Clyde & Co strengthens aviation disputes offering with new partner appointment in London

Global law firm Clyde & Co has announced the continued expansion of its global aviation practice with the appointment of Nick Roberts as a partner in its London office, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities across aviation disputes and regulatory claims.

Nick brings extensive experience advising airlines on high-volume claims, alongside broader commercial litigation expertise. He joins from Norton Rose Fulbright, where he played a leading role in managing a significant aviation disputes practice, with a particular focus on bulk consumer claims, including those arising under UK/EC 261 flight delay regulations.

His practice spans aviation liability disputes, large-scale consumer claims management, and commercial litigation. He also has a growing focus on defence-related work, drawing on his military background and sector contacts. Nick has built strong relationships with major airline clients and has deep insight into operational and legal challenges facing the aviation industry.

Nick’s appointment aligns with Clyde & Co’s aviation strategy to further develop and broaden its offering in line with evolving client needs and market dynamics. His experience in managing high-volume claims portfolios and leveraging technology-driven solutions will further enhance the firm’s capabilities in this area.

Kevin Sutherland, Global Head of Aviation, said:

“The aviation sector continues to evolve rapidly, with increasing regulatory complexity and sustained growth in consumer claims, particularly in the UK/EC 261 space. Nick’s appointment reflects our deliberate investment not only in strengthening our aviation disputes capability, but in building a market-leading offering in high-volume, tech-enabled 261 claims work for airline clients.

Nick brings deep experience in managing large-scale claims portfolios and strong relationships with key carriers, which will be instrumental as we continue to scale this part of our practice. His broader commercial disputes expertise and defence background further enhance our ability to support clients across an increasingly complex and interconnected risk landscape.”

Nick Roberts added:

“Clyde & Co’s global aviation platform and clear strategic vision present an excellent opportunity to grow my practice. The firm’s strength in aviation, combined with its investment in technology and focus on innovation, make it an ideal environment to develop both high-volume claims work and broader commercial disputes. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the network to support clients in navigating an increasingly complex landscape.”

Nick has served in the British Army regular and reserve forces and as a senior UK government advisor. He qualified as a barrister at Keating Chambers in 2008. He went on to hold roles at Holman Fenwick Willan, Vinson & Elkins and Allen & Overy, where he worked within the international arbitration group. 

With over a century at the forefront of aviation law, Clyde & Co advises clients across the full aviation lifecycle worldwide. The firm’s global aviation team delivers seamless, cross-border expertise backed by deep sector insight and local knowledge across its international network.