Nicola Swan

Nicola Swan FCIARB / FAMINZ is a Wellington-based partner in Chapman Tripp’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution team and leads the firm's international law practice. She has particular expertise in international arbitration, New Zealand commercial dispute resolution, public international law, public law and climate risk. 

Recognised by clients as having excellent rapport, and as effective in developing case and advocacy strategy, Nicola has broad experience before international arbitral tribunals and in domestic courts. Nicola regularly advises on disputes with an international element and those which incorporate both public and commercial law.  Prior to returning to Wellington in 2019, Nicola practised in London for seven years with a major US law firm, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where she acted on a range of international arbitration disputes including international commercial arbitration involving European, Russian, Asian and African parties, international human rights disputes before a range of domestic and international tribunals, and public international law disputes involving state obligations.   

Nicola is recognised as a rising star by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021 and as a Future Leader by Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration for 2021. Nicola is a current member of the IBA’s ESG  Arbitration Committee and was closely involved in several recent ICC Commission on Arbitration Task Forces involving witness evidence and climate change arbitration.  Nicola has also been closely involved with the London-based Young Public International Law Group and the American Society of International Law.  Nicola speaks regularly on climate risk and environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk management in business.