Nicolas Short: Commercial Law, Corporate Advisory & Mediation

Nicolas Short is a sole practitioner solicitor, mediator and notary public with over 30 years of legal experience. The firm specialises in providing comprehensive legal services to corporates, in-house counsel, and start-up businesses. With extensive experience in both private practice across New Zealand, Canada and Hong Kong, and over 22 years as in-house legal counsel including 16 years in a General Counsel capacity, the practice offers unique insights into commercial and corporate legal matters.

The firm focuses on assisting corporates with general commercial and corporate work, specific projects, and acting as part-time in-house counsel. Services include consulting on legal risk management, advising on in-house legal resources, and optimising external counsel relationships. For in-house counsel, the practice provides urgent project support, overflow assistance, peer review services, and locum cover. Start-up and new venture businesses receive specialised support in establishing legal foundations and ongoing commercial legal services.

Nicolas Short brings significant expertise in leadership, commercial dealings, dispute resolution, governance, compliance and risk management. His background includes managing multi-million dollar litigation, overseeing major business acquisitions and dispositions, handling complex commercial contracts, and developing comprehensive compliance programmes. The practice has been recognised for excellence, with Nicolas being named one of the "Hot 10 in New Zealand" by Australasian Legal Business magazine and leading teams that won New Zealand In-House Team of the Year awards.