Nicole Compton

Biography

Nicole was admitted as a solicitor in 2006 and called to the New South Wales Bar in 2013. Since coming to the Bar, she has developed a substantial and balanced practice in common law, personal injury and administrative law, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants.

Nicole’s principal areas of practice are work injury damages, workers' compensation, public liability and occupiers’ liability. Her broader practice encompasses:

  • recovery proceedings under s 151Z of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW);
  • medical and professional negligence;
  • product liability;
  • motor accident claims;
  • life insurance and total and permanent disability claims;
  • general insurance litigation;
  • institutional abuse claims;
  • coronial inquests and deaths in custody;
  • commissions of inquiry;
  • public and administrative law;
  • regulatory proceedings; and
  • employment and industrial law.

Nicole regularly appears in the Personal Injury Commission, the District Court and the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the Industrial Relations Commission. She accepts briefs at every stage of proceedings, including advising, settling pleadings and submissions, appearing at interlocutory and final hearings, and conducting mediations, settlement conferences, and appeals.

An experienced and assured advocate, Nicole brings a strategic, disciplined and level-headed approach to each matter. She is adept at identifying and distilling complex legal, medical, and evidentiary issues and providing clear, practical advice to effectively resolve disputes. Her detailed preparation and command of the evidence ensure that she remains thoroughly across the brief throughout the proceedings.

Having acted extensively for both plaintiffs and defendants, Nicole has a sound understanding of the respective interests of insurers, litigants and solicitors, as well as the practical and commercial considerations that inform the conduct and resolution of litigation. This balanced perspective enables her to assess matters objectively, formulate an effective litigation strategy and pursue the best available outcome for her client.

Nicole recognises that litigation can be demanding for clients. She places particular importance on clear advice, responsiveness and maintaining effective communication throughout the life of a matter. She values the contribution of her instructing solicitors, works collaboratively with them and makes herself available to discuss issues as they arise.

Nicole has a strong interest in public and administrative law and its increasing importance as personal injury and statutory compensation litigation continues to evolve. She is experienced in matters involving contested medical and expert evidence, causation, statutory interpretation, liability and quantum.

Nicole was previously appointed as a CARS Assessor in motor accident claims arising under both the 1999 and 2017 statutory schemes. She continued in that role until the establishment of the Personal Injury Commission. Her experience as an assessor provides valuable insight into the evaluation, presentation and determination of personal injury claims.

Nicole is an active member of the New South Wales Bar Association’s Common Law Committee. She readily accepts briefs from metropolitan and regional practitioners and is available to travel throughout New South Wales when required.

Having operated an entirely electronic practice for many years, Nicole prefers briefs and supporting material to be provided electronically.

Outside chambers, Nicole is a keen soccer player and avid sports fan. She enjoys good food accompanied by a glass or two of champagne.

Select Cases

Recent Personal Injury Commission Decisions (2026)

  • Lane v Rux Energy Pty Ltd [2026] NSWPIC 329
  • Gooding v Workers Compensation Nominal Insurer (iCare) & Anor [2026] NSWPIC 375
  • Han v Roblan Pty Ltd & Anor [2026] NSWPIC 460

Other notable cases

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