Nic Clayhills is a seasoned legal professional with over 30 years of experience advising business owners, founders, and families on corporate structuring, commercial agreements, and estate planning. Based in Sydney, Nic is a Director at Vision Unlimited Investment, where he has played a pivotal role in scaling a vertically integrated affordable housing business, focusing on addressing rental stress for key workers in the Illawarra region. His extensive expertise in structuring, governance, capital raising, and compliance underpins his strategic approach to business growth and operational efficiency. As the Solicitor Director of Clayhills Escobar Solicitors, Nic established a respected commercial law practice in Newtown, NSW. His work spans business structuring, shareholder agreements, and estate planning, catering to the needs of business owners and providing pre-IPO advisory, notably for EmVision Medical Devices. Nic's philosophy centres on helping founders understand and protect their ventures. Previously, Nic managed corporate finance operations at Bell Potter Securities, leading significant IPOs, placements, and equity raisings while ensuring businesses could thrive independently of their founders. His earlier tenure as a Corporate Finance Executive and In-House Counsel at Citi honed his dual perspective on business through both legal and financial lenses, an approach that continues to inform his work. Nic's career began in the UK, gaining valuable insights into international commercial practices with firms such as Richards Butler and Wedlake Bell. His formative years at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and Linklaters laid the groundwork for his expertise in risk, governance, and deal mechanics. Complementing his extensive legal experience, Nic has pursued education in investment and finance, including a certificate from Columbia Business School and accreditation in business law from The College of Law Australia. His broad skill set and dedication make him a trusted advisor in the corporate and commercial sectors.
Co-CEO, Director Corporate Finance & Legal
Vision Unlimited Investment
Sep 2021 - Present • 5 years 2 months
Solicitor Director
Clayhills Escobar Solicitors · Self-employed
Dec 2001 - Present • 24 years 11 months
Manager, Corporate Finance
Bell Potter Securities
Nov 1997 - Jun 2000 • 2 years 7 months
Corporate Finance Executive & In-House Counsel
Citi
Apr 1994 - Nov 1997 • 3 years 7 months
Senior Associate, Solicitor
Sly & Weigal
Mar 1990 - Apr 1994 • 4 years 1 month
Solicitor
Richards Butler
Jan 1989 - Dec 1989 • 11 months
Solicitor
Wedlake Bell
Sep 1987 - Dec 1988 • 1 year 3 months
Barrister
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Oct 1986 - Sep 1987 • 11 months
Legal Operations (Early Career)
Linklaters
Sep 1984 - Sep 1986 • 2 years
Certificate, Investing
Columbia Business School
2020 - 2020
RG 146, Finance and Financial Management Services
Kaplan Professional
2019 - 2019
Accredited Specialist, Business Law
The College of Law Australia
2007 - 2007
Barrister, Law
Inns of Court, Law School
1983 - 1984
Bachelor's Degree, Law
University of East London
1980 - 1983
Last checked: 13 Oct 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW
