Nicholas Stewart

Nicholas Stewart is a Partner at Dowson Turco, where he leads the criminal and human rights law teams. Since joining the firm in 2012, Nicholas has brought his extensive experience from working with a top tier firm and as in-house counsel at a leading telecommunications company. In his role, he oversees complex cases across serious indictable and summary crimes throughout the Local, District, and Supreme Courts of NSW. His expertise extends to handling prominent defamation cases, professional reputation issues, and employment claims in the Federal Court of Australia. Nicholas is adept in managing serious indictable matters, including fraud, deception, malicious defamation, carriage service offences, and various drug-related offences. His practice also includes assault matters, cybercrime, and issues involving the sharing of intimate images. His courtroom experience is expansive, having appeared before the Australian Crime Commission, NSW Court of Criminal Appeal, and numerous other courts across Greater Sydney. In addition to his court work, Nicholas is deeply involved in human rights advocacy. He serves as President of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and holds a leadership role within the Law Society of New South Wales’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He has received multiple accolades for his contributions to human rights, including the Elizabeth Hastings Memorial Human Rights Award and the Law Society of NSW’s President’s Medal. Nicholas has also played a pivotal role in campaigns addressing historical LGBTQ hate crimes, leading efforts towards both an NSW Judicial Commission of Inquiry and a Commonwealth Royal Commission. Nicholas's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws. He has been recognised by the University of Technology Sydney for his distinguished contributions and continues to engage actively in advancing human rights. Recently appointed to the NSW Premier’s LGBTQI+ Advisory Council, Nicholas remains dedicated to advocating for justice and equality.