Nick Westley

Spear's Review

Described by one KC as ‘one of the best, if not the best’ family lawyers of his generation and by a fellow solicitor at a rival firm as 'an all-round excellent lawyer', Nick Westley covers all areas of family law, dealing with everything from financial disputes to pre- and post-nups, as well as private law children cases.

‘My role is to simultaneously achieve the best possible outcome for the client, while making the process as easy, stress-free and cost-effective as possible,’ says the barrister-turned-solicitor.

The straightforward, approachable Westley works closely with Catherine Bedford, head of Harbottle & Lewis's well-regarded family department. The pair are no strangers to high-profile cases, with clients ranging from Premier League footballers to well-known presenters and pop-stars.

Adviser Profile

Nicholas spent eight years as a barrister at QEB, before becoming a partner at Lee & Thompson in 2013, moving to Harbottle & Lewis in 2017. His experience at the Bar gives him a unique perspective and an unparalleled insight. 

Nicholas acts ‘for anyone wanting an exemplary service, sophisticated yet practical advice and full transparency – both as regards to the likely fees as well as the potential outcomes. I never oversell what I can achieve, nor do I underestimate the likely costs.’ Stewart Leech QC describes Nicholas as follows: 'He is an exceptionally gifted family lawyer and his experience on both sides of the legal profession gives him the cutting edge. He is easily one of the best, if not the best, of his generation.' 

The modern world is such that his clients often need assistance outside of office hours. This is a service he is happy to provide. Part of the job, he notes, is to understand that you can be called on by clients ‘24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year’. He learned that, he tells Spear’s, from his colleague Catherine Bedford, who heads up the family team at Harbottle: ‘She’s brilliant – a conductor who brings everything together.’