Nicholas Heaton | London | Hogan Lovells

Nicholas Heaton

Partner Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment

Heaton Nicholas

Nicholas Heaton
Heaton Nicholas
  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Credentials
  • Insights and events
quote mark

'superb and extremely knowledgeable'

Legal 500 2015

Nicholas leads the 'excellent, top-notch' competition litigation practice in London. His extensive experience litigating before the High Court and the Competition Appeals Tribunal enables him to represent clients in a wide range of industries, from financial and industrial to transport and technology. 

Nicholas is a commercial litigator and a recognized leader in the fields of Antitrust and Competition Litigation, Pensions litigation and Professional liability litigation. His depth of experience gives Nicholas a true understanding of client's issues.

If you are facing a pensions dispute, then Nicholas is a go-to litigator. Nicholas "regularly features in the headline pensions disputes in any given year" and his experience includes the full range of pension related proceedings. His cases often result in ground-breaking decisions with far-reaching implications. Nicholas is an active member of the Pensions Litigation Committee of the Association of Pension Lawyers and regularly comments on pension and professional indemnity issues.  

Nicholas is described as 'technically brilliant' in the field of professional negligence. His legal representation covers lawyers, accountants, pensions professionals, actuaries and investment managers. Nicholas' wealth of experience means he can guide clients through any issue they may face.

Nicholas' involvement at the leading edge of legal developments allows him to keep his clients fully informed. Nicholas and the team have been on the front-line addressing the new Consumer Rights Act, working to inform clients of the implications for their businesses. 

Don't just take our word for it. Nicholas' work is recognized amongst both peers and clients and sees him ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers in the areas of Competition Litigation, Pensions Litigation and professional liability.

quote mark

'technically brilliant' : 'possibly the best' with 'technical savvy' and 'exceptional client care'

Legal 500 2015

Representative experience

Defending Alstom in National Grid's substantial claim for damages arising from the Gas Insulated Switchgear cartel (National Grid v ABB & oths).

Defending Mersen in substantial damages claims in the Competition Appeal Tribunal arising from the carbon graphite cartel (Emerson v Morgan & Deutsche Bahn v Morgan).
Acting for Air Canada in the Air Cargo cartel litigation (Emeralds and others v BA).
Defending a leading international engineering company in a claim for injunctive relief arising for breach of Article 102 TFEU.
Acting for an employer in the MNRPF case, a leading case concerning duties of pension trustees and the funding of pension schemes.
Acting for the trustees of the BT Pension Scheme in proceedings against the Government concerning the scope of the 'Crown Guarantee' of the Scheme's liabilities.
Acting for the independent trustee in the IMG Pensions Plan case, a leading case concerning amendment to pension schemes.
Defending a leading firm of lawyers from claims arising in relation to the establishment of an investment trust.
Acting for one of the 'big 4' accountancy firms from claims arising from tax advice.

Credentials

Education
  • B.Sc., University of Exeter, 1991
Memberships
  • Committee Member, London Solicitors Litigation Association (LSLA)
  • Committee Member (Pensions Litigation Committee), Association of Pensions Lawyers (APL)
  • Co-Chair IBA Working Group on Antitrust Litigation

Recognition

Competition Litigation

Chambers UK

2019
Competition Law: Litigation (UK)

Chambers Global

2018-2019
Competition

Who's Who Legal

2017-2018
Leading lawyer Competition Litigation

Legal 500

2015
Leading lawyer Professional Negligence

Legal 500

2015
Leading lawyer Pension Litigation

Chambers

2015
Short listed Litigator of the year

Global Competition Review Awards

2015
Super Lawyer