Assistant Commissioner Nicole Lawless

Nicole Lawless is a highly respected leader in public law and regulatory enforcement, with more than 25 years of service in the NSW Government. Her career spans senior executive roles across justice, governance and integrity, including Deputy NSW Ombudsman and Acting Commissioner at the Health Care Complaints Commission.

Nicole began her career after completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, followed by a Bachelor of Laws and a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology. These qualifications led to her appointment as a Prosecutor with the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

She has since held senior leadership roles within the Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Family and Community Services. Nicole completed a Master of Human Rights Law at UNSW in 2014, further strengthening her expertise in public and administrative law.

Nicole currently serves as Assistant Commissioner (Legal) at the NSW Crime Commission, where she oversees all legal and confiscations operations. In addition to her executive role, she has recently completed a Master of Business Administration, is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, contributes to advisory boards, and is a member of the UNSW Law Advisory Council.