Nick Christiansen
PartnerAbout Nick
Nick is a commercial litigator specialising in complex commercial disputes, including class actions, competition and consumer law claims and regulatory actions, and corporations law proceedings. His competition and consumer law practice covers restrictive trade practices and anti-competitive conduct, the trade conduct protections, advertising and marketing, consumer guarantees, and franchising law and regulation. He also acts in corporate and personal insolvency litigation, advises corporate clients in non-contentious insolvency and restructuring matters, and acts for leading banks and financial institutions in enforcement and regulatory compliance matters.
What he does
Nick has a measured and commercially pragmatic approach. He works closely with clients to develop strategies for the early and cost-effective resolution of disputes, to handle regulatory compliance issues, and to respond to investigations and inquiries.
Nick regularly advises and appears for clients in matters before superior state and federal courts and tribunals, in arbitrations, mediations, expert determinations and before regulators.
Who he works with
Nick works with Australian and multinational corporates in a wide range of industries, including retail/FMCG, food, telecommunications, media, entertainment, travel and tourism, petroleum, energy and personal and financial services. He also acts for insolvency practitioners, company directors, and a number of high-profile and high net worth individuals.
What his clients say
"I have always found Nick reliable and approachable. He delivers advice in a methodical and direct manner that is easily understood and has an appreciation for delivering sound commercial advice."
Brett Dingli, Chief Legal Counsel—Craveable Brands
"In a difficult dispute, it was reassuring to know that we could rely on Nick's professionalism and expertise to argue our case effectively and achieve a positive outcome."
Peter Strain, Director—Property, Abacus Property Group
"Nick has invested time in understanding our needs and as a result he provides strategic, commercially astute legal advice which adds value to our business. Nick's calm and considered approach, and his ability to integrate multiple considerations means his advice is targeted and effective."
Lauren Miller—General Counsel, Carnival Australia
Qualifications
Nick has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree, a Master of Professional Studies in International Relations and Human Rights (Hons), and a Postgraduate Diploma in strategic management in the aviation industry.
Life before Sparkes
Before joining Sparke Helmore, Nick was a commercial litigator with Gilbert + Tobin, which included a period when he was seconded to Telstra's regulatory affairs team to advise on the NBN rollout. Before then, he acted for a number of prominent Australian, New Zealand and multinational corporations in commercial litigation and trade practices matters at Bell Gully in New Zealand—the country's leading litigation and regulatory practice. There he gained significant experience handling high-stakes litigation and large-scale regulatory investigations and proceedings, principally for clients in the aviation and forest products industries.
Life outside of Sparkes
Nick is a keen reader and traveller, and enjoys the great outdoors.
