Derek Nicholson

Since 1980, Derek Nicholson has been one of Ottawa’s leading Civil Trial Lawyers. Early in his practice, Derek focused on Defense Insurance work representing several major insurance companies. He has also represented many high-profile clients, including the Attorney General of Canada in a trial against Boeing USA, CJOH -TV and Blue Line Taxi. Although he now exclusively represents Plaintiffs against Insurance companies, it is of immense value that he represented insurance companies in the early years to obtain insight to assist Plaintiffs today.

For over forty years, Derek has been sharply focused on Personal Injury work, especially so for Catastrophic Injury victims (including those affected by traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and multiple injuries resulting in a 55% whole body impairment as defined under the Insurance legislation.)

In 2012, Derek secured the largest settlement in Canadian History. He won over $15 million for clients who were catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident. The settlement also produced one of the most significant structured settlements in Canadian History totalling $11 million.

Derek's approach and focus are always on helping injured victims recover. He has guided hundreds of Plaintiffs through recovery by assisting in maximizing rehabilitation benefits and supporting victims to restructure their lives.

Derek is deeply involved in the law community. He was on the Executive of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association as Treasurer and Regional Organization Coordinator. Derek was initially elected a Director of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. He was the Chair of the OTLA cup committee, which organizes an annual Moot Court in personal injury for six of the law schools in Ontario. Derek is also a member of the American Association for Justice.