Nelsons (Part of Lawfront)

Nelsons was formed in 1983 by Tim Hastings and two other solicitors in a small office in Nottingham and since then has grown to become one of the leading law firms in the East Midlands with offices in Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham providing expert support and advice to businesses, individuals and families with their legal and investment needs.

At Nelsons, we look to empower our clients, give them a voice, fight for them, help them seek justice and steer them through the complex issues they face. Our core values form the backbone of how we aim to go about delivering our services and living out our purpose. The desire to push ourselves forward to better serve our clients has been a constant throughout our evolution.

We’ve grown both organically and through several strategic mergers and acquisitions across the East Midlands – including Pattersons Commercial Law and Cleggs Solicitors in 2023.

We have always looked to challenge the traditional norms often associated with the legal industry. In 2010, we were one of the first law firms in the region to become a Limited company. Then in 2014, we were granted Alternative Business Structure (ABS) status which allows our employees who aren’t solicitors – such as those in the management, conveyancing, and investment management teams – to become Partners.

In May 2023, Nelsons became part of Lawfront, which provides legal services to individuals and businesses through leading regional law firms. Backed by private equity fund Blixt, Lawfront’s vision is to build a high quality, national business, dedicated to its people, and retaining the very best in the profession to provide the very best possible service to clients. Lawfront backs its regional firms to achieve their growth ambitions through investment in people, technology, cross-group collaboration and further local acquisitions, with the support of a highly experienced central team.

Leading law firms, Farleys Solicitors, Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors and Slater Heelis Solicitors, are also part of Lawfront.

We are recognised by leading, independently researched publications, including The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, and also feature in The Lawyer’s UK 200 Annual Report of the UK’s largest 200 law firms.

We were also shortlisted in the Law Firm of the Year: The Independents category at The Lawyer Awards 2023 and recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2025.

We are committed to the concept that all aspects of our operations and services should be of the highest quality and are accredited by Lexcel. This quality mark recognises the commitment of everyone at Nelsons to providing clients with the superior service which they are entitled to expect.