Nicole Smith

Biography

Nicole is a trainee solicitor currently undertaking her third seat in the disputed wills and trusts team. In this role, she supports the team across a broad spectrum of contentious private client matters, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, disputes between executors and beneficiaries, challenges to the validity of wills, and proprietary estoppel claims.

Nicole began her training contract in the real estate team, where she assisted with transactions for landowners, developers and the public sector.

Prior to commencing her training, Nicole worked as a paralegal in the construction & infrastructure team at Ashfords for 2 years. Alongside this, Nicole completed a Masters in Law (LLM) and the SQE1&2.

Nicole graduated with First Class Honours in Law from the University of the West of England. During her studies, she volunteered at the Bristol Law Clinic, advising clients on a range of family and commercial law issues.

Nicole is a Social Secretary of the Devon & Somerset Junior Law Division and assists with organising and hosting events for young professionals in the legal sector.

Relevant experience

Local Authority: Assisting with drafting Settlement Agreements and Deeds of Variation.
Private client: Preparing Letters of Instruction to Experts and Counsel in relation to a negligence claim against an architect.
Private company: Assisting with a claim against a contractor in respect of defective cladding.
Private company: Preparing a due diligence report advising the client on its contractual security.
Developer: Assisting with taking witness statements and preparation for a claim against a building development site.