Nadia Karim is a distinguished director and founding member of Karim + Nicol Lawyers, a firm known for its dedication to excellence in criminal defence. With deep roots in the Northern Beaches, Nadia carries a profound commitment to her community and has built a reputation for her expertise in criminal law. Her practice extends to quasi-criminal matters such as coronial inquests, parole hearings, AVO applications, and select civil cases. Driven by a passion for justice, Nadia co-founded the firm to offer exceptional yet accessible legal representation, particularly in challenging criminal cases. Over her career, Nadia has successfully defended clients in a wide array of legal proceedings, from the Local and Children’s Courts to complex State and Commonwealth prosecutions in superior courts. Her proficiency encompasses serious offences including sex crimes, drug trafficking, armed robbery, murder, and severe assaults. Nadia is held in high regard within the legal community for her persuasive advocacy, diligent preparation, and professional approach. Her collaborative work with skilled barristers ensures that clients receive unparalleled service. Acknowledged as one of NSW's leading criminal lawyers by Doyles Guide for multiple years, Nadia is also an active member of all Legal Aid NSW criminal law panels. Before establishing Karim + Nicol Lawyers in 2019, she gained extensive experience across various roles at Legal Aid NSW, working as a solicitor and instructing counsel in numerous high-stakes court matters. Her early roles with the Aboriginal Legal Service and as a Commonwealth Prosecutor further honed her legal acumen, reinforcing her commitment to serving the underserved. Nadia's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University and a Master of Laws, specialising in Human Rights and International Law, from the University of Sydney. Her education has been marked by distinction and active participation in law and leadership societies, which complement her legal practice.
Director
Karim + Nicol Lawyers
Jan 2019 - Present • 7 years 10 months
Criminal Law Solicitor
Legal Aid NSW
May 2015 - Dec 2018 • 3 years 7 months
Criminal Law Solicitor, Grade 3 - Indictables
Aboriginal Legal Services NSW/Act Ltd
Mar 2015 - Apr 2015 • 1 month
Criminal Law Solicitor
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Ltd
Sep 2014 - Mar 2015 • 6 months
Criminal Law Solicitor
Legal Aid NSW
Apr 2014 - Sep 2014 • 5 months
Criminal Law Solicitor
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT Ltd
Sep 2013 - Apr 2014 • 7 months
Commonwealth Prosecutor, Level 2
Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
Mar 2012 - Sep 2013 • 1 year 6 months
Legal Protection Officer
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Jan 2012 - Mar 2012 • 2 months
Counsel
American Express
Apr 2010 - Jan 2012 • 1 year 9 months
Masters of Laws, Human Rights & International Law
University of Sydney
2011 - 2013
Bachelor Arts and Bachelor Laws
Macquarie University
2004 - 2008
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Listed as one of NSW’s leading and recommended criminal lawyers
Doyles Guide
Last checked: 17 Jun 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW
