15 years of legal, business and entrepreneurial experience
Nick brings his unique blend of nearly 15 years of legal, business and entrepreneurial experience to WREP. Prior to founding Wireless Real Estate Partners with Eric Smithson, Nick served for nearly four years as a partner and COO of a couple of private legal practices (High Tide Legal Group, PC and Green Wise Legal, PC) providing transaction legal guidance, specifically within the real estate field and telecom sectors.
For nearly six years prior, Nick served as VP & Senior Legal Counsel at AP Wireless Infrastructure Partners (“APW”), a telecommunications, cell site/real estate investment firm, handling the direct negotiation and/or legal oversight of over 2,500 transactions accounting for over $300M in investments. Nick led company initiatives related to internal sales and investments, spearheaded a tax committee, revamped underwriting policies and processes to reduce company exposure and risk. Nick also managed outside local counsels internationally, as well an eight-person internal US legal team who was responsible for investments in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. As a member of the APW’s Executive Team, he directly advised APW’s CEO and other company leaders on all aspects of the company’s operations. He gained experience in nearly all departments within the company, including serving as VP of the Australian Sales team from 2013-2014. During this time, the team posted its best investment year to date, more than doubling production from any other year.
Following Nick’s time at APW, he accepted a new challenge and led a renewable energy technology startup. In this role he prepared all corporate formation documents and agreements with core strategic partners, in addition to raising angel round investments.
Prior to relocating to San Diego in 2011 from the east coast and working with APW, Nick served as a transactional attorney handling complex commercial matters and negotiating a wide spectrum of deals for both private law firms and as an in-house General Counsel. He managed complex corporate transactions for two years at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, ranging from real estate transactions, general corporate formations and spearheading several stock and asset purchase agreements. Thereafter, he worked as an associate for several years in Kilpatrick Stockton’s (n/k/a Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton) capital markets department.
Additionally, Nick served as General Counsel for Baran Americas, Inc., a large-scale, full turnkey, telecommunications and construction company headquartered in the outskirts of Atlanta. During his time at Baran, he managed the company’s legal operations, which included preparation, review and negotiation of all contracts, leases and commercial agreements. In addition, he provided general corporate legal advice on all business and legal matters including internal policies and procedures, litigation management, immigration, vendor relations, labor and employment issues, licensing and safety/insurance matters. Furthermore, he was responsible for monitoring supply chain and operations to ensure compliance with all required procedures. Nick led the revamping of Baran’s contract review and approval process, assisted in founding Baran’s Safety Leadership Team and resolved several pending litigation matters.
Nick received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 2005, and his B.A. degree (Business Administration focus) from Vanderbilt University in 2001. He is licensed to practice law in California and Georgia. Nick is working on obtaining his Real Estate broker’s license in 2021.
