An injury lawyer with a focus on police misconduct and human rights
Nick is an injury lawyer with a specific focus on civil claims against Victoria Police and is active in human rights pro-bono work, including representing refugees at the Nauru Regional Processing Centre. He is an integral member of the firm's team who advises members of the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.
He also works in the area of road accident compensation, public liability and workers' compensation.
A unique background in advocacy
Prior to working at Robinson Gill Lawyers, he was a solicitor for two years at the Police Accountability Project (part of the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre). He was responsible for civil litigation against Victoria Police and representing clients on criminal matters.
He also was responsible for advocacy, drafting submissions for public inquiries and coronial inquiries. He also assisted in law and police reform and educating the community on police accountability.
With this experience in mind, Nick has learnt that taking the time to explain the civil litigation claim process to people, ensuring they know what to expect, and helping them improve their confidence to run the process.
Before joining Robinson Gill from the Police Accountability Project, Nick spent a year as a Judge's Associate at the County Court of Victoria.
Experienced-based on helping people
There is no substitute for experience - and Nick has a wealth of it, from his time helping people sue Victoria Police, volunteering at the Darebin Community Legal Centre and helping people who have been impacted by the Centrelink robodebt scheme. For the first four years of his career, he was helping people through his work at the Financial Ombudsman Services Australia and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s Office.
In support of his experience, Nick holds a Masters of Law, Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts.
More from Nick.
Extension of powers for PSOs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; a call for concern
With an easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, comes an increase in, and visibility of, Police and PSOs. What does this deployment and additional powers mean for public safety?
Summary of Judgement
Ms Attanayake’s lodged a WorkCover claim for anxiety and depression caused by sexual harassment, bullying and threats during her work.