Property Damage
Nicola is instructed by insurers, individuals and Local Authorities in property damage claims brought in contract, nuisance, negligence, and pursuant to statute. Nicola’s property damage practice is often closely connected to and is complemented by her work in professional negligence claims involving construction professionals.
Selected Cases
- Acting as sole counsel at trial and then as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal (with Stephen Tromans KC and Justine Thornton KC) in Williams(1) Waistell(2) v Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 1514. The case raised a novel point of law concerning the recoverability of damages in nuisance following the encroachment of Japanese knotweed.
- Acting as sole counsel against leading counsel in a multi-million pound claim brought by a commercial retailer for business interruption arising out of a flood.
- Acting in a claim for business interruption caused by a flood at a number of holiday cottages in Wales.
- Acting in a claim involving water ingress from a neighbouring property resulting from a failure to adequately maintain drainage facilities.
- Acting in a claim for alleged damage to neighbouring property in the form of subsidence caused by a defective boundary wall. Successfully appeared at trial and subsequently at the hearing of the claimants’ appeal to the High Court.
- Acting and advising in a number of claims involving the encroachment of tree roots and invasive weeds.
- Acting in a number of subrogated claims arising out of the escape of water in residential and commercial premises.
Awards
Jules Thorn Scholarship (2011), Middle Temple
Astbury Scholarship (2010)
Middle Temple Exhibition Scholarship (2007)
Events
News
- Nuisance: TCC confirms applicable test in case of flooding caused by construction works
- Court of Appeal upholds anti-suit injunction
Articles
- Nuisance: TCC confirms applicable test in case of flooding caused by construction works
- Data protection and privacy: hospital not liable for third parties’ breach
Qualifications
- BPTC, City Law School (2011-2012)
- Jules Thorne Scholarship, Middle Temple (2011)
- Graduate Diploma in Law, City University (2010-2011)
- Astbury Scholarship, Middle Temple (2010)
- MA, Legal and Political Theory, UCL (2009-2010)
- Academic Scholarships, St Catherine’s College, Oxford University (2006-2008)
- BA (Hons), Modern History, Oxford University (2005-2008)
Memberships
PNBA
SCL
LCLCBA (Secretary of the Association)
BILA
Rankings
Professional Negligence: Technology & Construction in London (Bar) – Up and Coming
Professional Negligence: Leading Juniors – Tier 4 – ‘Exceptional.’
Recommendations
“A brilliant client manner complemented by in-depth analysis.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Nicola is a calm and measured advocate. Very hands on, willing to roll up her sleeves and super committed to the cause.”
Legal 500, 2024
“She has been active in a lot of big cases, and she’s an absolute Stakhanovite when it comes to taking on work.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Nicola always delivers and goes the extra mile. Her ability to grasp and master complex technical issues is exceptional.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Brilliant with clients and has real expert knowledge of the issues. She stands out for her attention to detail, and she has a 360-degree understanding of the case, so she can anticipate issues before they arise.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“She is exceptional. Nicola is very easy to communicate with and very approachable.”
Legal 500, 2021
“She is exceptional.”
Legal 500, 2020
“She has a phenomenal amount of energy and is a very switched-on junior.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
