Richard Nelson Avis 

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel obligated to share my experience so others can make an informed decision.

I paid £2,400 for assistance with an HCPC registration matter and, after months of delays, the outcome was deeply disappointing. Communication was consistently slow. Important emails often required multiple follow-ups before receiving a response, and meaningful engagement occurred so late in the process that any realistic opportunity to pursue alternative options had effectively disappeared.

What was most frustrating was the lack of substantive work relative to the fees charged. I repeatedly explained that the central issue was the way my application had been presented and evidenced. However, rather than conducting a thorough review of the application itself, the focus appeared to be on reviewing the rejection decision. At no point did I feel that there was a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of my original submission or a clear strategic plan for moving forward.

The billing practices were equally concerning. I was charged for numerous individual email exchanges and administrative matters, including communications that arose because issues remained unresolved. After reviewing the itemised bill, I was genuinely shocked by how much had been charged relative to the amount of meaningful progress made on the case.

The most telling moment came when I was ultimately informed that the firm does not specialise in assessing whether an applicant's qualifications and experience meet HCPC registration requirements. Had that been made sufficiently clear at the outset, I would likely have sought assistance elsewhere from a specialist in that area.

After months of waiting, repeated follow-ups, and significant expense, I was left with little more than I had when I started. In my opinion, the service represented extremely poor value for money. If you are considering instructing this firm, I strongly recommend obtaining a detailed written explanation of exactly what work will be undertaken, how communication is billed, what expertise they bring to your specific matter, and what tangible outcomes you can realistically expect for the fees being charged.

Richard Nelson LLP is an exceptional firm, particularly for those navigating the nuances of complex financial litigation. I can say without reservation that Jacqui Callan is the finest solicitor I have encountered. Her commitment to her clients is unparalleled—providing a grounding presence in critical meetings and even conducting home visits to ensure every detail is captured. Jacqui blends rigorous diligence with a professional yet approachable demeanour that is rare in high-stakes law. There is a definitive reason she is one of the top-ranked practitioners in the UK; she delivers results with absolute integrity.

Richard Nelson LLP
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding work that my lawyer, Mark Hopwell did in resolving my DBS-related issue. From the very beginning, Mark demonstrated professionalism, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcome. He took the time to explain every step of the process clearly, guided me through what could have been a stressful situation, and always kept me informed and reassured.
Mark’s attention to detail and thorough understanding of DBS procedures made all the difference. Thanks to his dedication and skill, the issue was resolved efficiently and successfully.
I highly recommend Mark Hopewell to anyone needing support with DBS matters or any legal issue requiring knowledge, patience, and exceptional service.

I haven't seen my mother in nearly 3 years Lily Nutbrown, nobody has seen her. You must take some responsibility for this! Terrible and not to forget to mention how much you charged!

Thank you for your time to determine a possible case . . . you were concerned, considerate, kind and understanding. I was very impressed and I am pleased to know that we still have lawyers like you.Thanks miss Shannon Keenan ,thanks miss Fraser

BEWARE not a true legal company ! Shocking want to charge £2,000 for a conference call to advise on a legal matter ! Spoke to a young and unprofessional girl called Lilly when I told her I thought it was highly priced considering I need an opinion on whether or not to take legal action who is responsible when you can seek advice anywhere else if you choose these are the only options and she put the phone down on me without even saying goodbye I’m absolutely so blown away that’s why it’s taken me the time to write a review Absolutely shocking after we use reviews I can see why.
Just reviewed there response generated by AI shocking the staff put phone down one I asked how you want £2000 for a call even though you did know what questions I wanted ( your feedback says enough)

Highly recommended. Excellent service from start to finish. Very clear on cost and service included. Very thorough with support, work undertaken, case submitted and outcome hoped for achieved. Thank you.

They didn't return call. Shocking!

I had these represent me in a legal matter in 2023/24. Their lack of impartiality led me to plead guilty after both my Son and I were attacked in a Birmingham club in 2019, despite one of the group admitting at the hospital that he had at least 5 pints of lager in the space of a couple of hours, and that he was being treated for depression and taking medicine, also, with statements from his brother and independent witnesses that he'd thrown the first blow. The prosecution decided to press charges against me for using "excessive force", thus causing a head injury. Then this outfit did not remain impartial to the statements and the CCTV, which didn't show what happened, it was enough for both the defence and the prosecution to act as judge, jury and executioner. This trial dragged on for almost 5 years, with one mistrial. One assumption after another was made as to what went on that night, because the police took 6 months to return to the scene for CCTV, then being told it had been erased. Leaving only 30 seconds taken on that night with the use of the detective's mobile phone, who was later relieved of her duty. Yet despite all this, my barrister couldn't convince me that he was going to stand up in court and defend me. 5 years down the line. Both my wife and I had cashed in our pensions to pay for legal costs. With me throwing the towel in because I had no confidence in my own defence team. Don't ever let them tell you that you're forgiven despite how long since your last run in with the police. Because it'll bite you in the backside. The kicker was, that when someone sat up and played the 30 seconds of CCTV on something other than a laptop. They noticed that the head injury our attacker sustained was done by someone else who kicked him in the head while we were both on the floor. My barrister's response upon seeing this was "it's not worth arguing over who did what" thank you, Mr Rupert Taylor of the Devon chambers. Thanks to you and this crowd, my career is in the toilet and I'm not sure how to move on from this. Originally I assumed the legal system was incompetent. Now I understand it's by design. The truth is what the law can agree on, not what happened. Because, despite the lack of clear CCTV showing my actions that night, they chose to ignore the actions of others to shut the case down. It's taken me a while to write this review. I doubt I've touched on how much a farce it was, and how much bias the system has towards anyone who had a run in with the police, no matter how long ago it was. I would be very careful about using these people if there is the slightest chance you're innocent. Especially if you've had a run in with the police before. My problem is now, how do I ever defend myself or my family in the future? Because if I can't expect a fair and impartial investigation or defence. Do I allow myself to be kicked to death to save my family, or kicked to death to avoid being jailed?

Very disappointing to say the least. Please avoid their services as far as possible. Waste of time, money and your health. They will take your case and keep for many years, you will have to constantly ask about updates about case. I have emailed over 100 times within 5 years . Nothing has been done. If they tell you that they will take insurance please don't trust that as in my case no insurance has been taken and few weeks before the hearing they will ask for few thousands to keep the case moving (in my case £6000) and they will tell you that there is no insurance and you have to pay from your pocket. Overall costs around 40k-50k. Very unhelpful, loads of talk but no results. You will end up with big bill and loads of stress. Eventually I took case into my own hands so hopefully things will progress quickly.

A Richard Nelson partner was my solicitor on a false accusation case in 2022-23.

After appointing another law firm, I realised how JC's poor legal advice caused even more issues for me. I now understand, JC was just not involved in the case; it is probably I paid the fee of £2000 up front.

Now, the case collapsed which is big relief. It was very hard when CPS charged me with something I did not do, I was quite simply dumped. I had to find another firm who would work with legal aid by myself meanwhile I was living in Far East.

There is a lot more to say, but all I want is anyone in my position to be very careful how they choose their legal representation. Richard Nelson is NOT the place.

Very disappointing service from such a reputable firm on a criminal proceedings case. Initially good but then gave conflicting and confusing advice that could have led to a jail sentence had I not intervened with my own action. Their appeals process is a closed book where they appear to defend their company hands down, even when admitting mistakes but still not seeing that as enough to uphold a complaint. A bit of a concern when a legal organisation who advocate honesty and integrity won't take responsibility for errors of judgement, especially when that kind of culpability is what's expected of the clients that they are representing in court who stand accused.
For the high fees charged, I would expect a much greater level of service where one isn't at risk of a jail sentence through conflicting advice.

Our Experience with the London Team Behzad Sharmin and her other team members are exemplary, and I mean quite outstanding.
Great and prompt customer service, Hanna is Amazing and has quick responses to questions and she is very reassuring, the best set of Legal Team I ever met.
Our case was very complex with others turning us down because if it's complexity, but this team take us on and work with us tirelessly.
Their work is of a high standard, clear and trustworthy, I have no regrets not complaints.
Very are a hard-working and efficient team.
Thanks very much team for your hard work and being able to support us throughout our journey and follow up care, our Experience started from April 2023 to February 2024.
Well done.
Toddles & Rhoan Lawrence

Phone number was easy to find on the website. Got connected to switch board was promptly connected to a lady called Maria gave me the advice I needed on the spot

Mark Hopwell at Richard Nelson supported and guided me professionally throughout my DBS case. He took the time to hold several telephone meetings asking the necessary pertinent questions to ensure I felt well prepared in defending the alleged allegations. His input was invaluable in helping me to construct and write (corresponding by email and by telephone to ensure I was happy with the content and that it was a true reflection of events) an appropriate response letter and personal statement - submitting it on time to the DBS.
Thankfully I received a No Action Letter from the DBS, stating that I would not be put on the barred list. I credit Mark for this outcome for his excellent support and guidance throughout my case - with well constructed documentation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can now move positively forward with my life.

My case was initially looked at by Sarah-Jane Varley who was very thorough and immediately made some compelling arguments. She demonstrated that she truly believed my case deserved to be heard from start to finish and made me feel that I didn't have to fave the process alone. On the day I was represented by Wendy Hewitt an experienced Barrister who remained professional and supportive throughout. I would recommend then both for any issues regarding work in the health care profession.

Mark was absolutely phenomenal, his knowledge was second to none.

Professional, supportive and knowledgeable

I write this review completely overwhelmed that my 3.5 year Social Work England (SWE) investigation is now behind me and the right action was taken by SWE leaving me able to practice as a social worker with no restrictions and not requiring a hearing.

Like you, I contemplated whether i should seek the support of a legal representative or continue with my Union. My union representative was a great source of help but I knew that my career was on the line, i was being investigated by SWE's legal team who in my professional opinion, were focused on fault finding rather than being impartial and I had to arm myself with the best legal team to help avoid a hearing and making sure my voice was heard.

Like you, I completely stressed myself out researching various legal teams, reading many reviews and this was on top of having a stressful full time job, a family and the overarching worry of the investigation. It was extra pressure that I did not need but had to endure. It was a really challenging time for me but i felt comfortable with the positive reviews regarding Fitness to practice hearings from past clients of Richard Nelson and Victoria's name was mentioned a few times.

I recall my first conversation with Victoria she returned my call promptly i had just under a month to send my final response for a final decision to be heard. Victoria was calm, asked the right questions and reassured me that the timeframe would be adhered to and she could manage this. I paid my fee and was further reassured with how quick Victoria got to work with gathering information to present my case. Communication was mainly via email and my questions were answered quickly and in full. I felt somewhat relieved that I could put some of my stress of Victoria. Together we were able to put a solid case based on evidence. Victoria's knowledge is second to none in relation to Fitness to practice investigations I was concerned that given my Union deals with Fitness to practice hearings on a regular basis would Victoria team have the knowledge but they did and this evident in the concrete case they put across on my behalf.

If your reading this i know your pain and struggle i was there I was at a low point and my life was put on hold for a long time and I was loosing faith. It impacted on my confidence and my family. Like me you have worked so hard for your career that your are passionate about and you have to use every power and resource you have to get the right outcome. You will regret it if you dont try. Victoria Ree's got the right outcome for me and helped me put across a strong case with layers of evidence and i know if you put your trust in Victoria Rees and work with her she will work hard to get the best outcome for you. Dont leave it to chance, dont give up and dont do it alone. Youve worked too hard to train and work at your chosen career. Having a legal representative makes a massive difference and they can represent you in a way that no Union can.

I am now getting married and moving house my life has improved in every way. It is such a relief to no longer have this dark cloud above me and im enjoying my freedom. I would have no option with recommending Victoria Ree's please dont stress and exhaust yourself out searching for different legal teams. Put your trust in Victoria Rees and you will give yourself the best chance of getting the best outcome.