Nicole mediates in the commercial space with a special focus on insolvency matters and shareholder / partnership disputes. In addition to her legal qualifications, Nicole brings a wealth of commercial experience to her mediations. She started her career as an insolvency practitioner working on major insolvencies including Brashes and Ansett Airlines through to court appointed liquidations. She also worked as investment banking advisor for international banks in both Melbourne and London.
Nicole is a firm believer that commercial outcomes are better obtained by mediation than litigation. While understanding the legal positions is essential, the uncertainty, cost and delay of litigation have detrimental impacts on the business. Early intervention before the emotions have escalated (they may be business disputes but you can’t keep the emotion out of them!) assists the dispute resolution process. Even where the conflict has escalated, Nicole brings her deep expertise in negotiation to assist the parties in moving forward to resolution.
Known for being able to resolve the unresolvable conflict, Nicole likes nothing better than learning what drives her clients and helping to navigate the very challenging situations they find themselves in.
In addition to her mediation work, Nicole also acts as a negotiation advisor, providing strategy and structure to significant negotiations to deliver the optimal outcomes. She is also a lecturer in negotiation at The College of Law and regularly teaches negotiation and conflict resolution skills to lawyers, accountants as well as more broadly across a range of industries.
Outside of work, Nicole has plenty of opportunity to practice negotiating with her three teens and her lawyer husband.
Nicole’s mediation practice is Nicole Davidson Negotiation.