Nicola Duff

Nicola Duff is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Court of Protection team, based in our Manchester office.

Professional Biography

Nicola graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2002 with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). She began her legal career in 2005 as a Paralegal in Personal Injury before progressing to a Trainee Solicitor role. She qualified as a Solicitor in February 2008 and went on to gain experience in a variety of legal areas, including Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation, subrogated losses, and Education Law.

In 2018, Nicola chose to specialise in Court of Protection work, applying her broad legal knowledge to assist some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. In recognition of her expertise and dedication to her clients, she was promoted to a Senior Associate Solicitor in 2023.

Nicola specialises in health and welfare applications in the Court of Protection, assisting individuals who lack the mental capacity to make decisions about their care, residence, contact with others, relationships, medical treatment, and issues relating to marriage and sex. She also represents individuals in cases involving deprivations of liberty (where a person is placed under continuous supervision and is not free to leave their residence or care setting due to concerns about their safety or wellbeing, usually under the Mental Capacity Act 2005), ensuring that any restrictions placed on a person’s freedom are lawful, necessary, and in their best interests.

Nicola is highly regarded for her ability to work with clients who have complex needs and have often experienced significant trauma. She takes a compassionate and sensitive approach, ensuring her clients feel supported and that their rights and best interests are protected throughout legal proceedings. The majority of her cases involve representing the individual at the centre of the proceedings, referred to as “P,” and she is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor (a court-appointed representative for those who cannot act for themselves) and advocacy services. Nicola also has significant experience representing family members in Court of Protection matters, providing clear legal guidance and support throughout the process.