The Legal 500 has run these awards for over 35 years with a strong focus on the capabilities of law firms, lawyers and in-house lawyers in the North, Northwest, Yorkshire & the Humber. The depth and quality of legal services in the North has been recognised by successive UK governments and these awards celebrate this success.

The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards recognise the lawyers, law firms and in-house legal departments setting the pace in the region, providing a platform to celebrate their achievements over the last 18 months.

The shortlists and winners have been determined based on The Legal 500’s market-leading independent research for the annual UK Solicitors guide. Winners were selected by a judging team spearheaded by The Legal 500 UK research manager Ben Wheway, editor Georgina Stanley, and head of in-house research Joe Boswell, and including the efforts of all of the in-house and freelance researchers whose in-depth knowledge and understanding went into the authoritative UK practice rankings.

Nick won the Lawyer of the Year Award for his work as an infrastructure and energy lawyer and as Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a leading global law firm.

Nick has 20 years of sector experience gained in the UK and internationally, he specialises in advising on infrastructure and PPP projects. He is also active in renewable energy and transport schemes, including energy from waste, EV charging, heat networks, energy storage, clean air zones and other net zero projects. He is also active on legacy PFI / PPP schemes.

He is active in the primary and secondary / infra M&A markets and is increasingly involved in PPP schemes internationally and in emerging markets. He routinely leads large teams of lawyers, typically forming part of wider multi-disciplinary teams. Nick's clients include sponsors, contractors, equity investors, funders and the public sector (both central and local government).

Nick regularly features in Legal Directories. Legal 500 2021 describes him as "a trusted pair of hands who is able to turn his skills to many different sectors and issues."​ Legal 500 2022 says he "leads the team well, he always gives us a positive experience, is reliable, always willing to assist, to educate and to try to find alternative solutions that lead to better outcomes."

In his spare time Nick is a keen mountaineer, runner, occasional triathlete and junior rugby and cricket coach. He is active in his community as a trustee of his local cricket club and library and is a donor for NHS Blood and Transplant.