A series of Ni(II) complexes with novel chiral ligands derived from (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine was synthesized. The catalytic activity of these complexes in the asymmetric Michael reaction is demonstrated. Asymmetric addition of diethyl malonate to ω‐nitrostyrene and 1‐nitropent‐1‐ene in the presence of these complexes leads to the enantiomerically enriched diethyl (S)‐2‐(2‐nitro‐1‐phenylethyl)malonate (up to 96 % ee) and (R)‐diethyl 2‐(1‐nitropenthan‐2‐yl)malonate (up to 91 % ee). (4R)‐4‐Propylpyrrolidin‐2‐one, the key intermediate of antiepileptic drug brivaracetam, was obtained from the corresponding nitroester.