Nicole Woodward

Nicole Woodward, leading the Private Client Services Group at Miller Thomson, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of trusts, estates, and succession planning, with a particular knack for taxation issues within these realms. Her guidance proves invaluable to clients navigating the complexities of both domestic and intricate cross-border estate and trust scenarios. This includes crafting strategies for high net worth individuals, orchestrating estate and trust administration, and drafting essential planning documents.

Nicole’s forte extends to addressing nuanced cross-border issues. She provides adept advice on tax planning for foreign spouses, U.S. beneficiaries of Canadian estates, and Canadians with assets in the U.S. Her skills in trust administration are comprehensive, covering variations, trustee advisories, and the critical 21-year planning milestone, ensuring smooth trustee-beneficiary communication.

Her collaborative efforts have notably benefitted First Nations communities, creating bespoke trusts to manage funds for their members. This work spans from initial consultations to drafting and engaging the community, all the way through to ratification.

Recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada for her contributions to Trusts and Estates from 2021 to 2024, and listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Estate & Personal Tax Planning, Nicole's expertise is well acknowledged. Her editorial contributions, including co-authoring a chapter on trusts for Halsbury’s Laws of Canada and editing Miller Thomson on Estate Planning, showcase her depth of knowledge.

Nicole’s speaking engagements reflect her commitment to educating others on the intricacies of estate planning and trust administration. She has presented on various platforms, discussing the modern family's advisement, indigenous trusts, and estate planning, along with navigating the challenges of estate planning for unique family dynamics. Her presentations cater to a wide audience, from First Nation communities to professional associations, emphasizing her versatile expertise.

Active in sharing her insights, Nicole has led discussions and workshops on a range of topics, from dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on estate planning to the strategic use of trusts in succession planning. Her seminars for professional bodies and community sessions underline her dedication to spreading knowledge and best practices in her field.

Nicole's academic credentials, including a J.D. from the University of Saskatchewan and a B.Sc. (with Distinction) from the University of Lethbridge, coupled with her bar admissions in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, solidify her as a leading legal mind in her domain.