Nicola Ryan-Donnelly

I am a Partner and Solicitor specialising in public inquiries, major incident work and catastrophic injury claims.

My role is to support individuals and families through some of the most challenging and life-changing circumstances they may ever face, helping to guide them through processes that can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar with confidence and ensuring their voices are heard.

Public inquiries and major incidents can be overwhelming and unfamiliar. My role is to ensure clients feel listened to, understood and full supported throughout the process, while providing clear, practical advice every step of the way.

Alongside my inquiry work, I represent clients have sustained catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and complex orthopaedic trauma. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, I have worked with individuals and families whose lives have been profoundly affected by serious injury, helping them access rehabilitation, secure support and plan for the future.

I believe that trust, empathy and clear communication are at the heart of effective representation. By taking the time to understand each client’s circumstances and priorities, I help them feel informed, supported and empowered throughout their case.

Alongside my legal work, I’ve been active in supporting several charities, including Headway Central Lancashire and Back Up, reflecting my long standing commitment to those living with life changing injuries.

I have always been driven by a desire to help people navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to support individuals and families at a time when they are often at their most vulnerable.  

Whether helping families seek answers and accountability through public inquiries, or supporting clients as they rebuild their lives following catastrophic injury, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference when it matters most. 

Ensuring people feel heard, supported and empowered is central to everything I do. Being trusted to guide people through life‑changing events is a responsibility I never take for granted.

My approach is built on trust, accessibility, empathy and determination. I believe clients need a lawyer who will not only fight tirelessly on their behalf but who will also take the time to understand their individual circumstances and priorities. 

Many of my clients are navigating bereavement, trauma or life-changing injury.  Building strong relationships, providing clear advice and offering reassurance throughout their journey is therefore just as important as the legal expertise.  I pride myself on being approachable, responsive and available when clients need support, whilst at the same time being tenacious in pursuing their interests and ensuring their voices are heard and their interests robustly protected.

In public inquiry work, this means helping families feel safe, reassured and able to navigate processes that can often feel daunting or unfamiliar. I focus on making sure they feel listened to, included and confident in their ability to participate meaningfully.

In serious injury work, I support clients through the lasting impact of catastrophic injuries, providing clarity, reassurance and steady guidance from the beginning of a case through to settlement. My aim is always to empower clients to rebuild their lives and feel fully supported throughout their recovery.

Southport Inquiry – Nicola currently acts for 22 out of the 25 child victims of the Southport attack, supporting them and their families through the Southport Inquiry

Nottingham Inquiry – Represents the partner of one of the deceased individuals in the Nottingham Inquiry

Bedford train collision – An ongoing investigation, we support a number of people injured in the collision.

The team combines specialist legal expertise with compassionate client care to support clients through complex and emotionally demanding cases. Clients often say they feel supported by the whole team, not just one lawyer.

I have spent almost 15 years at Fletchers and have had the privilege of building a career that has continually evolved. whilst remaining centred on helping people through life-changing circumstances. I began my career specialising in serious injury litigation, and developed extensive experience managing complex, high-value claims and supporting clients through rehabilitation and recovery. More recently, I have had the opprotunity to help establish and lead our Public Inquiry Team. This has been one of the most rewarding periods of my career. What I value most about Fletchers is our commitment to clients and the work we do which genuinely makes a different to people’s lives.

Outside of work, family and friends are incredibly important to me and provide balance to what can often be emotionally demanding work. I enjoy travelling, socialising and spending quality time with my loved ones.