Two highly experienced solicitors have joined the leading clinical negligence and personal injury team at Nelsons, strengthening services for clients and enhancing the scope of the department’s offering. 

Julie Hardy and Emma Zukowska have made the move from Nottingham law firm Barratts after a combined 32 years with the organisation.  

Julie, a partner specialising in birth and childhood brain injury cases as well as surgical errors, started her career at Freeths Solicitors in 1993, becoming a partner in 2002 and head of department in 2012. She then joined Barratts, honing her skills and supporting clients through difficult circumstances over the next ten years. 

“It felt like the right time for a new chapter, and Nelsons was my first choice due to its reputation for excellence in this area of work and its well-known and respected team,” Julie said. 

“I’m excited to continue achieving the best outcomes for my clients with the support of an even larger team behind me. I am also looking to share my experience with junior members, guiding and training them to broaden the Nelsons offering even further.” 

Emma Zukowska, a partner specialising in birth injury and spinal injury cases, has spent her career-to-date with Barratts after joining as an office assistant before training and rising through the ranks. 

She said: “Having spent my entire legal career with one firm, I was ready for a new experience and to be exposed to new challenges and opportunities. The culture combined with a strong team ethic at Nelsons really appealed to me. 

“Clinical negligence and personal injury are such unique and personal areas of law that both Julie and I are very passionate about. Some clients have been with me for many years; they give us their faith and trust, and we in turn become their voice to ensure they feel empowered.” 

Both Julie and Emma are recognised in Chambers and Partners as well as appearing in the Legal 500. They are both members of the Law Society’s Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel, and of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) – of which they are also both accredited clinical negligence experts. Julie is also a specialist solicitor on the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) panel.  

Having worked closely for a decade, Emma and Julie said they are excited to be able to make this move together.  

Emma added: “We are similar in our approach and ability to share ideas, so I am excited for what the future holds for both of us.” 

Bruce Williams, partner and solicitor specialising in clinical negligence claims at Nelsons, said: “Both Julie and Emma deal with highly complex cases and their knowledge and expertise was a perfect fit with our team.

“Julie has been a major player in clinical negligence in Nottingham and the East Midlands for many years with a fantastic reputation. Emma has built an impressive career at Barratts and brings highly specialised skills and a strong understanding of this area of law. 

“We are very proud to welcome both partners and to continue our drive for gold standard client service.”