Nicole advises clients across all aspects of family law: divorce, financial remedies, Schedule 1 claims, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and co-parenting arrangements.
She is also qualified as a solicitor in Ireland and an attorney in New York, and brings a multi-jurisdictional perspective to her practice. Her background in real estate finance enhances her ability to navigate complex financial matters.
Her client base is diverse, and she acts for entrepreneurs, professionals in banking and medicine, and individuals in the music and arts industries. What they have in common is that their cases are emotionally challenging, financially complex, or both.
Nicole is a skilled negotiator with a strong track record of settling cases out of court. She has undertaken mediation training, which shapes how she approaches even the most adversarial situations.
The directories describe her as "unflappable," "highly numerate," and "always cool under pressure."
Nicole has acted across a wide range of high-value financial remedy cases, including matters taken through to final trial. She has secured settlements protecting significant pre-marital assets, obtained financial provision enabling clients to purchase property outright, and negotiated outcomes involving complex structures including family trusts and private equity fund interests.
She has acted for a mother in a Schedule 1 case securing a lump sum for provision for her children, and advised on pre-nuptial agreements for clients with substantial family trust distributions. Her practice also covers co-parenting and child arrangements alongside the financial work.
Nicole is ranked in Chambers & Partners' Family/Matrimonial Finance: High Net Worth table. She's also recognised by Legal 500 as a key lawyer across both children and family practice.
Chambers profile | Legal 500 profile.
"An unflappable lawyer who provides excellent support for the vulnerable client."
Legal 500, 2024
"Highly numerate and pragmatic in her approach."
Legal 500, 2021
"Very smart, able and always cool under pressure."
Legal 500
Winner, Family Lawyer of the Year – Senior/Managing Associate (Bronze)
Citywealth Future Leaders Awards, 2021
"Nicole Derham is very stoic, calm and well prepared. She is always extremely helpful and has a very good manner with clients.”
Chambers and Partners: High Net Worth Guide 2026
"I found Nicole responsive and willing to give options. She gave clear guidance on legal principles and was pragmatic in dealing with the other side.”
Chambers and Partners: High Net Worth Guide 2026
"Nicole Derham's attention to detail is excellent. She is really thorough.”
Chambers and Partners: High Net Worth Guide 2026
