A man of exceptional legal acumen, integrity, and generosity, Mr Davidson dedicated much of his career to the advancement of the profession and the rule of law. His service to the New Zealand Law Society was significant and wide-ranging.  

He was a respected Council Member of the Canterbury District Law Society from 1986 to 1992 and later chaired the Canterbury-Westland District Disciplinary Tribunal during a pivotal period from 1995 to 1997 and was on the Management Committee of the Solicitors Fidelity Fund Management. 

Law Society President Frazer Barton says Nicholas was intelligent, warm and charming, and brought an unmatched level of professionalism to everything he did. 

 "I have known Nick for some 40 years, and throughout that time, I have had the privilege of working with him in many capacities. Whether we were on opposite sides in the High Court and Court of Appeal, or whether I was instructing him as counsel within my firm, he was always an exceptional legal mind and a consummate professional." 

As a High Court judge, Mr Barton said he approached every case with knowledge, fairness and an ability to distil complex legal issues with clarity and precision. 

"Nick was always a pleasure to deal with, no matter the context. He had a remarkable ability to master the subject matter at hand, making him both a formidable advocate and a respected adjudicator. He will be deeply missed by the profession." 

Mr Davidson was also entrusted with key national roles within the Law Society, including serving as a member of the Ministerial District Rules Committee and the Solicitors Fidelity Fund Management Committee. This work demonstrated his legal expertise but also his careful stewardship of the profession’s obligations to the public. 

Beyond his governance roles, Mr Davidson was committed to legal education and mentorship. He lectured and tutored at the University of Canterbury and was a frequent and highly regarded contributor to the Law Society’s Continuing Legal Education programmes. His seminars and workshops covered a broad range of topics, from professional negligence and fiduciary obligations to conflicts of interest, always delivered with careful insight into the law at large. 

In addition to his distinguished career at the bar, Mr Davidson’s elevation to the High Court in 2015 was a testament to his legal prowess and unwavering commitment to justice. As a judge, he was known for his fairness, wisdom, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His contributions extended beyond the courtroom, notably as lead counsel for the Pike River families at the Royal Commission of Inquiry, where his advocacy ensured that the voices of those affected were heard. 

Richard Raymond KC, he became close with Mr Davidson during Pike River inquiry.  

“He was the one who effectively had me appointed as junior counsel for the families, and it was a privilege to work alongside him. His ability to connect with people and his passion for the case was extraordinary.” 

Mr Raymond said Mr Davidson had the ability to put people at ease and make them feel they were being listened to. Whether he was in a courtroom or sitting in a West Coast pub talking to miners or their families, he treated everyone with warmth, respect and genuine interest.  

“He had this rare gift of making you feel like the most important person in the room, and that’s something I am sure people will always remember about him." 

As a lawyer, Mr Raymond said he was a wonderful friend and mentor to countless people throughout his career. 

"He was always very generous with his time, making connections, offering guidance, and genuinely wanting to see others succeed. He believed there was room for everyone in the profession to do well and he did everything he could to support and encourage those around him." 

As a judge, Mr Raymond said you always knew you were going to get a fair hearing before Mr Davidson.  

“If a party or counsel was struggling to articulate something, he would step in, determined to get to the real issue and ensure justice was done." 

"Nick will be greatly missed, not just for his sharp legal mind but for his kindness, charm, wit and generosity. First and foremost was his family, who he adored and was very proud of, but he also had a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and clients who all benefited from his wisdom and warmth." 

The legal profession has lost a leader, mentor, and dedicated servant of the law. The Law Society extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Rosie, his children, Guy, Annabel and Tommy, and his eight grandchildren. His legacy will be remembered with respect and admiration.