Nicola Ryan-Donnelly

I’m an Associate and serious injury solicitor, representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, amputation, spinal cord injury, complex orthopaedic injuries and chronic pain disorders.

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2016 and have over a decade of experience in serious injury law. I’m passionate about helping those who have sustained serious injuries and am committed to empowering them to rebuild their lives, supporting them from the beginning of a case through to settlement.

My approach helps put clients at ease and allows them to build trusted relationships. Alongside my legal work, I’ve been active in supporting several charities, including Headway Central Lancashire and Back Up.

I have always been driven by a desire to help people navigate some of the most difficult periods of their lives. Throughout my career, whether acting for seriously injured clients or families affected by major public tragedies, I’ve been privileged to support people when they are at their most vulnerable. What motivates me most is ensuring that individuals and families feel heard, supported and empowered. In serious injury work, that often means helping clients rebuild their lives following catastrophic injuries. In Public Inquiry work, it means helping families seek answers, accountability and enabling meaningful participation in processes that can often feel overwhelming and intimidating. 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 genuinely understand what they are experiencing. I invest significant time in building relationships with clients, understanding their individual circumstances and ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their journey. Many are dealing with bereavement, trauma or life-changing events and often need reassurance as much as legal advice. 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.

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

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.