Nicole White

About Nicole White

Strategic and business-minded Global Chief Legal Officer with extensive experience leading complex legal functions within multinational organizations. Proven track record of partnering with executive leadership and boards of directors to drive growth initiatives, manage enterprise risk, and strengthen governance frameworks across global operations.Currently serving as Chief Legal Officer for Avison Young, responsible for leading the company’s global legal strategy, supporting corporate transactions, regulatory matters, litigation management, and governance. Provides executive oversight of the global compliance function, partnering closely with compliance leadership to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, ethical business practices, and enterprise risk management objectives.Recognized for delivering practical, commercially focused legal counsel that enables business innovation while protecting organizational integrity and reputation. Experienced in managing high-performing global teams, optimizing legal operations, and navigating complex cross-border regulatory environments.Trusted advisor to senior leadership on strategic transactions, organizational transformation, and crisis management. Known for building collaborative relationships across business units and fostering a culture grounded in accountability, transparency, and integrity.

Experience

1. Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary

   Avison Young

   Jan 2022 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Lead the company’s global legal function across multiple jurisdictions, providing strategic legal counsel to executive leadership and the Board of Directors.Oversee legal support for corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and capital markets activities.Direct enterprise litigation strategy and risk mitigation initiatives.Provide executive oversight and strategic direction to the global compliance function, supporting development and implementation of compliance programs, policies, and training while collaborating closely with compliance leadership.Advise on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and ethical business conduct across global operations.Partner with business leaders to support growth initiatives, market expansion, and service innovation.Lead and mentor a geographically diverse legal team while driving operational efficiencies and modern legal service delivery models.Support enterprise risk management initiatives and internal control frameworks.

Education

• University of Michigan

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology

  2000 — 2004

• DePaul University College of Law

  Doctor of Law (JD), Law

  2004 — 2007

Skills

• Trade Secrets
• Product Liability
• Eeoc
• Psychotherapy
• Mediation
• Westlaw
• Personal Injury
• Civil Litigation
• Litigation Management
• Human Resources
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Insurance
• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Discrimination
• Corporate Law
• Courts
• Trials
• Commercial Litigation
• Legal Research