The Team

Established in 1983, we have built a dedicated team of solicitors whose expertise covers many areas of law. As a firm, we are committed to providing a service to our clients throughout Cornwall and Devon.

Whilst the practice has grown steadily, we have maintained a friendly, "high-street" image, giving our clients the value-for-money service they deserve and remaining competitive with colleagues throughout the region.


C. Nicholls

Qualifications: Cambridge University (M.A Cantab.)
Qualified Solicitor 1975

After graduating from Cambridge University in 1971 and qualifying as a solicitor in 1975 Chris Nicholls was attached to a leading law firm in Birmingham. He moved to Cornwall in 1976 and worked for local Cornish firms before opening his own practice in Bodmin (C.Nicholls Solicitors) in 1983.

In addition to leading the firm, Chris divides his time between the Criminal, Family and Employment Departments. He is the Firm's leading Advocate in all Courts and Tribunals.

Chris is also a fully accredited Family and Commercial Mediator and a qualified Collaborative Family Lawyer.

Our people:

S. Parsons

Qualifications: London University (LL.B 1972)
Qualified Solicitor 1975

Stephen graduated from London University in 1972 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1975. Until 1988 he worked in Sittingbourne, Kent where he was in partnership for some years specialising in civil litigation.

In May 1989 Stephen moved to the West Country and worked for two firms before joining Chris Nicholls in January 1997. His current expertise is within civil litigation but he assists with the criminal department when required. For over 10 years he has been a member of APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers).

Stephen's particular interests include personal injury claims as well as the law of unjust enrichment and restitution, with or without a Conditional Fee Agreement ("No Win; No Fee").

T. O'Callaghan

Qualifications: Legal Executive

Tess, as she is known, is one of the first Legal Executives in the country to have achieved rights of audience in all the Courts as a Legal Executive advocate. She will now be specialising in Magistrate's Court Advocacy and Crown Court Preparation and will assist Counsel.

Since joining the Bodmin Firm of C Nicholls Solicitors ( 2002) Tess has been a valued member of our Crime Team. We regularly hear from satisfied clients who have much appreciated the thoroughness of her preparation and attention to detail.

R. Argles

Senior Solicitor / Family Mediator
Qualified Solicitor 1974

After qualifying in 1974 Richard became a partner in a large London firm for several years. He then joined the largest firm in the Home Counties and became the litigation parner in their Ayelsbury office. Specialising in matrimonial, family and civil litigation he was appointed a Deputy District Judge in the early 1990's before moving to the West Country in 2004.

Richard joined Chris Nicholls on the 1st January 2006 and continues to specialise in family law. Further, as a qualified family mediator he enjoys the challenges of mediating family disputes in this ever more important area of practice.

W. Hazelton

Qualifications: London University (LL.B 1975)
Qualified Solicitor: 1978

William graduated from London University and was admitted as a solicitor in 1978. After 5 years’ legal work in Hampshire and 3 years in the Central Pacific, he worked in Dorset until 2011 mainly in the fields of Criminal and Family Law. William joined the team here at C Nicholls in November 2011. He continues to specialise in Criminal Law (with a particular interest in more complex cases and court martial work) and Family Law (especially cases concerning children, domestic violence and care proceedings).

D. Bellamy

Qualified Solicitor: 1979

After being admitted as a solicitor in 1979 David worked in London for many years, becoming a partner specialising in Property Law. He moved to Bristol in 1992 where he extended to encompass all aspects of Private Client work. He can advise on a wide range of non-contentious matters including Wills, Probate and Trusts as well as Conveyancing.