Nicol-Wilson has a wealth of experience across all aspects of criminal and human rights law and is highly respected by his colleagues and the Bench. He has also worked at the ECOWAS Community Court, the African Court and International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Over the years, Nicol-Wilson developed a reputation as a resourceful and seasoned advocate for high-profile cases. He has won several awards including the prestigious Africa Human Rights Lawyer Award and AWOL Lawyer of the Year.
The international Criminal Defence and Human Rights lawyer, Melron Nicol-Wilson worked for 15 months as Ombudsman. During this period he is credited with repositioning and re-energizing a previously demoralized Office of the Ombudsman and helped secure its independent future. He conducted a series of high-profile investigations into alleged administrative injustices and human rights violations in the country.
He helped secure a four storey administrative building for the Office of the Ombudsman with modern facilities and built trust of the public by putting in place effective reporting mechanisms, thus rebranding the image of the Office of the Ombudsman.
Nicol-Wilson is a former Defence Counsel and Case Manager at the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He is the first Legal Adviser to the Anti-Corruption Commission. He is the first Coordinator of the then pilot legal aid scheme which gave birth to the Legal Aid Board among several other appointments both local and international.
One of his most outstanding achievements was the setting up of Lawyers Centre for Legal Assistance (LAWCLA), the first institution in the country which provided pro bono legal aid to poor people.
In a brief interview, he informed AYV that he is also considering returning to lecture at the university, adding that has missed going to the courthouse, which influenced his decision to return to private legal practice.
He added: “I am delighted to return to Nicol-Wilson and Co. a firm which believes in delivering value to its clients and advancing the rule of law. It is with great enthusiasm that I rejoin the law firm and a dedicated team that has a vision to expand across the country and also work internationally.”
