‘Nicholas is one of those rare lawyers at the Bar, constantly evolving. He is very bright, more tactical and has a phenomenal memory. He is a go-to for financial claims.’
The Legal 500, 2024

Experience

Year of Call: 1996

Education

MA (Cantab)
C.P.E

Profile

Nicholas specialises in matrimonial finance, advising and representing in substantial asset and complex cases involving trusts, foreign assets, ante-nuptial agreements, inherited wealth, TOLATA and Inheritance Act claims.

Nicholas is a widely respected advocate who specialises in the financial aspects of family breakdown.  He acts for married and unmarried clients, with UK-based and international asset bases, and brings a sharp forensic analysis to complex financial disputes.  Clients appreciate his clear and commercial advice, and his professionalism and skill in the courtroom.


Nicholas is in demand from clients seeking counsel with an in-depth understanding of financial structures, including business and corporate issues, discretionary and offshore trusts, overseas assets and pension funds.  He specialises in complex and high-value cases, and has a keen perception and understanding of his clients’ concerns.

Nicholas advises in relation to personal and corporate insolvency and its impact upon family cases, on urgent financial orders in the family courts and drafting pre- and post-marital agreements.

Nicholas has a busy practice representing unmarried clients and former cohabitants in relations to financial and property claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.  He appeared in the case of Arif v Anwar v Rehan [2013] EWHC 624 (Fam) and [2015] EWHC 124 (Fam) concerning beneficial interests in a property and the interplay between proceedings in the Chancery and Family Divisions.  He is also adept at managing financial claims by unmarried parents under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

His charm, professionalism and meticulous case preparation put his clients at ease and he is committed to working with clients and solicitors as one legal team.

Nicholas has written and presented seminars for leading publishers and lectures widely to solicitors.

Professional Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit

Directories

‘Nicholas is one of those rare lawyers at the Bar, constantly evolving. He is very bright, more tactical and has a phenomenal memory. He is a go-to for financial claims.’
Legal 500, 2024
‘Nicholas has an excellent eye for detail, good on his feet and is a compelling advocate.’
Legal 500, 2023

‘ Intelligent, detailed and great on his feet. ’
Legal 500, 2022

‘Is an intellectual powerhouse in a very measured exterior. In my view he is not as well-known as he should be, but that is changing as the large firms realise he offers an encyclopaedic brain and is the match for any silk.’
Legal 500, 2021


‘Is a tenacious advocate, sharp as a razor blade and a pleasure to watch in action.’
Legal 500, 2020

‘Has a fabulous eye for detail.’
Legal 500, 2019

‘Intelligent and very analytical.’
Legal 500, 2017

‘A first-class heavyweight junior, who is very subtle and composed, no matter how tricky the situation.’
Legal 500, 2016

Incorporation Details

Nicholas Fairbank is employed by and works on behalf of N Fairbank Barrister Ltd.  N Fairbank Ltd is a limited company with registered number 11106118.  The registered address is N Fairbank Ltd, 4 Paper Buildings, London EC4Y 7EX.  Nicholas Fairbank and N Fairbank Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Bar Standards Board, for more details visit: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

12/03/24
[2023] EWHC 490; [2024] Fam Law 51
18/03/21
[2021] EWFC B11
14/11/18
[2018] EWHC 3245 (Ch)
21/11/16
[2016] EWHC 2965 (Fam)
25/11/14
AC9101365
21/03/13
[2013] EWHC 624 (Fam)
20/07/04
[2004] EWHC 1628 (Fam)
18/02/04
[2004] EWHC 246 (Admin); [2004] RA 113 : (2004) 101(11) LSG 35 : [2004] NPC 25 : Times, March 4, 2004
21/12/00
[2001] HRLR 18 : [2001] ACD 40 : Times, February 6,