Nicola Hutchinson is absolutely superb, she is very easy to communicate with and always picks the correct tone depending on who she is dealing with.
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2023
I was very grateful to Nicola Hutchinson, one of the partners. She listened to me and made me confident in Reeds’ ability to help me.
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2023
Nicola Hutchinson is great in the court room!
Legal 500, 2021
‘Nicola Hutchinson is a force to be reckoned with for prosecuting authorities. She is incisive and fearless. She will pursue client’s objectives relentlessly whilst maintaining a realistic approach.’
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2025
‘Nicola Hutchinson is a force of nature, on top of her case load, knows exactly what she is doing and commands respect from her clients and her opposition.’
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2025
Nicola Hutchinson is absolutely superb, she is very easy to communicate with and always picks the correct tone depending on who she is dealing with.
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2023
I was very grateful to Nicola Hutchinson, one of the partners. She listened to me and made me confident in Reeds’ ability to help me.
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2023
Nicola Hutchinson is great in the court room!
Legal 500, 2021
‘Nicola Hutchinson is a force to be reckoned with for prosecuting authorities. She is incisive and fearless. She will pursue client’s objectives relentlessly whilst maintaining a realistic approach.’
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2025
‘Nicola Hutchinson is a force of nature, on top of her case load, knows exactly what she is doing and commands respect from her clients and her opposition.’
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2025
Nicola Hutchinson is absolutely superb, she is very easy to communicate with and always picks the correct tone depending on who she is dealing with.
Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, 2023
Nicola Hutchinson is an Equity Partner and Higher Court Advocate working in Reeds LLP Private Client Team.
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. As such Nichola 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.
Working with Nicola
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.
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.
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.
Awards and Recognition for Nicola Hutchinson
Nicola has been recognised as a recommended lawyer in 2021 and next generation partner in 2022, 2023 and 2024 by the Legal 500. Nicola has been ranked as Tier 1 by Chambers and Partners in 2024. Reeds Solicitors has also been recognised by The Times in the Best Law Firms list since 2023.
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.
Recent and notable cases
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.
Nicola is a key guest speaker for ‘Accused’ an agency that supports individuals wrongfully accused of serious sexual offences. Nicola is presently only one of two lawyers the agency specifically recommends to people requiring assistance. https://accused.me.uk/falsely-accused-of-rape-or-sexual-assault/legal-advice/criminal-solicitors/
Nichola has an impressive record of early intervention in sexual offences cases during the Police Station stage and persuading the Crown Prosecution Service not pursuing a Prosecution. Nicola advocates for a pro-active and front foot approach to investigations and works tirelessly on cases to ensure they are in the best position possible to prevent the case not progressing to court.
An example of notable sexual offences cases Nicola has been involved with is as follows:
R v D (2024)
A rape allegation that was dealt with by way of no further action after pre-charge representations.
R v T (2024)
The client was acquitted after trial for sexual touching of a minor.
R v W (2024)
The client was acquitted after the trial for sexual assault with penetration.
R v H (2024)
The client was acquitted after the trial for rape of a minor.
R v A (2023)
The client was acquitted after trial for sexual assault with a minor.
R v B (2023)
The case was discontinued prior to trial after representations were made.
R v O (2022)
Discontinuance of a sexual assault charge after representations made prior to trial.
R v O (2017)
Nicola litigated this case in proceedings at Bristol Crown Court where her client was one of 10 involved in a conspiracy to rape minors. Client acquitted after trial.
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
Examples of notable cases are as follows:
R v G (2024)
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.
R v J (2024)
Operation Cetus: Nicola instructed in a large-scale drugs conspiracy throughout the UK by an Organised Crime Group based in the South Wales area.
R v R (2023)
Operation Venetic: this case involved the purchase and onward supply of cocaine at a multi-kilogram level, along with the same purchase and onward supply of other drugs. All defendants were linked to encrypted EncroChat devices, which were used to discuss the supply of drugs and the generation of significant sums of cash profit for the defendants as a result. It was suggested that there was both a domestic and an international dimension to the supply of drugs in this case.
R v F (2023)
Secured an acquittal for a youth charged with gang murder.
R v S (2021)
Encrochat case with issues of Modern Slavery.
R v Z (2020)
Secured an acquittal for a male alleged to have imported class A drugs through the postal system from USA.
R v P (2019)
Secured an acquittal for a youth aged 17 who was alleged to have imported firearms from Mexico.
R v R (2018)
Secured an acquittal for a youth aged 13 who was alleged to have committed s18 GBH by stabbing a female. Nicola challenged the identification of him that the Police had made from CCTV, and successfully excluded the evidence, the District Judge presiding having commented that this was the worst breach of the identification procedure she had ever come across.
R v M (2017)
Litigated on behalf of a client charged with conspiracy to import Class A drugs, despite his role as an undercover agent for SOCA.
Nicola is well respected in her work with high net worth individuals. Her private clients have included diplomats, celebrities, sports personalities and public figures. Her clientele also include 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.
R v O (2024)
Operation Estherville was a Prosecution by FCA. This is a high profile, complex and multi-defendant case. Our client is well known as she used to star in reality series The Only Way is Essex. The term ‘finfluencers’ has been coined as a phrase to describe social media personalities who use their platform to promote financial products and share insights and advice with their followers.
R v H (2024)
Operation Mitchell is an investigation into companies in Bristol which have been selling on finance, loaning and offering ‘call out cover’ in relation to Kirby vacuum cleaners and collecting direct debits from customers. It is suggested that two companies have evaded the regulatory requirements to be authorised persons and continued their business activities despite having their permissions revoked, or never having permissions in place.
R v E (2024)
Operation Defy is a criminal investigation into companies and individuals involved in a £252million Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) contract With the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), awarded via the Government’s ‘VIP Lane’ during the COVJD 19 pandemic. It is believed the suspects made misrepresentations with the intention of masking their significant profit extractions, failing to account for the appropriate tax on those extractions, instead (and in indication of the level of suspects’ dishonesty) purchasing multi-million-pound homes that ultimately stem from public funds, during a time of national, if not global crisis.
R v L (2024)
Operation Silver is a nationwide criminal investigation with defendants charged with participating in a fraudulent business conducting roofing work that was grossly overcharged, incompetently completed and not required in the first instance. It is said the defendants laundered significant amounts of money.
R v O (2024)
Operation Estherville Operation Estherville is a Prosecution by FCA. This is a high profile, complex and multi-defendant case. Our client is well known as she used to star in reality series The Only Way is Essex. The term finfluencers has been coined as a phrase to describe social media personalities who use their platform to promote financial products and share insights and advice with their followers.
Testimonials
I’ve now had some time to reflect and wow it feels good! I’d like to thank you for taking such great care of me, it really made me feel confident and assured – you really are an absolute expert in your field.
Client
I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help. I think the outcome has finally sunk in and it wouldn’t have been possible without your professionalism and knowledge.
Client
“Nicola, you have quite literally saved my career and I cannot thank you enough!”
Client
“Nicola, on behalf of my Family I just wanted to say a big thank you for walking us through this whole process and representing our son. I know my Brother (A long standing Solicitor) always says you have a better chance with a good legal counsel and we are so glad we got you. Appreciate everything you have done and with the lightest touch – again many thanks”.
Client
“Hi Nicola, I had a call from the police this morning, great news! No further action which is a massive relief. Just wanted to thank you for all of your help with this, you were brilliant! This could have gone very wrong if I didn't appoint you so I'm really grateful! Take care and I wish you all the best for the future”.
Client
“Hi Nicola, I really want to say a big thank you. I woke up this morning just thinking about this case and how bad it could have resulted to if not for your help. Thanks so much and God bless”.
Client
“Dear Nicola, I just wanted to send a short email to express my sincere thanks for your help in my case. This whole episode is completely alien to me, but your professionalism, empathy and representation of the case was superb and made the whole episode much easier to bear. Your ability to achieve such an amazing outcome was brilliant. With my sincere thanks”.
Client
Nicola, I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your time and help today. Your advice and sincerity towards me was invaluable and I am extremely grateful. At 1415 this afternoon the CPS decided I had no case to answer and I was released. I will keep your card but, with all due respect, I hope I personally have no requirement for your specialty going forward. To be honest Nicola, I cannot express how thankful I am for your help this morning.
Client
Thank you so much for representing me in court. I definitely could not have done it without you and your kindness and guidance. As you knew, I have never been to court in my life and I never want to experience it again as it is a terrifying experience. I am so pleased that I had someone who was so kind and thorough to see me through this ordeal so thank you once again.
Client
I'd like to thank you on behalf of the whole family. We couldn't have done it without you! That was a brilliant result and I hope we can all put this case behind us and move on.
Client
Just a short note to say the summary of my current situation you expressed to the court and judges was absolutely amazing. I can’t thank you enough for all the time, effort and professional work you have put into my case. I am and always will be one of your clients should the need arise. I will also inform work colleagues, friends what you have achieved for me today.
Client
Nicola, thank you so much for your help. I felt like you really fought for me. I really do appreciate everything you have done.
Client
Thank you for the brilliant work you did representing our son in his recent case. We are very grateful to you and would recommend you and Reeds to anyone who needs a solicitor.
Client's father
I’ve now had some time to reflect and wow it feels good! I’d like to thank you for taking such great care of me, it really made me feel confident and assured – you really are an absolute expert in your field.
Client
I wanted to say a big thank you for all your help. I think the outcome has finally sunk in and it wouldn’t have been possible without your professionalism and knowledge.
Client
“Nicola, you have quite literally saved my career and I cannot thank you enough!”
Client
“Nicola, on behalf of my Family I just wanted to say a big thank you for walking us through this whole process and representing our son. I know my Brother (A long standing Solicitor) always says you have a better chance with a good legal counsel and we are so glad we got you. Appreciate everything you have done and with the lightest touch – again many thanks”.
Client
“Hi Nicola, I had a call from the police this morning, great news! No further action which is a massive relief. Just wanted to thank you for all of your help with this, you were brilliant! This could have gone very wrong if I didn't appoint you so I'm really grateful! Take care and I wish you all the best for the future”.
Client
“Hi Nicola, I really want to say a big thank you. I woke up this morning just thinking about this case and how bad it could have resulted to if not for your help. Thanks so much and God bless”.
Client
“Dear Nicola, I just wanted to send a short email to express my sincere thanks for your help in my case. This whole episode is completely alien to me, but your professionalism, empathy and representation of the case was superb and made the whole episode much easier to bear. Your ability to achieve such an amazing outcome was brilliant. With my sincere thanks”.
Client
Nicola, I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your time and help today. Your advice and sincerity towards me was invaluable and I am extremely grateful. At 1415 this afternoon the CPS decided I had no case to answer and I was released. I will keep your card but, with all due respect, I hope I personally have no requirement for your specialty going forward. To be honest Nicola, I cannot express how thankful I am for your help this morning.
Client
Thank you so much for representing me in court. I definitely could not have done it without you and your kindness and guidance. As you knew, I have never been to court in my life and I never want to experience it again as it is a terrifying experience. I am so pleased that I had someone who was so kind and thorough to see me through this ordeal so thank you once again.
Client
I'd like to thank you on behalf of the whole family. We couldn't have done it without you! That was a brilliant result and I hope we can all put this case behind us and move on.
Client
Just a short note to say the summary of my current situation you expressed to the court and judges was absolutely amazing. I can’t thank you enough for all the time, effort and professional work you have put into my case. I am and always will be one of your clients should the need arise. I will also inform work colleagues, friends what you have achieved for me today.
Client
Nicola, thank you so much for your help. I felt like you really fought for me. I really do appreciate everything you have done.
Client
Thank you for the brilliant work you did representing our son in his recent case. We are very grateful to you and would recommend you and Reeds to anyone who needs a solicitor.
Client's father
I’ve now had some time to reflect and wow it feels good! I’d like to thank you for taking such great care of me, it really made me feel confident and assured – you really are an absolute expert in your field.
Client