Nicola came to the Bar in 1992, after a successful academic career (at Wolverhampton University) which saw her publish over 50 articles and during which time she was a visiting Professor at University of Akron (1989-90), School of Law, Ohio, USA and also a Fulbright Fellow. Nicola continues to give lectures to other professionals, including groups such as the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners and local Law Society groups.
Nicola is now a specialist Chancery practitioner. She is recommended in Chancery in Chambers UK and is quoted as “a ferocious cross-examiner” (2022), as “a very strong, knowledgeable and able opponent”, “incredibly good on the private client side” (2021) and having “a remarkable grasp of a complex area of law and yet manages to present her views in a down-to-earth and understandable manner” (2020).
Her particular areas of expertise relevant to this group (which forms the largest part of her practice) are:
• Contentious probate actions, rectification of wills, administration actions and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
• Advice on all aspects of the administration of estates, including estate planning, taxation, construction of wills and deeds of variation
• Trusts – drafting, construction, taxation, advising trustees and all aspects of trust litigation (for example, breach of trust, variations of trust etc)
• Direct taxation including all aspects of tax planning, tax efficient dispositions, income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax
• VAT – advice on all aspects and representation in contentious matters
• Pensions law including occupational and private schemes, drafting of the same, administration and the settling of disputes
• Court of Protection – advice on all matters, from Lasting Powers of Attorney to statutory wills
• Charities – advice on all aspects of charity law
Recommendations
“Very direct and sound in her advice.”
Chambers UK 2023
“She is a really good advocate and confident on her feet. She is a ferocious cross-examiner.”
Chambers UK 2022
“She is a very strong, knowledgeable and able opponent.” “She is incredibly good on the private client side.”
Chambers UK 2021
“Nicola has a remarkable grasp of a complex area of law and yet manages to present her views in a down-to-earth and understandable manner which instructing solicitors and clients appreciate.”
Chambers UK 2020
Reported Cases
Re Weetman [2015] WTLR 1745
Meek [2014] COPLR 535; [2014] WTLR 1155
Drakeford v Cotton [2012] 3 All ER 1138; [2012] 3 FCR 464; [2012] WTLR 1135; [2012] 15 ITELR 144
Euro Stock Shop Ltd v Revenue and Customs Commissioners [2010] STC 2454
Heath v Heath [2010] 1 FLR 610
Sprackling v Sprackling [2009] WTLR 897
Bates v Wheildon [2008] WTLR 1705
Hartshorne v Gardner [2008] WTLR 837
Revenue and Customs Commrs v Dunwood Travel Ltd [2008] STC 959 (CA), [2008] STC 411
Ledger v Wootton [2008] WTLR 235
Staffordshire County Council v. Challinor [2008] 1 P & CR 10
Kynnersley v Wolverhampton City Council [2008] WTLR 65
Land v Estate of Land [2007] 1 WLR 1009
Hughes v Hughes [2005] 1 FCR 679
McNulty v McNulty [2002] WTLR 737
Memberships
Nicola is a member of the Chancery Bar Association and the Midland Chancery and Commercial Bar Association. She is Treasurer of the latter.
Qualifications
LLB (Manchester)
LLM (Birmingham)
