Recent Results and Representative Matters.
Mr. Nichols produces real results that make a real difference for his clients.
Representative Corporate Litigation and Arbitration
Mr. Nichols has represented a computer software company in a three-panel AAA arbitration. Client awarded a seven-figure judgment based on breach of fiduciary duty claims and payment secured prior to defendant's bankruptcy. Mr. Nichols represented an international U.S. based company in a seven-figure breach of contract case against an international defendant heard before a three-member AAA tribunal. Mr. Nichols has prosecuted claims for interference with contract, trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition involving programmable logic devices. Mr. Nichols has represented numerous companies in a variety of claims, including: breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, breach of warranty, interference with business relations and other business torts. Representative Employment Matters Mr. Nichols represented a high tech company in a seven-figure breach of contract claim against a publicly traded international company before a three judge international arbitration panel. Mr. Nichols represented employer in suit against former employee for misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contract. Mr. Nichols represented biotechnology company against claims of breach of contract by former executive. Mr. Nichols represented an investment fund manager in claims against prior employer for breach of fiduciary duties. Seven figure settlement obtained prior to arbitration. Mr. Nichols has represented employers in matters before the DFEH and the EEOC. Representative Mergers and Acquisitions Mr. Nichols represented the acquirer of a Top 50 online advertising / creative agency in the acquisition of the company. The transaction was structured so buyer acquired the multi-million dollar business without inheriting any unknown liabilities. Mr. Nichols negotiated and structured the seller-side of a transaction for the mid-eight figure acquisition by a publicly traded foreign business of a privately held U.S. high tech manufacturer. |
Representative Intellectual Property Matters Mr. Nichols defended a Fortune 500 company against alleged patent infringement and prosecuted counter-claims against plaintiff. Mr. Nichols represented a top-10 online retailer in prosecuting the alleged infringement of a novel internet patent. Litigation resulted in a successful injunction in favor of the patent holder and against the alleged infringes. Mr. Nichols has represented a university patent owner alleging infringement by a major pharmaceutical company. Mr. Nichols has represented a Trademark owner in negotiations surrounding an competitive business mark and the ultimate denial of registration by the competing mark by the USPTO. Representative Corporate Transactions Mr. Nichols has been retained to draft stock purchase agreements, to counsel companies on securities option plan compliance and Blue Sky laws and to counsel companies on securities issuance in connection with corporate formation. Mr. Nichols has assisted clients in the drafting, filing and overseeing of corporate formation, investment documents, and corporate management and governance documents, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, meeting minutes, term sheets,board and shareholder resolutions, operating agreements, and financing agreements. Representative Corporate Counseling Mr. Nichols has represented a non-profit innovation-related university affiliated with NASA / Ames in post-formation matters, counseling the entity on corporate governance and compliance an in drafting policies, agreements, and contracts. Mr. Nichols has advised companies on risk assessment, strategy, business modeling, idea development and corporate governance issues from inception through acquisition. Mr. Nichols has drafted an negotiated agreements with Fortune 500 companies, including: Coca-Cola, S.C. Johnson, International Paper, Sears, Ford and Daimler. |
Representative Securities Matters & Representative Regulatory Engagements Mr. Nichols has represented clients in matters brought and claims raised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Mr. Nichols has conducted a review of corporate governance and reporting procedures and drafted recommended remedial measures for a Fortune 100 Company following financial statements with substantial downward revisions. Mr. Nichols has designed and conducted internal corporate investigations of alleged violations of law, regulation and policy in various industries, from high tech companies and financial institutions. Mr. Nichols has helped clients avoid civil filings and settled administrative matters for a fraction of amounts claimed by administrative agencies and federal commissions. Mr. Nichols has successfully negotiated material reductions in disgorgement and established client hardship to reduce settlement payments. Representative Individual Matters Mr. Nichols has represented select individuals in injury claims to ensure full recovery of medical expenses and adequate and complete compensation for resulting harm. Potential matters are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. |
Representative General Counsel Positions
Mr. Nichols has been General Counsel to multiple corporations, including an international silicon company supplying the semiconductor and solar industries and a start up that developed the first marketplace for businesses to solicit ideas and innovation from consumers. Additionally, Mr. Nichols has provided general counsel to healthcare device companies. Representative Negotiations and Pre-Litigation Matters Mr. Nichols has represented plaintiffs in mid-six figure insurance claim and settled matter for near policy limits and immediate client payment. Mr. Nichols has represented plaintiffs in lien negotiations and substantially reduced payments to lien holders. Mr. Nichols has defended claims by creditors against debtors, settling matters for a fraction of claimed debts and fees and avoided litigation. Mr. Nichols has represented creditors in claims against debtors, secured liens and obtaining payments on favorable terms. |
Proven Experience for all of your Business Needs.