Chad M. Nicholson

Chad M. Nicholson is a litigator at Fennemore who represents businesses, employers, and individuals in a broad range of complex litigation matters. His practice focuses on commercial litigation, employment law, construction disputes, and real estate litigation. With extensive courtroom experience and a practical approach to dispute resolution, Chad helps clients navigate high-stakes legal challenges while protecting their business interests and long-term objectives.

Before joining Fennemore, Chad served as a prosecutor in Washington State, where he gained significant trial and courtroom experience handling complex cases before judges and juries. Upon returning to Idaho in 2006, Chad’s practice initially focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, and employment matters (wage claims, wrongful termination, and discrimination). Since 2012, Chad’s practice has focused on the areas of employment, construction, commercial, and real estate litigation. His litigation experience includes disputes involving business contracts, construction projects, real estate matters, civil rights violations (workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, disability and age discrimination, and § 1983 violations), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims, restrictive covenants, non-competition agreements, and non-disclosure agreements. That foundation has shaped his strategic approach to litigation, enabling him to confidently guide clients through every stage of the legal process—from early case assessment and negotiation to trial and appeal.

In addition to his litigation practice, Chad regularly advises employers on workplace policies and risk management, drafting employment agreements, employee handbooks, confidentiality agreements, and other employment-related documents designed to minimize legal exposure and support compliance.

Clients value Chad’s ability to combine thorough legal analysis with practical business advice. Whether defending litigation, resolving employment disputes, or counseling businesses on preventative legal strategies, he focuses on delivering efficient, cost-effective solutions that align with each client’s goals.

Born in Oklahoma, Chad moved to the Treasure Valley area as a young child and is a “Northwest kid.” Chad earned his undergraduate degree from Northwest Nazarene University and his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. He began his legal career in the Seattle area before returning to Boise in 2006.

Outside of his legal practice, Chad enjoys golf, snow sports, and traveling.

• J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, cum laude
• B.A., Northwest Nazarene University, cum laude

• Represented a small specialty co-packer against a Fortune 100 food product manufacturer regarding a multi-year requirement/output contract dispute and a significant judgment on behalf of the co-packer after a lengthy trial and Ninth Circuit appeal
• Represented an employee against a rifle scope manufacturer for failing to pay severance payments due under the terms of an employment agreement and the Idaho Wage Claim Act and obtained a significant judgment after trial and appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court
• Represented the family and estate of an individual against three law enforcement agencies and a chief of police for § 1983 violations under the state-created danger doctrine and obtained a significant settlement following extended litigation and an interlocutory appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

• Presenter, “Misclassification of Workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Interference with “Other Concerted Activity” under the National Labor Relations Act, and Seasonal Employees Benefit Entitlements under the Affordable Care Act,” IIEA Annual Conference, 2016
• Presenter, “Implementation & Compliance with the Affordable Care Act as adopted in Idaho,” MWSS-Echelon Group Hillcrest Presentation Series, 2015
• Presenter, “The Do’s and Don’ts of the Hiring (and Firing) Process,” Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., 2014
• Presenter, “Business Owner’s Rights & Employment Practices,” IIEA Annual Show, 2013
• Presenter, “Whistleblower Claims, Employment Law Discrimination,” 2013

• Member, Gonzaga University School of Law Alumni Association

• Idaho
• Idaho State District Courts
• Idaho Court of Appeals
• Idaho Supreme Court
• Federal District Court for the District of Idaho
• Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals