Mike Nicol

Mike Nicol brings over 25 years of legal experience spanning litigation, regulatory law, and public policy. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1999 and licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 1997, Mike built a distinguished career as Crown Counsel for the Government of Ontario, where he prosecuted hundreds of quasi-criminal matters, including workplace injuries and fatalities and technical cases involving expert evidence. His courtroom expertise includes trials, Charter motions, plea negotiations, and appellate work. Mike has a deep command of procedural and substantive law, particularly in relation to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Consumer Protection Act.

Mike also served as General Counsel for several Ontario tribunals, including the Environmental Review Tribunal, the Niagara Escarpment Hearing Office, and the Consolidated Hearings Office. In these positions, he advised Chairs and Vice-Chairs on legislative interpretation, procedural fairness, and matters of judicial review. He also delivered training sessions for Tribunal members and drafted critical legal memoranda. Earlier in his career, Mike worked as a Federal Crown Attorney, duty counsel at Warkworth Penitentiary, and as an advisor, on the personal staff of two Attorneys General of Ontario and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario, shaping policy on justice reform, housing, and environmental matters.

Mike earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis and completed his Canadian accreditation through the National Committee on Accreditation located at the University of Ottawa. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in the Methodology for the study of Western History and Culture from Trent University and a Bachelor of Arts (Combined Honors) degree in Political Science and History from Western University. His commitment to professional development includes certifications in Provincial Offences Court Practice and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Mike also served for three years as a moot court judge at the Niagara International Moot Court Competitions held in Toronto and Washington D.C. Mike was also admitted, over 25 years ago, as an Attorney and Counselor of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Beyond his legal work, Mike was, for 21 years, a volunteer with the Canadian Ski Patrol, where he received multiple awards, including a national award for lifesaving. He currently serves with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, reflecting his dedication to community service and public safety. In addition, Mike is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason, a distinction that reflects his commitment to the principles of justice, integrity, and service.

Areas of Expertise

• Regulatory and quasi-criminal prosecutions
• Administrative and tribunal law
• Policy development and legislative interpretation
• Plea negotiations and trial advocacy