Business Details
We are Nicholls C, a well-established legal practice founded in Bodmin, Cornwall in 1983 by Chris Nicholls. Our founder graduated from Cambridge University in 1971 and qualified as a solicitor in 1975, bringing over four decades of legal expertise to our clients. Prior to establishing our Bodmin practice, Chris Nicholls worked with a leading Birmingham law firm and spent several years serving local Cornish clients, building deep regional legal knowledge. We have proudly provided trusted legal support to individuals and businesses across Cornwall and Devon for more than 40 years, earning the loyalty of the Bodmin community and beyond. Our team is led by Chris Nicholls, a fully accredited Family and Commercial Mediator, qualified Collaborative Family Lawyer, and experienced advocate in all Courts and Tribunals. We also count experienced solicitor Stephen Parsons among our team, who specialises in probate and wills matters and brings decades of civil litigation experience to our clients. We adhere strictly to the SRA Code of Conduct and Law Society provision of service regulations, with SRA registration number 58770, to uphold the highest professional standards.
We offer a friendly, high-street legal service that combines prestigious, professional surroundings with approachable, value-for-money support tailored to each clients needs. We actively encourage family and commercial mediation as a constructive, cost-effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings for relevant client matters. We provide an initial free interview for all new and existing clients for each new crime or motoring matter, to help you understand your options and plan your next steps clearly. We are committed to full transparency in our charging, with clear hourly rates and no hidden costs, to ensure our clients feel confident and informed throughout their legal journey. Please note that our practice will be closing on 30th September 2026 as our founder retires, and we are assisting existing clients with transition support where required.
We offer a friendly, high-street legal service that combines prestigious, professional surroundings with approachable, value-for-money support tailored to each clients needs. We actively encourage family and commercial mediation as a constructive, cost-effective alternative to lengthy court proceedings for relevant client matters. We provide an initial free interview for all new and existing clients for each new crime or motoring matter, to help you understand your options and plan your next steps clearly. We are committed to full transparency in our charging, with clear hourly rates and no hidden costs, to ensure our clients feel confident and informed throughout their legal journey. Please note that our practice will be closing on 30th September 2026 as our founder retires, and we are assisting existing clients with transition support where required.
Highlights and features
- We bring 43 years of legal expertise to all clients.
- Our founder is a Cambridge graduate and 1975-qualified solicitor.
- We are SRA-regulated with official registration number 58770.
- We provide free initial interviews for crime and motoring matters.
- We maintain transparent hourly rates with no hidden client costs.
Services
Family Law
We provide comprehensive family law support for individuals navigating separation, divorce, and child arrangement matters across Cornwall and Devon. Our services are designed for clients seeking constructive, low-conflict resolutions to sensitive family disputes. We are led by an accredited collaborative family lawyer and mediator, ensuring you receive expert, empathetic guidance at every stage.
Criminal Law
We specialise in criminal law defence for clients facing a range of allegations, from minor offences to serious criminal charges across the South West. Our services are for anyone requiring expert legal representation in police stations, magistrates courts, and crown courts. We provide clear, honest advice and robust advocacy to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Motoring Law
We provide expert motoring law advice for drivers facing fixed penalty notices, speeding offences, and drink drive allegations across Devon and Cornwall. Our services are for all motorists requiring clear, practical guidance to navigate motoring legal processes. We help you understand your options, mitigate penalties, and protect your driving licence wherever possible.
Probate and Wills
We offer specialist probate and wills services for individuals seeking to plan their estate or manage the affairs of a deceased loved one across the South West. Our services are for clients requiring clear, compliant guidance on will drafting, probate applications, and estate administration. We ensure your wishes are honoured and probate processes are handled efficiently and sensitively.
Family and Commercial Mediation
We provide accredited family and commercial mediation services for parties seeking to resolve disputes without costly, time-consuming court proceedings. Our services are for separating couples, family members, and business parties looking for constructive, mutually agreeable solutions. Our accredited mediator facilitates open, fair discussions to help you reach sustainable outcomes that work for all involved.
Reviews (5)
Toby Fairclough
Nov 26, 2021
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Extremely disappointed with chris Nicholls. He should have been hounest from the start he didn't want to take on my case for drink driving from the start and I could have found a professional solicitor who genuinely wanted to help me, even though I had legal aid and he wasn't getting his full hourly salary I was treated with no respect the communication was zero he was rude abrupt and only 10 minutes to discuss things in court before the hearing and not the promised 45 minutes!
I felt he was just brushing me off and a I was a hindrance to him. And a lot of important factors he didn't mention in court as it was a special reasons case which I lost. I advise anyone especially if legal aid involved avoid chris Nicholls!
I felt he was just brushing me off and a I was a hindrance to him. And a lot of important factors he didn't mention in court as it was a special reasons case which I lost. I advise anyone especially if legal aid involved avoid chris Nicholls!
Abi Hayward
Sep 07, 2021
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If you are looking for a conveyancing solicitor, I would advice you look elsewhere. Royaly messed up our SDLT and now we are being chased by HMRC for a penalty that wouldn't of occurred if it was sorted correctly in the first place. Poor response to queries, lack of consistency between staff with advice given, as well as making some particularly obvious mistakes that should of been noted by the firm, it shouldn't be down to the client to note there are errors and to chase things with a lack of care from the solicitors themselves. I would go elsewhere.
Lesley Andrew
Sep 06, 2021
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Not impressed. used for a property sale. Quite straight-forward, no chain and cash buyers. Nothing heard for weeks, then suddenly, rush-rush, need forms signed today as want to complete asap. Emails not acknowledged, final account to buyers calculated incorrectly and sent to them BEFORE we had a chance to check, so needed to go back and amend the following day - luckily they accepted otherwise we would have been out of pocket.
Very terse and abrupt on the phone - did you not like us telling that YOU got it wrong. was more keen to stress he was due to retire than completing our sale correctly (why take it on if you knew you were leaving?). We needed time to check figures and not something you can rush. we ended up re-doing the accounts ourselves, but still they charged us the same for doing their job for them. Can't really recommend unless those taking over can do better. :(
Very terse and abrupt on the phone - did you not like us telling that YOU got it wrong. was more keen to stress he was due to retire than completing our sale correctly (why take it on if you knew you were leaving?). We needed time to check figures and not something you can rush. we ended up re-doing the accounts ourselves, but still they charged us the same for doing their job for them. Can't really recommend unless those taking over can do better. :(
Peter Wootton
Jun 16, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality If u need a defence solicitor, do not use Chris nicholls, he failed to carry out my instructions, failed to turn up for trial, DO NOT USE CHRIS NICHOLLS.
Lucy Howard
Jan 23, 2021
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My case was dealt with by Chris and Charlie both of which were very competent at their jobs. Chris attended court with me and gave me advice before and during the case. He was very efficient at his job and if I ever needed a solicitor in future he would definitely be my first port of call
