted, with senior counsel, for the appellant, in relation to a decision by the Director of the CAA to impose conditions on the appellant’s medical certificate on the grounds the appellant’s personality traits posed a threat to aviation safety.
Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing double murder charges.
Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing a murder charge (outcome-downgraded to culpable homicide).
Acted, with senior counsel, for an individual facing multiple charges of rape against a number of individuals and assault.
Acted, with senior counsel, in relation to charges around the misuse of drugs (significant intra-UK drug offending).
* Whilst acting as a Solicitor in Scotland