Nicholas J. Godfrey

Partner

Nick represents clients in litigation matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies throughout the country. He focuses his practice on commercial litigation, and he regularly represents clients in the construction, manufacturing, real estate, and transportation industries. Nick has extensive experience representing clients in labor and employment litigation, including claims alleging wrongful termination, employment discrimination, and claims for misappropriation of confidential information and trade secrets and violations of restrictive covenants.

Additionally, he maintains an active NCAA practice and regularly represents coaches at NCAA member institutions in matters involving NCAA infractions and also represents student-athletes in matters involving NIL and eligibility issues. Nick also advises clients in non-litigation matters, such as the negotiation and preparation of business contracts and due diligence for business ventures.

Credentials

Education

Duquesne University School of Law (J.D., 2011)

The Pennsylvania State University (B.A., 2008)

Bar admissions

  • Pennsylvania

Court admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Affiliations and memberships

  • Canon-McMillan Hockey Association
  • Canon Mac Youth Soccer Association

Distinctions

  • Pennsylvania Rising Stars® (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024)
  • Best Lawyers®
    • “Ones to Watch” in Pittsburgh for Commercial Litigation (2023-2024),
    • “Ones to Watch” in Pittsburgh for Labor and Employment Law – Management (2023-2024)

News
  • August 21, 2025

    260 Dinsmore Attorneys Listed as 2026 Best Lawyers®, Ones to Watch

  • May 22, 2025

    Ten Dinsmore Attorneys Named to 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists

  • August 15, 2024

    250+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2025 Best Lawyers ®, Ones to Watch

  • May 17, 2024

    Six Dinsmore Attorneys Named to Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists

  • August 17, 2023

    200+ Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2024 Best Lawyers®, “Ones to Watch”

  • May 19, 2023

    Six Attorneys from Dinsmore’s Pittsburgh Office Named to 2023 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars List

  • August 18, 2022

    Best Lawyers® 2023 Names 63 Dinsmore Attorneys “Ones to Watch”

  • May 23, 2022

    Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Honors 8 Dinsmore Attorneys

  • May 26, 2021

    Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers

  • September 24, 2020

    Dinsmore Attorneys Earn Summary Judgment for Insurance Client in Toxic Exposure Case

Events
  • July 30, 2025

    From Wild West to Regulated Roadmap: NIL’s Legal Turning Point – Post July 1

  • December 6, 2024

    Credits & More – Continuing Legal Education Seminar