Nicola Cockerill

Senior Associate

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What clients say...

"Thanks for all your hard work in what has been a rather unnecessary distraction. I am glad that the matter has concluded and I look forward to the future."

 

Having had two experiences with KL now, I wouldn’t hesitate to use you guys in future."

"Working with Nicky made an extremely stressful and emotionally draining situation feel manageable. Her advice was consistently clear, insightful, and empathetic, and she struck exactly the right balance between being pragmatic and being human. I felt genuinely supported throughout the process, and her guidance helped me navigate a very difficult period with far more confidence and steadiness than I would otherwise have had, securing a good outcome. I’m deeply grateful for her expertise and her professionalism.”

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I am an Associate Solicitor specialising in Employment Law, with 18+ years’ experience advising employers.

I help businesses of all sizes, from SMEs through to multi-nationals, navigate the complexities of employment law so they can make informed decisions with confidence. My approach is down-to-earth and pragmatic, with clear, commercially focused advice. I make sure clients understand their legal position, the options available, and the risks associated with each option, without the legal jargon. 


I advise on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts of employment, company policies and procedures, and post-termination restrictions. I also support clients across all aspects of employment law, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, breach of contract, TUPE transfers, redundancy processes, senior exits, and Employment Tribunal claims and processes. 


Having worked in a HR role for a short period of time, I have gained invaluable insight into the day-to-day realities and commercial pressures businesses face. That experience shapes how I advise, I focus on practical solutions that work in the real world, as well as in law. 


Over the years I’ve acted for clients across a wide range of sectors, including food, manufacturing, leisure, retail, construction, education, agriculture, and diplomatic missions, to name just a few. 


Whilst I advise on the spectrum of employment law issues, I have acquired a particular interest in disability discrimination over the years. 


I’m a member of the Employment Lawyers Association (ELA), and I’m recognised in the leading legal directories, having been named a Leading Associate in The Legal 500 (2025) and a Star Associate in the Chambers and Partners rankings (2025). 


Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym and walking my dogs. I also love unwinding with a good book, listening to music across different genres, and indulging my creative side with arts and crafts.





Insights from Nicola

A person in a white lab coat and pink gloves holds a small rainbow heart pin, with a stethoscope draped around their neck.
February 3, 2026
Did the use of NHS changing room by transgender woman give rise to claims for harassment and/or indirect discrimination?
Two hands wearing rainbow-colored bracelets come together to form a heart shape.
December 18, 2025
A tribunal ruled non-binary identity does not amount to gender reassignment. Learn the legal reasoning and workplace implications with Kilgannon Law.
The Houses of Parliament in London at dusk, with the illuminated Elizabeth Tower reflected in the River Thames.
December 11, 2025
A tribunal has held that the dismissal of a cleaner working two jobs and 17-hour days was fair. Learn why the decision was upheld, the key factors considered, and what this means for employers managing fatigue and safety risks.