Nottingham-based practice Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is well-equipped to handle catastrophic injury cases, inquests, liability issues and complex litigation claims. Practice head Lisa Preece leads the medico-legal department and specialises in personal injury claims and complex medical issues resulting from road traffic accidents, including brain, orthopaedic, dental and psychological injuries. Proficient in both clinical negligence and personal injury claims, Bruce Williams has recently been engaged in complex, high-value delayed treatment and traumatic brain injury litigation. Acting for clients on clinical negligence cases, Emma Zukowska is knowledgeable of liability claims and amputation issues, while Julie Hardy handles high-value birth injury and brain injury claims. Part of the personal injury team, Dianne Collins leads on employer liability claims and quantum trials, while the ‘professional and knowledgeable’ Carolle White is a key member of the clinical negligence team.
‘I pursued a number of firms before choosing Nelsons. I found them to be more person-centred and chose them for this reason and how they found a good balance between professionalism and genuine care. They worked well together as a team and I felt informed and engaged.’
‘Carolle White was my solicitor. She was professional and knowledgeable. She was very approachable and explained things in a way I could understand. I always felt that her priority was me. She was always contactable and kept me informed.’
‘Julie Hardy at Nelsons is an exceptional solicitor. Her kindness and compassion alongside her exemplary legal knowledge makes her amazing at her job. Julie has been nothing but understanding of our situation and has shown a true person centred approach throughout our case. Julie kept us well informed explaining things clearly every step of the way. With all of the above in mind it has been a pleasure to work with Julie and we would not hesitate to recommend her services to others.’
‘Nelsons have a highly specialist clinical negligence team with a true depth of talent and experience. Many firms will claim that they put the client first but this firm truly do. Their whole approach is one of supporting their clients and focusing on their needs and ensuring that a difficult and emotional experience is as painless as possible.’
‘Lucy Wilton – Lucy deals with the most harrowing cases on behalf of bereft clients in an empathetic and caring way. She is diligent and her knowledge of the law is excellent. Julie Hardy – Julie deals with a wide range of cases. She has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience enabling her to deal with the most complex of cases carefully and very competently. She is a very trustworthy pair of hands. Emma Zukowska – Emma is very competent, efficient and careful. She gives a great deal of thought to every decision; nothing is done lightly.’
‘Dianne Collins is a delight to work with – personable and compassionate with clients, as well as having excellent attention to detail. She is thorough, pro-active and well-organised, and leaves no stone unturned.’
‘Nelsons are the go-to solicitors in the fields of personal injury, inquests and clinical negligence. A really strong team with good tactical nous, strong legal knowledge and great client care. I would recommend Nelsons to my friends and family.’
‘Emma Zukowska – Emma is a very experienced solicitor with a wealth of experience in clinical negligence cases. She cuts through the most complex cases with ease and always gives her client the best and most professional advice.’
Operating out of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is well equipped to handle a range of contentious trusts and probate matters. Heading up the practice, Kevin Modiri is a key contact for claims under the Inheritance Act and will disputes. Lewis Addison specialises in trusts and probate litigation, while Ruby Ashby frequently assists on will challenger claims. Stuart Parris is adept at handling civil disputes and insurance fraud issues, and has experience in cases involving the Court of Protection.
‘The team have advised and managed the issues with a calm, measured, non-judgmental and supportive manner.’
‘Lewis Addison and team have managed matters on our behalf in a professional, calm and supportive manner whilst seeking to diffuse conflict and achieve compromise.’
‘The people that I have dealt with at Nelson’s are approachable – my current solicitor is very good and is definitely fully engaged with our case, I could not ask for more.’
Operating out of Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)‘s full-service offering spans disputes relating to children, financial claims and family issues involving international elements. In Nottingham, Emma Davies heads up the family department, and specialises in high-value divorce matters and financial remedy claims. In Derby, Melanie Bridgen is a key contact for divorce cases, children proceedings and domestic abuse claims, and notably works on matters that have cross-border elements. Praised by clients as ‘very supportive and helpful’, Gayle Rowley leads the family team in Leicester. Gareth Protheroe heads up the care team and specialises in complex emotional abuse and parental alienation cases, often acting before the High Court and the Family Court.
‘The Nelsons team, whilst being extremely professional and doing the right thing by their client at all times, it is the human side that makes this team unique to work with. They are interested in why things are the way they are. They are also very welcoming and generous with their time.’
‘Naomi Bond has been looking after my case for the last few years, she knows it perfectly, she knows me as a person and she treats me not just like a case but a human being, she is very supportive and helpful. It is easy to contact her at all times.’
‘Gayle Rowley at Nelsons has always been very supportive and helpful in various aspects of Family law that she has helped me with. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to her again.’
‘Melanie Bridgen was with me from the start. She encouraged me, advised me and kept me going through the most stressful time of my life.’
‘Emma Davies needs recognition as friendly, approachable and a great lawyer.’
‘Jeremy Ward is an exceptional lawyer. He is thoughtful and conscientious. He is intelligent and passionate about his clients.’
With offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) specialises in M&A, restructurings and commercial agreements, primarily advising local businesses. Practice co-head Alice Rees leads the corporate team, advising on acquisitions and disposals across a wide range of sectors, including the healthcare, retail and construction spaces. Fellow co-head Emma Toes oversees the commercial team and offers advice on compliance, competition law and distribution agreements. Specialising in complex acquisitions and disposals, Duncan Taylor‘s recent caseload consists of healthcare and retail matters, while Gavin White has focused on advising software clients. Rachel Bennett is knowledgeable of demerger issues, while Sarah Gregory frequently assists on M&A matters, and Hannah Jones assists on M&A matters across the fire protection and engineering industries.
‘I had the pleasure of working with Nelsons and was truly impressed by their professionalism, expertise, and dedication. Their team demonstrated outstanding legal knowledge, strategic thinking, and an exceptional commitment to achieving the best results for their clients.’
‘What sets Nelsons apart is their teamwork and attention to detail. They communicate seamlessly, anticipate challenges proactively, and always provide well-founded, practical advice. Their dedication to excellence makes them a standout firm in the field of corporate law.’
‘Working with Rachel Bennett and Duncan Taylor was an outstanding experience. Their strategic thinking, deep legal knowledge, and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes made our collaboration exceptionally successful.’
‘Rachel Bennett demonstrated an impressive ability to analyse complex corporate law matters with clarity and precision. Her attention to detail, proactive approach, and insightful legal advice ensured that every challenge was met with a well-structured solution. She combines technical excellence with a client-focused mindset, making her a true asset to any case.’
‘Duncan Taylor’s expertise and strategic foresight were equally invaluable. His ability to anticipate potential legal hurdles and provide practical, results-driven solutions contributed significantly to the smooth handling of our matters. He is not only highly knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator, making complex legal concepts accessible and actionable.’
‘I had the privilege of working with Emma Toes, and I was truly impressed by her professionalism, expertise, and dedication. She possesses a deep understanding of corporate and commercial law, which she combines with a sharp strategic mindset and a practical approach to problem-solving.’
Key clients
Rigidal Construction Systems Limited
Prime Life Limited
Rumenco Limited
Giant UK Limited
Nottingham Ice Centre Limited t/a Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
The commercial litigation team at Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) ‘blends technical excellence with a personable and client-focused ethos’ and maintains a specialism in the healthcare market. Practice head Andy Rudkin exemplifies this expertise with capabilities handling complex shareholder and partnership disputes within the sector.
Practice head(s):
Andy Rudkin
Testimonials
‘Nelsons’ team stands out for its exceptional client service, depth of expertise, and innovative approach to legal solutions.’
‘What sets the practice apart is its ability to blend technical excellence with a personable and client-focused ethos, ensuring that complex legal matters are handled with both precision and care.’
‘Nelsons is home to an outstanding team of legal professionals who not only demonstrate deep expertise in their respective fields but also approach every case with a level of dedication, strategic insight, and client care that sets them apart from competitors.’
‘What makes this practice unique is the exceptional combination of legal excellence, deep commercial insight, and genuine client care.’
‘The team not only understands the law but also the broader business context in which their clients operate. This allows them to offer not just sound legal advice, but practical, strategic solutions that consistently deliver value.’
‘What truly distinguishes Nelsons’ legal professionals is their commitment to building strong client relationships, their proactive problem-solving mindset, and their ability to deliver practical, results-oriented advice.’
‘Reliability, consistency and expert knowledge combined with great client relations, meaning all cases referred and clients are personally and professionally taken care of.’
‘Andy Rudkin is my go-to professional. The key is the balance he allows between professionalism and a friendly, trusted approach.’
Under the leadership of Daniel Brumpton, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)‘s commercial litigation practice handles contractual and partnership disputes, as well as injunctions and breach of warranty claims. Such matters are core components of Brumpton’s caseload. Simon Key manages issues arising out of the manufacturing sector, covering contractual interpretation, product liability, and failure of delivery, and Craig Bennett specialises in insolvency matters. Adrian Slater joined from Knights plc in May 2024.
Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)'s team is equipped to handle pre-action collection processes for national commercial debts, as well as to pursue court proceedings and enforcement matters for its roster of clients. Simon Key has a wealth of commercial dispute resolution experience which comes to the fore on debt recovery matters, while Elisha Guest advises on the collection of both business-to-business and individual debts.
With a focus on Employment Tribunal claims and high value disputes, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) primarily acts for professional sports clubs, educational institutions and charities. Laura Kearsley heads up the practice from Leicester, leading on Employment Tribunal cases and grievance matters, and is actively engaged in the education sector. In Nottingham, Peter Nicholson advises on restructuring, contractual and policy issues. In Leicester, Ruby Rai assists with tribunal cases, TUPE issues and disciplinary and grievance procedures.
‘Dedicated team of employment lawyers who are always on hand to support.’
‘I think one of the main elements that makes Nelsons stand out is the proactive advice and networking that they do on a regular basis. I feel this builds a good trustworthy relationship and was one of the reasons I started using them in the first place.’
‘I have mostly worked with Laura Kearsley and Ruby Rai. Both have been able to provide me with very efficient advice, with excellent clarity around the specific steps and options available to me.’
Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)’s team represents a broad range of clients, from high-net-worth individuals to commercial property companies, in claims against the variety of professionals. With a strong track record representing claimants, team lead Daniel Brumpton works closely with both individual and commercial clients at local and national levels. In addition to its claimant work, the team defends professionals facing claims related to lack of insurance coverage.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Brumpton
Testimonials
‘The partner I have worked with, Daniel Brumpton, is knowledgeable and experienced, and very easy to get on with.’
With offices in Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, the team at Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is geared to advise on a range of charity law issues for non-profit-organisations. Kevin Modiri leads the practice from Derby, and his key services include advising on defamation claims, as well as contentious probate and privacy cases. In Nottingham, Peter Nicholson is experienced in conducting claims before the High Court, while Gemma Ann Hopper specialises in matters involving low-cost housing and grant issues.
‘This team is experienced and knowledgeable in charity work. They give a lot of time to our meetings and communications between meetings and practical work for the charity.’
‘I value Gemma Hopper for her friendly, human and efficient way of working. Gemma helped us through some difficult situations and is generous with her time and gifts. She understands when to consult someone with more expertise than her in a particular area.’
‘Speedy response, always helpful.’
‘Polite and quick to respond to emails and queries.’
Jane Sutherland; Catherine McCannah; Amanda Voakes; Nadia Faki; Helen Salisbury; Gemma Ann Hopper
Testimonials
‘Catherine McCannah – really takes time to get to know clients and understand what they are trying to achieve.’
‘Having worked closely with Nadia Faki in Leicester, I can confidently say that they both stand out as exceptional legal professionals in the private client sector. Their expertise in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney is matched by their ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, professionalism, and efficiency. What truly sets Nadia apart is her ability to make complex legal matters straightforward for clients. ’
‘Helen was very professional, friendly and knowledgeable about all the services the practice had to offer. Everything was fully explained to us in terms of what would happen next, what was expected of us, the costs of each service, etc. ’
‘The staff are absolutely committed to understanding your specific needs, speaking clearly and avoiding jargon so they demystify complex issues to support you as a client to make decisions. They made every effort to understand my requirements. The information they prepared and shared in advance to prepare for meetings was excellent.’
‘They gave clear advice on different options regarding my own personal circumstances. There’s no doubt Nelsons work for you, they go the extra mile. The diverse skill set of legal expertise means that your solicitor can collaborate quickly with their colleagues should the need arise.’
‘Everyone I have dealt with at Nelsons is extremely friendly. From the second you walk through the door, you are treated with kindness and courtesy. Highly knowledgeable, highly skilled and most importantly, as a client,t they are on your side.’
‘I sought advice from Nelsons Solicitors regarding a complex inheritance situation and found them to be very knowledgeable and supportive, resulting in a positive outcome for my family. I have also consulted them concerning conveyancing and personal matters, e.g. Power of Attorney and Will. I have found the team to be very professional, reassuring and responsive when dealing with my questions and I always feel that they treat my interests as a priority.’
‘Nadia Faki always finds the time to help with any questions I may have. She is responsive, personable and makes the clients feel at ease and reassured by her technical knowledge and focus on meeting their overall objectives.’
The property litigation team at Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is praised by its developer, commercial landlord, tenants, and individual clients for being ‘prepared to recommend a strategy rather than just giving a range of options’. Simon Waterfield’s far-reaching practice stands out for his particular focus on public right-of-way disputes, while he also has experience extending to landlord and tenant issues and agricultural matters. Waterfield is well-supported by Chris Chan, who represents individuals, companies, developers, and retailers on a range of issues, including complex forfeiture, possession, and property-related insolvency matters.
‘A team with a can-do attitude who are very commercial and are prepared to recommend a strategy rather than just giving a range of options. The team is balanced in terms of experience and specialisms, and when you deal with a junior member of the team, it is clear they are being well supervised. For all the innovations that Nelsons offer, it is communication that remains key.’
‘Experience, communication and attitude are what set the individuals apart. Other competitors often just transact a deal, whereas Nelson will add value without being asked.’
‘Simon Waterfield is an excellent and conscientious litigator who delivers good results for his clients.’
‘Strength in depth, and concentration of expertise. Whether it’s boiler plate or bespoke, you are directed and served by competent individuals who keep you informed every step of the way, and when the need arises, they will chase.’
‘Simon Waterfield, Rottweiler – always good to have on your side.’
‘A very capable and dynamic firm providing solutions through collaboration. We approach our contacts within the firm and describe our problems. The issues are then handled by those best placed to handle the individual aspects. Communication is always good and we are very happy with Nelsons.’
‘We feel they are an extension of our team. Easy to approach and they bring knowledge and clarity to us on a diverse range of issues. We work with several people at Nelsons, but our main contact is Simon Waterfield, who has been excellent.’
Under the leadership of Emma Toes, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is praised by its clients for its team that ‘approaches every case with precision, professionalism, and a client-focused mindset’. Toes ‘consistently demonstrates exceptional legal acumen and a solution-oriented approach’ across her far-reaching practice, and has experience in contentious matters before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court and UK Intellectual Property Office.
‘I have had the pleasure of working with the team at Nelsons and can confidently say they set the standard for excellence in this field. Their deep expertise, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to their clients make them a true powerhouse in intellectual property law.’
‘I had the pleasure of working with Emma Toes, and I cannot speak highly enough of her skills, dedication, and professionalism. As a specialist in intellectual property and commercial legal protection, I have encountered many talented legal professionals, but Emma truly stands out!’
‘Emma Toes is an exceptional solicitor. She is very knowledgeable and superbly efficient.’
Leicester-based practice Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) specialises in property transactions, and is often instructed by owner-managed businesses, SMEs and PLCs. Recognised by clients for his ‘commercially-minded’ approach, Rik Pancholi heads up the team and offers his experience in share sales and purchases across the property, telecoms and media sectors. Ziaur Rahman specialises in demergers, property transfers and business purchases.
‘Rik Pancholi is a great lawyer. He works to get the deal done, all while protecting and advising his clients. And, from what I can tell, his advice and approach are very commercially-minded – he is a businessman as well as an adviser and I can see his clients appreciate that.’
‘Nelsons provides a personal approach to their support and advice – that concentrates of providing the client with honest guidance based on their circumstances.’
‘Rik Pancholi provides an empathic approach where he uses his highly skilled knowledge in his particular area of expertise to allow clients to feel that they are being listened to. Rik comes across as a supportive partner. Nothing is too much trouble. He takes his time to explain his thoughts and his recommendations. Clients therefore feel listened to and understood.’
Highly regarded for its ‘exceptional client service’, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)'s expertise covers corporate restructurings, liquidations and bankruptcy matters. Often acting for liquidators and administrators, Adrian Slater leads the practice from Nottingham. Andy Rudkin negotiates settlement agreements, and Craig Bennett often assists on these matters. Hayley Brown frequently provides assistance on matters involving acting for trustees in bankruptcies.
‘The insolvency team at Nelsons has a great range of experience and ability and I am always confident that there is someone there who can assist in any type of insolvency work whenever needed.’
‘I have worked closely with Hayley Brown with several unexpected issues arising which Hayley dealt with quickly and gave good advice, enabling us to achieve the best outcome for the creditors.’
‘I receive exceptional client service tailored to my needs. The team at Nelsons stands out as they are approachable, highly experienced, they understand my requirements of them and are dedicated to delivering their best every day.’
‘Adrian Slater and Hayley Brown each bring unique qualities that make them stand out in the legal field. Adrian is calm under pressure, which is invaluable in complex situations. Hayley is highly experienced and demonstrates a strong work ethic and determination.’
‘Nelsons are an East Midlands practice so you get the local service and knowledge but with the expertise of a national firm.’
‘Craig Bennett and Andy Rudkin are always available to discuss a matter. They provide honest and clear advice throughout and are great to work with.’
‘Adrian Slater is an outstanding insolvency litigator who has acted for me on a number of issues and always achieved great results.’
Key clients
Kingsley Medical (UK) Limited
Nucleus Cash Flow Finance Limited
PKF Smith Cooper – Joint Liquidators of T&G Woodware Ltd
Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront)'s team's workload covers the full scope of commercial property work. The offering was strengthened with the arrival of Sanveer Sandhu in February 2025; Sandhu works across a range of sectors, including healthcare, retail and energy. Practice head James Coningsby’s caseload includes advising private sector and landowner clients on various complex development projects. Riaz Dudhia co-leads alongside Coningsby.
Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is an established advisor to pension scheme trustees, charities, and retailers, demonstrating expertise across residential development, landlord and tenant, pension scheme-related property transactions, and property finance. At the helm of the practice is Riaz Dudhia, who is recommended for his land acquisition, disposal, and commercial landlord and tenant expertise. Paul Hinchliffe is very active on high-value transactions, where he is well-placed to advise industrial and office property owners. Sanveer Sandhu joined from Flint Bishop in February 2025.
‘Nelsons are fantastic at answering the phone when you call, if they can’t for various reasons at the time, but I will guarantee you will receive a call back that day, secondly, they are that proactive and put great effort into chasing up the other side. These two points are the most important parts as the deal has to get done.’
Under the leadership of Emma Toes, Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) is well-placed to advise on a host of IT matters, including tech contracts, privacy law issues arising from IT procurement, and the infringement of software rights. Toes regularly advises on the ownership of rights and intellectual property infringements. With previous in-house experience, Simon Gill joined the team in March 2024 and advises on a variety of IT-related contracts.
Nelsons Solicitors Limited (Part of Lawfront) >
Firm Profile
Nelsons was formed in 1983 by Tim Hastings and two other solicitors in a small office in Nottingham and since then has grown to become one of the leading law firms in the East Midlands with offices in Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham providing expert support and advice to businesses, individuals and families with their legal and investment needs.
Empowering you
At Nelsons, we look to empower our clients, give them a voice, fight for them, help them seek justice and steer them through the complex issues they face. Our core values form the backbone of how we aim to go about delivering our services and living out our purpose. The desire to push ourselves forward to better serve our clients has been a constant throughout our evolution.
Joining Lawfront in 2023 was a strategic move for us to realise the bold and ambitious plans we’d set out to achieve; and to ensure we continue to offer our clients the best possible service.
Leading the way
We’ve grown both organically and through several strategic mergers and acquisitions across the East Midlands – including Pattersons Commercial Law and Cleggs Solicitors in 2023.
We have always looked to challenge the traditional norms often associated with the legal industry. In 2010, we were one of the first law firms in the region to become a Limited company. Then in 2014, we were granted Alternative Business Structure (ABS) status which allows our employees who aren’t solicitors – such as those in the management, conveyancing, and investment management teams – to become Partners.
Lawfront
In May 2023, Nelsons became part of Lawfront, which provides legal services to individuals and businesses through leading regional law firms.
Backed by private equity fund Blixt, Lawfront’s vision is to build a high quality, national business, dedicated to its people, and retaining the very best in the profession to provide the very best possible service to clients.
Lawfront backs its regional firms to achieve their growth ambitions through investment in people, technology, cross-group collaboration and further local acquisitions, with the support of a highly experienced central team.
We were also shortlisted in the Law Firm of the Year: The Independents category at The Lawyer Awards 2023.
Our specialist experience and the depth of our resources also enable us to offer services to other solicitors through Fusion Legal – a mutually beneficial referral and support network for law firms.
Committed excellence
We are committed to the concept that all aspects of our operations and services should be of the highest quality and are accredited by Lexcel. This quality mark recognises the commitment of everyone at Nelsons to providing clients with the superior service which they are entitled to expect.
I have been working with Nelsons for over five years mainly with Matthew [Olner], he is one of the best lawyers I have every met and worked with. He is also a friend. I would trust him and his company to make the right decisions for my future needs, more than happy to continue out working relationship.
My recent experience at Nelsons solicitors has been outstanding. My case was represented by Danielle Young and I can’t thank her enough; Danielle has finally been able to give me justice and closure. From day one Danielle has been nothing but professional, empathetic, proactive and responsive. After such a traumatic ordeal, it was important for me find a solicitor I could trust and saw me as a person and not just another case. Danielle is a advocate of personalised service and is a huge asset to the firm. Thank you for all your hard work Danielle – I couldn’t have done this without your support.
All of our interactions with Nelsons have been extremely positive, our needs are carefully listened to and we usually have an initial understanding of the work in advance, and this is supported by transparent costs. As a charity we have been particularly well supported by Nelsons, who have helped us navigate a particularly worrying time, having our legal position supported and informed by our Solicitor has enabled us to take positive action and focus on our core business.
I have been advised by Riaz Dudhia in relation to a number of property matters over the past few years. His counsel and determination to get the job done has been invaluable. Always accessible and at the end of the phone he has been there to chart the right course over legal matters and also helped me make important commercial decisions. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Listened to the brief. Told us what is was likely to cost. kept us well informed every step of the way and worked with us so that we understood what was required at each stage.
Solution-oriented attitude and provides our team with a superb level of service and legal guidance. There have been a number of time-sensitive matters where Ziaur [Rahman] has gone the extra miles to get our deals across the line.
I instructed Lewis Addison on a matter and his approach was calm, methodical and measured. I was reassured knowing he was in my corner. He was also very supportive and I would absolutely recommend him, thanks Lewis and Nelsons!
After having had a bad experience with a local firm of solicitors, we needed a case putting together quickly and accurately due to a tight deadline. Kevin Modiri was confident, professional and friendly during our meeting and he put a claim together speedily and accurately. We were reassured and very satisfied with his work.
I dealt directly with Emma Toes and from the very beginning I knew that she was perfect for what I needed for my new company. Extremely knowledgeable and I instantly knew I was in safe hands. I would recommend Nelsons to any of my family or friends.
Each individual solicitor is unique, and therefore, the company’s image is represented by many different characters. Most of the people we have dealt with have been attentive, knowledgeable and efficient whilst still be different. Initial helpful guidance, before fee paying work commences, has been welcomed and much appreciated.
Having used Nelsons before and particularly Laura Kersley, there was no question that I would contact her again when I needed advice and support regarding an employment matter. As I expected both Laura and Zara were kind, listened to me, were supportive, knowledgeable, informative and to the point, which I valued. They were effective and efficient in providing me with the information and advice I needed to make an informed decision relating to my case.
Laura Kearsley and Peter Nicholson were both very approachable and excellent to work with and provided us with a speedy response and well thought-out advice on how to deal with a developing situation. The service level was excellent and represented great value for money.
Melanie [Bridgen] is professional, empathetic, reassuring and puts your mind at ease every step of the way. She really is the family lawyer you want in your corner and I cannot recommend her enough to anyone who requires family law advice. She took my case on short notice, it was very complex and I got the best result possible.
Very clear and concise on required actions and next steps – The process was explained and fully understood from start to finish. The turnaround time on actions and documents required was excellent. Advise provided was measured, considered and achieved the best outcome possible. I felt confident that any scenario that arose could be dealt with without causing me any additional stress over and above that naturally induced by processing a divorce and house sale in parallel.
From start to finish Chris [Huntingford] was attentive, approachable and knowledgeable. He managed the timeline and our expectations really well and made the whole process easy for us. We couldn’t recommend him enough and would definitely use again. Thank you!
There is a lot to think about and deal with when purchasing a property and Trevor [Scott] at Nelsons made sure everything was dealt with as quick and as smooth as possible, making it easy and straight forward. He fully understood our urgency to complete and he worked towards completing ASAP so that we could focus on our house move. I was always able to contact Trevor for anything and I received frequent updates and clear, sensible advise. I would 100% recommend Trevor, not only for his wealth of knowledge and expertise but also for his approachability and commitment.
Everything is explained to me properly and the reports I’ve been given are extremely thorough. When I email or message I get a prompt response. I am always treated with courtesy and respect. My adviser [Zoe Till] seems to genuinely care about my needs and requirements and is always professional…I really appreciate that the options suggested to me for my investments had been checked by modelling for potential risks and worst-case scenarios. My adviser remembers personal details the first time she is told, which is brilliant and to me proves she listens to me properly. I feel I am treated as a person, not just a faceless client.
Excellent advice given and very prompt. If adviser is busy, they always give me a timeframe re response time which I really appreciate and see this as excellent practice.
Dianne [Collins] has helped me so much in my case. She is a wonderful solicitor, she’s friendly and extremely approachable and she’s managed my case with extreme care. She is a real testament to the company. I could go on and write paragraphs as to why I have such a high opinion of her, however my words could not sum up the sheer amount of gratitude I have for Dianne and Nelson as a whole.
Nelsons acted for me (and separately for my brother) in making a claim for compensation from an organisation for inappropriate treatment/abuse when we were children. I was impressed with Nelsons’ sensitivity during our first phone conversation and their professional and efficient action in the matter. It has provided some closure for me and my brother who is now able to talk about his experiences to his family and me. We are both very grateful for Nelsons work on our behalf.
I wanted to thank you for your excellent service in dealing with the release of my brother’s documents. Your personable and professional manner was much appreciated at such a difficult time.
I would also like to extend my gratitude for all of your [Gemma Hopper] hard work on this matter (and your team of course), it was very difficult to find anyone who was able to wrap their head around the difficult situation we were in let alone take it on and be so understanding! I will definitely leave a review with high recommendations of your company and yourself in particular.
Excellent advice and support from Helen Salisbury in sorting out my Will and also guiding me through the Powers of Attorney process / and documentation with full explanation of everything. Made everything easy to understand and follow and to pull together from an initial meeting.
I have always found the service received from Nelsons over the years to be professional, personal, efficient and caring. Advice and help have been willingly given and time taken to listen and respond to questions thoughtfully. I have no hesitation in recommending Nelsons who have dealt with my affairs conscientiously and expediently.
Interviews
Stewart Vandermark, Chief Executive
Stewart Vandermark is the chief executive of Nelsons, a leading East Midlands law firm with offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. He is responsible for strategic oversight of the business, helping to define and embed its purpose, vision and values, while also spearheading a strong workplace culture that empowers both employees and clients. Here he describes the transformative journey of the firm, the consolidating sector and ensuring the firm remains sharp and agile in an everchanging market.
What do you see as the main points that differentiate Nelsons from your competitors?
Each business has a story that shapes and defines who they are. Nelsons opened its doors in 1983 with a passion to do things differently. The legal sector back then was conservative in its approach in all sorts of ways, but from the outset Nelsons had a determination to serve clients its own way. It’s also continually had a forward-looking approach with the courage to lean into the future, understanding that how we worked today is not how we would be working in five or ten years.
Some of the stories from the earlier years reflect a young, ambitious partner group taking on commitments well beyond where they were at but reflected a belief in what Nelsons was doing. I cannot imagine taking some of those decisions now, but it created a rapidly developing business. We have remained focused on our service areas and region throughout, giving us a strength, depth and breadth of expertise to support both businesses and individuals throughout the East Midlands and beyond.
Back in 2018 when I started in my role as chief executive we felt we had lost some of that early identity, so we worked hard to restore it. Since then, we’ve delivered eight years of consecutive year-on-year growth and are on course to reach a record revenue of approaching £35 million this financial year. This growth has never come at the expense of who we are but rather as a result of remaining true to our identity; and a strong focus on creating a culture where individuals can work at their best. This is something we have thought deeply about – growth without a healthy culture is simply unsustainable and this has been integral to our success.
More recently, we have followed our purpose of being a dynamic, forward-looking business not afraid to try new things by becoming part of Lawfront in May 2023. Since then, we’ve accelerated our strategic ambitions, including through several targeted acquisitions and key strategic hires including teams who have joined us in clinical negligence, insolvency and corporate. Acquisitions have always been part of Nelsons’ DNA – but we are highly selective about the firms we acquire. Cultural alignment, operational standards and leadership are key factors we consider to ensure we build for the long term.
Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?
We have invested in our corporate and commercial work, having strengthened our experienced team though the region with acquisitions and team hires at all levels. We can now meet the ongoing demand from owner-managed businesses – whether that is succession planning, restructuring, investment or M&A activity. Consolidation is not reserved for the legal sector; it is shaping many different industries, and clients need advisors who understand both the technical and strategic dimensions of that change, as well as also aligning company values and vision.
Private client work is another area of sustained growth which we have recently strengthened. With an ageing population, increasingly complex family structures and intergenerational transfer of wealth, these all create demand for specialist advice in wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. Clients look to us as advisors to support their affairs now and into the future. The team works closely with our inhouse investment management team, offering clients a holistic approach, which few firms are able to provide.
Our most recent acquisition was of the much-respected conveyancing firm Simpson Jones in November 2025. It further consolidates the regional conveyancing market in the East Midlands and strengthens what was already a leading team. We expect to see this work continue to expand, especially for investor landlords, developers and high value transactions.
What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?
Our acquisition selections, while supporting the growth of the firm, are also of huge benefit to our existing clients and the clients who join us from the firms that we have acquired. The acquisitions allow us to expand our pool of specialists to offer more to our client base while still providing the personal service that they trust and are used to receiving.
Furthermore, with Lawfront’s backing we have been able to invest more into our operations and technology, enhancing our IT systems, introducing AI, data security, management information and internal processes. This results in greater efficiency for our teams and improved communication for clients. It also allows our lawyers to focus more of their time on client support and advice, rather than on administrative tasks.
Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?
Nelsons, throughout its history, has embraced technology to enhance its client offering. We have long worked electronically in a paperless environment to allow us to provide a seamless service to our clients, wherever an individual may be working from.
A dedicated innovation function is now in place across the Lawfront Group which is focused on enhancing the way we design and deliver legal services, leveraging design-thinking principles to create solutions that improve client experiences. This provided us with more capability than we could have achieved independently.
Our commitment to thoughtful and responsible AI adoption remains central to this innovation strategy. Over the past year, we have introduced carefully selected AI-driven tools that streamline legal workflows, ensuring our lawyers can dedicate more time to complex legal work while technology handles repetitive, administrative tasks. These solutions are designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy and service delivery, ultimately benefiting both our lawyers and our clients.
Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?
In the past year, we have been thinking specifically about how we add value to each client in all our work areas. Whether it’s assisting on a corporate transaction or restructure to ensure the company can be successful for the long term; or helping it resolve a complex, distracting and stressful dispute; or putting in place the legal documentation to ensure the company is best protected against the day to day situations that arise; or assisting the directors plan their personal affairs so they can take control of their life, the services we provide add real value each day to our clients.
Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?
The past three years have seen significant growth for Nelsons and now we are firmly fixed on – and excited for – what the future holds for us. We will remain focused on strengthening our position in the East Midlands as a regional heavyweight, pushing our revenue higher and continuing to invest in our systems and processes that all support delivering a great service to our clients. Acquisitions will continue to form part of our core strategy, with a focus on well-run firms that share our values and ambition from within the region – although we wouldn’t rule out opportunities in adjacent markets if the cultural and strategic fit is right.
Most importantly, in three years’ time I want Nelsons to be recognised not just for its size, but for its culture, its people, its leadership and its client service. This is what truly defines success for us and is what we were built on, and how we have continued to attract and retain highly experienced, specialist lawyers at the top of their field.
Our ambitions are always rooted in purpose – to push boundaries to empower. We are working on our next three-year vision so that each person at Nelsons understands what we want to achieve and how to play their part. With the added investment from Lawfront – which allows us to be at the forefront of the technological changes that are fast approaching – we look forward with confidence.
5th February 2025Nelsonspart of Lawfront, the fast-growing legal services group, has made a bold start to the new year by acquiring Burton upon Trent-based, Else Solicitors.
18th November 2024When planning your estate, one effective strategy to reduce your potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability is making gifts out of income.
Empowering you
