J. Nicholas “Nick” Haynes focuses his practice on civil litigation, with an emphasis on general liability and insurance defense matters. He represents clients in cases involving automobile accidents, premises liability, construction-related claims, policy interpretation and related disputes, and other matters. Nick is experienced in evaluating liability exposure, analyzing insurance coverage issues, developing litigation strategy, and supporting all phases of case development and defense preparation.

Before joining Chartwell, Nick handled general liability and insurance defense matters in private practice, where he conducted legal analysis, drafted motions and pleadings, assisted with discovery, and worked closely with carrier clients on case evaluation and litigation strategy. He also gained experience in immigration and government litigation through externships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where he prepared briefs and memoranda, researched statutory and evidentiary issues, and contributed to civil litigation matters.

Prior to his legal career, Nick served six years in the United States Navy as a Fire Controlman, where he worked as a missile and gun systems technician responsible for maintaining and operating advanced weapons systems. His military service helped develop the discipline and problem-solving skills that continue to inform his approach to litigation and client service.

In addition to his legal background, Nick brings extensive experience as a web application developer and software engineer, having worked on mission-critical systems in highly regulated environments. His technical background enhances his analytical approach to litigation and strengthens his ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to clients, witnesses, and stakeholders.

Nick earned his J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he served as Lead Articles Editor for the Journal of Dispute Resolution and was actively involved in the Board of Advocates and moot court competitions. He earned his B.A. in Political Science, with a business minor, from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

J. Nicholas Haynes, Note, On Precarious Ground: Binding Arbitration Clauses, Collective Bargaining Agreements, and Waiver of Statutory Workplace Discrimination Claims Post-Pyett, 2011 J. Disp. Resol. 225.