NICOLA SWAN

Nicola is a Partner in Chapman Tripp’s Dispute Resolution and Climate Change, Sustainability and ESG practices. She has a significant focus on climate change risk and reporting and is recognised as a thought-leader in this area.

Nicola has particular expertise in climate related disclosure (CRD) reporting implementation, having advised both government actors and regulated entities as the legislation and associated climate standards have been developing.   Nicola is currently acting for a range of New Zealand banks, fund managers, insurers and listed issuers on climate risk assessment, CRD, emissions targets and related liability/litigation risk. Nicola is also regularly approached to advise on sustainability governance.

Nicola is counsel on several proceedings regarding climate change in the New Zealand courts, including in relation to tortious duties and greenwashing.  Nicola is also counsel in international human rights proceedings regarding state-level climate change obligations. 

In the last three years, Nicola has co-authored published New Zealand legal opinions on fiduciary duties and obligations on boards of directors, fund managers and trustees to consider climate risk to businesses and investments, and several guides for company directors, fund managers and trustees to consider climate risk to businesses and investments.

Nicola is recognised in Chambers Asia Pacific 2024, Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2024 and Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration 2024.  Nicola was also listed in NZ Lawyer's Elite Women List 2023.

SPEAKING IN SESSION:

9:35AM | Directors' duties: legal, risk & reporting update