Nicola Thompson: A Leading Legal Expert in Commercial Dispute Resolution
Nicola Thompson is a distinguished Managing Knowledge Lawyer specialising in Dispute Resolution at Lewis Silkin, one of the United Kingdom’s prominent law firms. With over a decade of experience in commercial litigation, Nicola has established herself as an authoritative figure in managing high-value, complex disputes. This article delves into her impressive legal career, educational background, and contributions to the legal profession, focusing on her roles at Lewis Silkin, Eversheds Sutherland, and Steeles (Law) LLP.
Early Education and Legal Foundations
Nicola Thompson’s legal journey began at the University of East Anglia, where she pursued a law degree from 2004 to 2007. Graduating with First Class Honours, Nicola demonstrated early on her academic excellence and commitment to the legal field. This strong foundation provided the ideal platform for her to advance in the competitive world of law.
Following her undergraduate studies, Nicola completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the College of Law in 2007-2008, achieving a Distinction. The LPC is a crucial step for aspiring solicitors in the UK, equipping them with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to practice law effectively. Nicola’s success at this stage was indicative of her determination and aptitude.
Professional Career Overview
Early Career at Steeles (Law) LLP
Nicola Thompson began her professional career at Steeles (Law) LLP in Norwich, where she worked as a Solicitor from September 2010 to February 2012. Here, she managed and resolved a wide variety of disputes for a diverse clientele, including companies, public sector clients, and individuals. Her caseload involved complex matters such as commercial contracts, professional negligence, and insolvency disputes.
During her time at Steeles, Nicola developed key litigation skills and an appreciation for the nuances of dispute resolution across multiple sectors. This experience was invaluable in building her competence and confidence as a commercial litigator.
Before becoming a fully qualified solicitor, Nicola served her training period as a Trainee Solicitor at Steeles from 2008 to 2010. Her training was comprehensive, covering departments including Personal Injury, Dispute Resolution, Company and Commercial law, and Employment law. This rotational experience allowed Nicola to gain a broad perspective on different legal disciplines, enhancing her versatility.
Principal Associate at Eversheds Sutherland
In 2012, Nicola took a significant step in her career by joining Eversheds Sutherland, a major international law firm, as a Principal Associate in the Commercial Dispute Resolution team based in London. Over nearly 12 years with Eversheds, Nicola honed her expertise in managing complex, high-value disputes.
Her portfolio included:
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Handling cross-border commercial litigation arising from contractual disagreements.
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Advising on urgent injunctive relief applications, including cases with industrial relations implications.
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Navigating warranty and indemnity disputes, critical in commercial transactions.
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Enforcing restrictive covenants against senior executives, protecting business interests.
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Participating in high-profile regulatory investigations, particularly in the Financial Services sector.
Nicola’s work at Eversheds often involved cases with significant commercial and legal complexity, requiring deep knowledge of both procedural law and the substantive commercial context. Her ability to manage cases on expedited timetables and her involvement in precedent-setting cases have made her a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.
Managing Knowledge Lawyer at Lewis Silkin
In April 2025, Nicola Thompson took on the role of Managing Knowledge Lawyer at Lewis Silkin, a respected UK law firm recognised for its expertise across multiple practice areas, including dispute resolution.
In this position, Nicola focuses on:
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Keeping clients and internal legal teams abreast of legal and procedural developments in dispute resolution.
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Developing leading-edge content and legal initiatives that assist lawyers and clients alike.
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Supporting and enhancing client management and relationships through strategic legal insight.
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Delivering training and workshops on important and topical litigation issues, helping to raise professional standards.
Nicola’s role is unique, combining her litigation expertise with knowledge management and legal education, ensuring that her firm remains at the forefront of dispute resolution developments.
Expertise and Areas of Focus
Nicola Thompson’s legal expertise spans several key areas within commercial dispute resolution:
High-Value and Cross-Border Litigation
Her ability to handle disputes involving significant financial stakes and international elements is a testament to her strategic thinking and legal acumen. Cross-border disputes require an understanding of different legal systems, jurisdictional challenges, and enforcement complexities, all of which Nicola manages expertly.
Urgent Injunctive Relief
Nicola has considerable experience in applications for urgent injunctions, including those in sensitive industrial relations contexts. The need for swift legal action in such cases demands precision, decisiveness, and thorough preparation, skills that Nicola consistently demonstrates.
Warranty and Indemnity Disputes
These disputes arise frequently in commercial contracts and M&A transactions. Nicola advises clients on their rights and remedies related to contractual warranties and indemnities, helping to protect their interests and manage risks.
Enforcement of Restrictive Covenants
Restrictive covenants are essential for safeguarding business confidentiality and preventing unfair competition. Nicola’s enforcement experience ensures that senior individuals are held to their contractual obligations, securing client assets and goodwill.
Regulatory Investigations
Nicola has acted on high-profile investigations in the Financial Services sector, navigating the complex regulatory environment and advising clients on compliance and risk mitigation.
Contribution to the Legal Community
Beyond her client work, Nicola is dedicated to sharing knowledge and advancing the legal profession. She regularly devises and delivers training sessions on litigation and dispute resolution topics, ensuring that her colleagues remain informed about the latest developments. This commitment to education helps maintain high standards within her firm and the wider legal community.
Her role as a Managing Knowledge Lawyer also involves creating innovative content and tools that assist lawyers in managing complex disputes more efficiently and effectively.
Conclusion
Nicola Thompson exemplifies the qualities of a modern legal professional: deeply knowledgeable, client-focused, and committed to continuous learning and development. Her educational achievements laid a strong foundation for a career marked by significant accomplishments across leading law firms.
At Lewis Silkin, Nicola continues to influence the landscape of dispute resolution through her expertise and dedication to knowledge sharing. Her career trajectory offers an inspiring example for aspiring solicitors and highlights the importance of combining legal skill with strategic insight and client management.
Nicola Thompson remains a respected figure in UK commercial litigation, and her ongoing contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of dispute resolution practice.
