Luke Nicolson

Luke is a Senior Commercial Lawyer with a practice focused on corporate governance, business structuring and advisory, and small business and start-up support. He works with clients across a wide range of industries, helping businesses navigate key decisions at every stage of the business lifecycle; from early strategy and structuring, through to growth, transactions and operational compliance.

Luke advises on corporate governance frameworks, shareholder and director considerations, restructuring, asset protection, mergers and acquisitions, and the full suite of commercial arrangements that support business operations. His approach is grounded in practical, plain-English advice and a strong understanding of the commercial realities facing businesses.

In addition to his core commercial and corporate practice, Luke has a significant secondary specialty in NSW liquor licensing. He regularly acts on on-premise and off-premise licences, transfers, venue changes, and specialised authorisations including Primary Service Authorisations, Sale on Other Premises Authorisations, Takeaway Sales Authorisations and Extended Trading Hours Authorisations. Luke has extensive experience navigating multi-stakeholder regulatory environments and has worked closely with Liquor & Gaming NSW, Local Councils and Police on complex and higher-risk licensing applications.

Luke brings a broader commercial perspective to his legal work, drawing on experience across environmental management, the mining industry, federal government, and his own small business ventures. He is also the founder of ‘Start Simple Advisory’, a small-business and start-up advisory practice that gives him hands-on insight into the challenges faced by emerging and growing businesses. This practical, real-world experience informs his ability to provide clear, commercially aligned legal advice.

Luke is admitted to the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the Supreme Court of Western Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Management, a Juris Doctor, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.