Nicola Hutchinson

About My Work

Nicola Hutchinson is an Equity Partner and Higher Court Advocate working in Reeds LLP Private Client Team.

Nicola is regularly instructed in the most serious cases including murder, terrorism, fraud, drug conspiracies, rape & serious sexual offences.

Nicola is well respected in her work with high-net-worth individuals. Private clients have included diplomats, celebrities, sports personalities and public figures. Her clientele also includes business owners, company directors, doctors, lawyers, pilots and those with a reputation that requires safeguarding. With a wealth of experience, she is the trusted legal advisor to police officers, teachers and nurses. Nicola’s expertise lies in providing tailored legal solutions for both public figures and high net worth clients, ensuring their interests and reputations are meticulously protected from false allegations.

Nicola is supported by her team of 15 lawyers, each of whom has been personally selected for their unique qualities, whether this be their connections from diverse ethnic communities, their approachable personality, attention to detail, vast legal knowledge, or their outstanding advocacy.

Nicola has a large regulatory practice and specialises in making representation to the disclosure and barring service, taxi licensing, DVLA licence revocation, school and university admission issues, SIA licence revocation, firearms licence revocation, PNC record deletion, private prosecutions, health and safety prosecutions, environmental prosecutions and trading standards prosecutions.

However, Nicola’s two areas of specialism and primary practice areas are sexual offences, complex drug conspiracy cases and associated violence.

Nicola possesses exceptional expertise in criminal and regulatory law, showcasing unparalleled attention to detail in her case preparation. As an open-minded and approachable lawyer, she is deeply committed to her clients’ cases and overall well-being. Her dedication has fostered a substantial and loyal client base, extending across the United Kingdom. Known for going the extra mile, Nicola consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring her clients achieve outstanding results in their legal matters.

Notable Experience

• Nicola has established herself as one of the leading sexual offences solicitors in the country dealing with sexual offences and is regularly instructed in matters involving rape, historic sexual offences and online sexual offences.
• A rape allegation that was dealt with by way of no further action after pre-charge representations.
• Operation West: this case dealt with a conspiracy by an Organised Crime Group, regarding the wholesale supply of all class drugs across the Southwest area.
• Nicola’s recent work involves “Encrochat”, where she has significant experience of dealing with, multi-defendant drug conspiracies and international importation of drugs conspiracies. Nicola has rightfully earned her reputation as the “go-to” lawyer for such matters and is regularly instructed in the largest drug conspiracy and associate violence offences prosecuted in the U.K

Memberships & Qualifications

• Nicola is a Duty Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate and has experience advising and assisting clients at the Police Station, Magistrates Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.

Recognition/Awards

• Nicola has been recognised as a recommended lawyer in 2021 and next generation partner in 2022, 2023 and 2024 by the Legal 500 as well as ranked as Tier 1 by Chambers and Partners in 2024.

Education

• Nicola was educated at an international school in Saudi Arabia and after returning to the United Kingdom completed her A-levels. Nicola read Law and Politics at Cardiff University.

Hobbies & Interests

Nicola loves both playing and watching sport. She is particularly interested in tennis, hockey, cricket, football, rugby and formula 1. Nicola travelled extensively as a child due to her parents work commitments and has carried this forward with her own family.