Nick's research interests lie in the history of Anglo-Australian private law, especially obligations. To date, his research involves illuminating the origins and growth of private law doctrines that have attracted theoretical controversy in modern times. 

Nick holds a PhD from University College London with a thesis entitled 'Exemplary Damages: A Critical History', which he undertook as a Peter Birks Scholar. His thesis sheds new light on the origins and growth of the controversial doctrine of exemplary (or punitive) damages at English common law from the early seventeenth, to the middle of the twentieth century. His doctoral supervisors were Professor Paul Mitchell and Associate Professor Ian Williams.

Nick also holds an LLM from the University of Melbourne, where his minor research thesis theorised the doctrine of remoteness of damage (both in tort and contract) in terms of distributive justice, rather than corrective justice. He also holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Adelaide, and a BA from the same university, where he majored in the study of classical antiquity.

Before joining Monash, Nick taught Tort Law at University College London. He currently convenes and teaches Equity, both in the undergraduate (LLB) and juris doctor (JD) programs, as well as Property Law in the undergraduate program. He also convenes the unit, Commercial Equity, in the JD and LLM programs.

Forthcoming publications:

Nicholas Sinanis, 'The Principle of Punishment in Classical English Law', The Journal of Legal History (forthcoming, 2024).

Nicholas Sinanis et al, Contemporary Australian Tort Law: Cases and Materials, Cambrdge University Press (forthcoming 2025). 

LAW3111 Equity

LAW3402 Property B

LAW5008 Principles of Equity

LAW5445 Commercial Equity