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It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Nick Tott on Thursday 5 January, aged 56. Nick was a partner in the Finance team at Herbert Smith (legacy) until his retirement in 2012, continuing as a consultant.

 



 

Nick had suffered from poor health in the last few months but his death has come as a great shock.

He qualified at Dundas & Wilson, joined us on 1 December 1986 and became a partner in 1992. He was one of the founders of the London Finance Division. Nick's achievements at the firm will already be known to many of our alumni. He took a lead role as a key adviser to the UK Government in the design and implementation of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and, latterly, the Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme for the development of new infrastructure and which has since been adopted as a model the world over. This included a 15-month secondment to HM Treasury's Private Finance Panel Executive, which was set up to oversee and facilitate the UK PFI programme. He subsequently took on the leadership of the Projects Group for the firm and put us at the forefront of the PFI and PPP markets. During his career he had significant roles on major projects matters for clients such as Eurotunnel, London & Continental Railways/High Speed 1, London Underground and Transport for London.

Nick was a first rate lawyer, always respected, trusted and relied on by colleagues and clients. More importantly, he was universally liked, with infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour. These ensured his popularity both in and outside of the firm. He made an important contribution to our firm as a colleague, friend and role model.

His interests and enthusiasms were wide, including an active interest in politics and international affairs: these interests were themselves reflective of his consistent interest in others.

Nick will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

James Palmer
Senior Partner