Professional Background 

Nicholas McClinton is an Associate at Burrill Watkins, where his practice focuses on civil litigation strategy, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and contract advisory. Known for his sharp legal analysis and strong drafting skills, Nicholas supports clients in navigating complex legal frameworks while aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic objectives.

His work spans all stages of litigation support, including pleadings, discovery analysis, and procedural strategy. He contributes to regulatory research, contract review, internal policy development, and risk-informed decision-making. Clients and colleagues value his ability to distill dense legal issues into actionable guidance and provide consistent, steady counsel across a wide range of matters.

Before joining Burrill Watkins, Nicholas developed a diverse foundation in both litigation and corporate law, supporting attorneys across multiple practice areas. He has guided clients through mediations, hearings, and case assessments, and contributed to the development of internal compliance protocols. His experience includes preparing pleadings and agreements, maintaining case documentation, and reviewing contracts for legal and regulatory soundness.

Areas of Focus

• Civil Litigation and Procedural Strategy: Nicholas assists clients in civil disputes by preparing litigation materials, analyzing procedural issues, and supporting trial teams in the development of strategic case approaches.
• Contract Drafting and Review: He reviews and drafts commercial and operational contracts, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and risk management objectives.
• Corporate Governance and Compliance: Nicholas advises on governance matters, internal policy development, and the implementation of compliance frameworks within corporate environments.
• Discovery and eDiscovery Support: He contributes to discovery planning, document review, and eDiscovery coordination to support efficient case preparation and defense strategies.
• Regulatory Research and Policy Development: Nicholas conducts in-depth legal research on regulatory frameworks and helps shape internal policies that reflect current statutory and administrative requirements.
• Negotiation and Mediation Assistance: He supports clients through informal and formal dispute resolution processes, assisting with case assessments, negotiation strategy, and mediation preparation.

Approach and Commitment: Nicholas combines intellectual precision with practical execution. He is committed to delivering clear, well-reasoned legal guidance rooted in preparation, clarity,  and responsiveness. Whether supporting litigation or advising on regulatory or corporate matters, he approaches each client engagement with focus, diligence, and a strategic mindset.