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Hugh James > The Legal 500 Rankings
Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1
Benefitting from 'good experience in the local market', Hugh James has, over the years, developed deeply rooted relationships with a number of high-profile domestic businesses/institutions, including S A Brains and Development Bank of Wales, ensuring a steady flow of ongoing day-to-day corporate/commercial instructions, as well as M&A matters. Many of these mandates have involved disposals to UK and international-based entities, including its recent work for S A Brains on the sale of its remaining stake in coffee shop chain Coffee #1 to Caffè Nero. 'Calm and sensible' team head Gerallt JonesPractice head(s):
Gerallt Jones; Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Greg Williams; Emily Powell; Gemma Davies; Campbell McKellar; Mark Loosemore; Siôn Tudur
Testimonials
‘The firm has good experience in the local market.’
‘The firm has an enviable reputation, particularly in South Wales, but increasingly further afield.’
‘Both the range and depth of expertise within the Hugh James team is exceptional.’
‘Gerallt Jones is calm and sensible and has good experience and knowledge.’
‘Aled Walters is a highly competent, pre-eminent and commercially astute lawyer with a professional approach.’
‘The exceptionally knowledgeable Greg Williams is very quick to grasp the complexities of any given task and then offer the right solutions.’
‘Greg Williams is easily accessible and an excellent communicator.’
‘Gemma Davies is a highly competent lawyer who demonstrates a confident understanding of the key legal and commercial issues on transactions.’
Key clients
Rocialle Healthcare
Rockwool International
Welsh Government
S.A Brain & Company
Celtic Manor Resort
Welsh Rugby Union
M+A Matting
Avicenna Retail
Creo Medical Plc
Ogi
4Wood TV Group
Inspired Entertainment
Computacenter UK Plc
Development Bank of Wales
Hydro Industries
Work highlights
- Advised long-standing client Brains on both the sale of its remaining stake in Coffee #1 to Caffè Nero and the sale of a portfolio of 95 pubs to Song Capital.
- Advised Rocialle Healthcare on two high-value acquisitions.
- Advised Cwmtillery Glass on its sale to private equity house CorpAcq.
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1
Headed by Richard Locke, Hugh James' 'knowledgeable and experienced' team has broad commercial disputes prowess, coupled with niche expertise in areas relating to professional negligence and defamation and is recognised for its ability to offer 'London City standards at provincial rates'. Locke's own practice exemplifies the scope and range of work the team handles, with contractual and shareholder disputes a common feature of his workload, as well as more prosaic issues including mining disputes. Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who is 'robust, charming and brilliant', is also a pivotal member of the team, particularly in the context of IP, sports and media-related disputes. 'A powerhouse in terms of litigation', recently promoted partner Abigail Flanagan regularly takes the lead on complex litigation involving injunctive relief and is also noted for her pensions and professional negligence aptitude.Practice head(s):
Richard Locke
Other key lawyers:
Tracey Singlehurst-Ward; Abigail Flanagan; Kevin O’Brien; Jo Brown
Testimonials
‘The team is knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘A genuinely superb team, offering London City standards at provincial rates.’
‘They have a great ability to deal with complex topics and explain that complexity in a way that untrained persons such as myself can understand and comprehend so a decision can be made.’
‘Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is robust, charming and brilliant.’
‘Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is always highly prepared and has a balanced and considered approach.’
‘Abigail Flanagan has an ability to look beyond the immediate issue and see what the consequences could be if certain directions are taken.’
‘Abigail Flanagan is a powerhouse in terms of litigation and has superb client skills.’
Key clients
Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig – Welsh Water Plc
SJJ Service Systems Ltd and Mr Steve Jones (director shareholder)
Ceredigion Recycling and Furniture Team
Novomatic AG
British Boxing Board of Control Limited
Natural Resources Wales
Denbighshire County Council
Welsh Government
ROCKWOOL Limited
Kenyan Rugby Football Union
Work highlights
Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1
Hugh James provides 'responsive and knowledgeable' advice to creditors and debtors across a range of new money and refinancing transactions. On the borrower front, the firm is able to leverage well-established ties with high-profile domestic companies and public sector clients, which are appreciative of the team's 'flexible approach which includes an understanding of a political dimension'. Much of this work is handled by 'brilliant' team head Dominic Marshall , who has over his many years in practice gained an excellent perspective in relation to bilateral and syndicated financing arrangements from working capital and event-driven perspectives. Rowena Downie is also a key member of the team with a broad offering that includes a considerable volume of property-related work, including in relation to social housing borrowers, as well as development finance.Practice head(s):
Dominic Marshall
Other key lawyers:
Rowena Downie; Jody Bingham; Kelly Davies
Testimonials
‘The team is always very quick and efficient to pick up matters for us and their response rate is exceptionally quick.’
‘The responsive and knowledgeable team deploys a flexible approach which includes an understanding of a political dimension.’
‘Dominic Marshall is brilliant, his knowledge and negotiation skills are above any other lawyer that we have used across all firms.’
Key clients
Metro Bank
Arbuthnot Latham
The Welsh Government
Development Bank for Wales
HSBC Bank
Lloyds Banking Group
NatWest
Welsh Rugby Union
Hodge Bank
FEI Foods Limited
Work highlights
- Continuing to represent Redwood Bank on a significant number of real estate finance loans, ranging from small loans secured against single commercial assets; a multimillion-pound loan secured by a mix of light industrial properties and residential properties; and loans secured against large portfolios of buy-to-let assets.
Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1
Deploying a ‘combination of exceptionally high technical expertise and grounded common sense’, as well as ‘empathy and understanding for every client’, Hugh James is ‘at the forefront of claimant clinical negligence litigation’, regularly handling the most complex and difficult mandates relating to brain injury, birth injury, catastrophic and fatal cases. A well as being well-equipped to secure the best possible outcome in the relevant case, the firm is subsequently also able to effectively deal with managing the finances of the victim, if necessary, through its excellent Court of Protection offering. Rhian Parsons is ‘extremely savvy’ and has vast experience in the field, particularly in cases of the utmost severity, including brain injuries, spinal catastrophic injury cases, and wrongful birth claims. The ‘thorough and indefatigable’ Katie McCraith ‘really fights for her clients’, regularly achieving superb results in often very emotionally fraught matters; she is also responsible for the development and maintenance of relationships with reputable experts. Elin Davies ‘always goes the extra mile for her clients’, including in cases involving amputations, stroke management and fatalities. Associate Gareth Beard ‘is very careful to understand the medical aspects of the case’, and has a very active caseload across a wide array of mandates, including cases involving diagnosis delays and several ongoing brain injury matters. Senior associate Rebecca Mather ‘achieves great results for clients’ across a wide range of clinical negligence cases varying in complexity and value. At a senior level, as well as his duties as head of the firm’s overarching individual client services division, Stephen Webber also has an active fee-earning practice that includes high value medical negligence cases. London-based Ruth Powell heads up the clinical negligence department having taken over the role from Mari Rosser , who herself still plays an active role on cases despite a more managerial position in general.
Practice head(s):
Ruth Powell (London)
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Webber; Mari Rosser; Rhian Parsons; Katie McCraith; Elin Davies; Mark Lane; Gareth Beard; Rebecca Mather
Testimonials
‘Expertise spans the most complex and difficult cases including brain injury, birth injury, catastrophic and fatal cases often worth millions of pounds. The time spent on each case ensures full and thorough investigation leading to excellent results being secured for the client.’
‘Hugh James is at the forefront of claimant clinical negligence litigation. Their overall approach is an effective mix of robustness and reasonableness.’
‘Empathy and understanding for every client. Genuinely caring about what a client has been through and how their life has been changed by the negligence. Focus on ensuring they have the best possible outcome and chance of moving forward after the conclusion of the claim.’
‘Able to handle complex cases in a sensitive and pragmatic way. ’
‘‘The characteristic of this practice which stands out is its combination of exceptionally high technical expertise and grounded common sense.’
‘The extremely savvy Rhian Parsons provides clear advice in a matter of fact and down-to-earth manner.’
‘Katie McCraith is a superb partner. The depth of her experience is evident in the approach to all her cases. She is thorough and indefatigable. She really fights for her clients.’
‘Elin Davies always goes the extra mile for her clients.’
Work highlights
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 1
The ‘highly resourced’ offering at Hugh James has the strength-in-depth to offer clients true sub-specialisms, including in the field of asbestos-related claims, where the ‘extremely knowledgeable and personable’ Richard Green heads up an ‘amazing team’ that not only fights hard for victims of respiratory illnesses but also works closely with medical professionals and charities supporting those affected by asbestos related disease. The ‘technically able’ Kathryn Singh leads the industrial disease offering that continues to achieve outstanding results for workers, both domestically and abroad, where she is ‘exceptionally experienced in group litigation’. Simon Ellis also handles some unusual industrial disease claims, although he is best-known for his work on behalf of current and former members of the armed forces bringing claims against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for hearing loss and cold injuries. A ‘class act who combines empathy and experience to deliver a solid product to the client’, Cari Sowden-Taylor heads up the serious injury team alongside Ciaran McCabe , and provides a superb service for clients that have suffered brain and spinal injuries as a result of road traffic collisions. Of the more junior partners, Lucy Strong has cultivated a very strong reputation in the asbestos field, while the ‘determined and capable’ James Gibson ‘achieves great results’ for clients in industrial injury claims. Dividing his team between Cardiff and London, Mark HarveyPractice head(s):
Mark Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Ciaran McCabe; Cari Sowden-Taylor; Simon Ellis; Richard Green; Kathryn Singh; Lisa Morgan; Lucy Strong; James Gibson; Angharad Jones; Carlos Land; Pauline Roberts; Sarah-Jane Jerard; Aidan Lloyd; Charlotte Fletcher; Sandeep Gill; Ellice Harding;
Testimonials
‘Hugh James is a “regional firm”, but in truth it is a national powerhouse. Hugh James is committed to fighting cases which are at the cutting-edge of personal injury.’
‘Amazing team – experts in asbestos related claims.’
‘Mark Harvey brings his vast experience and strategic nous to everything he does. He is willing to take risks, and has the judgment to know which risks will pay off.’
Simon Ellis is leading the military claims team valiantly, in long-running battles against the MOD on behalf of thousands of claimants.’
‘Richard Green’s respiratory claims group is rightly acknowledged as an industry leading team. They have immense knowledge of asbestos claims and have excellent client care.’
‘Cari-Sowden Taylor is a class act and combines empathy and experience to deliver a solid product to the client.’
‘Kathryn Singh – exceptionally experienced in group litigation and technically able.’
‘James Gibson – highly experienced, determined and capable solicitor who achieves great results for his clients.’
Work highlights
- £12.75m brain injury settlement.
- £750k mesothelioma settlement to include substantial provision for future treatment on a private paying basis.
- £290k military deafness settlement.
Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1
The ‘strong and approachable’ team at Hugh James has a ‘real depth of experience’ on behalf of individuals, businesses, banks and public sector clients seeking recourse against professional services entities relating to a range of professional negligence claims. A considerable number of these are brought against the legal profession, including many relating to personal injury matters, either alleging an under settlement in claims or in the context of advice provided by lawyers in the original underlying claim. The firm also has a ‘particular expertise in group claims against large corporate defendants and insurance-funded professionals’, an area that ‘outstanding’ commercial litigation head Richard Locke excels in. Kevin O’Brien is also a pivotal member of the team, particularly as to relates to claims against solicitors and valuers involving property transactions. ‘Cool and collected’ team head Abigail Flanagan is also recommended and is ‘a reassuring presence capable of handling the most complex cases’, including those brought against solicitors, accountants, actuaries and surveyors.Practice head(s):
Abigail Flanagan
Other key lawyers:
Richard Locke; Kevin O’Brien; Charlotte Wright; Laura Zverev
Testimonials
‘There is a consistency to the individuals who liaise with you in relation to your matter.’
‘Very strong team covering a wide range of professional negligence areas and excellent litigation practice.’
‘This is a strong and approachable team with real depth of experience.’
‘They have been effective in taking instructions, gathering evidence and moving the claims forward. They have particular expertise in group claims against large corporate defendants and insurance-funded professionals.’
‘The advice and care the team give to a matter is extremely thorough. The advice is always comprehensible and in a format that is deliverable to the client, without having to decipher unnecessary legalese.’
‘Richard Locke is outstanding. He empathizes with claimant clients and his team is very effective in rebuilding trust which is a difficult first step when a client feels that they have been let down by other professionals.’
‘Abigail Flanagan – cool and collected, she is a reassuring presence capable of handling the most complex cases.’
‘Abigail Flanagan – just an excellent all-round litigator. Particular skill in relation to professional negligence as she is utterly tireless for her clients and not put off by the normal tactics of defendant professional negligence firms.’
Key clients
Various Kenyan nationals
Hannah Evans
Transform Medical Group
Ironbridge Finance Ltd
Work highlights
- Representing various Kenyan Nationals involved in the Mau Mau uprising against British rule in Kenya in the 1950’s. Their claim for professional negligence is based upon an alleged failure by their former solicitors to properly handle the original failed group action brought against the UK government.
- Acting for a private individual who lacks capacity (via her litigation friend) in a claim brought against her former legal representatives alleging that they negligently advised the client and allegedly under-valued her claim after she was severely injured following a car accident in 2009.
- Representing the assignees of Transform Medical Group in claims against solicitors and Counsel who had acted for Transform and its insurers in defending a substantial body of claims brought against Transform in the PIP Breast Implant group litigation, between 2011/12 and 2016.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Recognised as ‘the pre-eminent estates and trusts dispute firm in the country’, Hugh James attracts work across England and Wales, from ordinary families to large institutions, charities and high-net-worth-individuals. Key to the firm’s success in the area is the expertise of ‘dynamic and effective litigator’ Roman Kubiak, who ‘combines a charming charisma with a first rate intellect’. Kubiak’s skill in the area is underscored by his involvement in numerous reported cases during 2022, including his involvement for the respondents in a Court of Appeal case dealing with testamentary capacity and proprietary estoppel. As part of his role as overarching head of the firm’s private wealth group, Matthew Evans also regularly handles matters with a contentious angle and has gained particular strength in relation to farming-related proprietary estoppel cases. The team was also bolstered by the arrival in October 2022 of senior associate Sarah O’Grady from Clarke Willmott LLP, who ‘is very experienced in contentious probate and 1975 Act cases’.
Practice head(s):
Roman Kubiak
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Evans; Sarah O’Grady; Joseph Brophy
Testimonials
‘Hugh James are the pre-eminent estates and trusts dispute firm in the country. There are no close comparisons. They have the most specialists and their people are highly trained and capable.’
‘It is an experienced team of contentious probate lawyers.’
‘Roman Kubiak is a dynamic and effective litigator and leader.’
‘Roman Kubiak – One of the best there is! He combines a charming charisma with a first rate intellect, and is one of the toughest negotiators I have seen in action.’
‘Roman Kubiak is both approachable and efficient.’
‘Sarah O’Grady is very experienced in contentious probate and 1975 Act cases.’
Work highlights
- Acting for the defendants and part 20 claimants in the reported High Court and Court of Appeals decision of Hughes v. Pritchard dealing with testamentary capacity and proprietary estoppel.
- Acting for the husband of the deceased in relation to claims to relating to a holographic will, the validity of his marriage to the deceased, the impact of that on the will and related proceedings in Cyprus. The estate is valued at c.£12m.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
At Hugh James, the 'empathetic and professional' Matthew Evans spearheads the firm's overarching private wealth group which has the strength-in-depth to advise individuals, financial institutions, charities and trust corporations across tremendous range and volume of contentious and non-contentious work. The 'very accomplished' Eleanor Evans heads up the firm's trusts and estates administration offering, providing a 'cost-effective and professional' service to the firm's impressive roster of financial institution and trust corporation clients. Senior associate Austin Gill is also engaged in administration work, although his workflow is more aligned to individual clients (as opposed to fiduciary ones); he is particularly adept at ensuring IHT exemptions are properly applied and that death duty taxes are structured in an efficient manner. Led by the 'incredibly commercial' Gareth Wisdom, the firm has a traditionally strong reputation handling volume will writing for financial institution clients, while the arrival in September 2022 of Catrin Griffiths from Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice strengthens its capacity to provide a bespoke service to high-net-worth-individuals. For litigation, Roman Kubiak is a market-leading contentious probate practitioner, whose 'charming charisma combined with a first rate intellect, and tough negotiation skills’ ensure that he is a formidable opponent both locally and nationally.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Evans
Other key lawyers:
Roman Kubiak; Eleanor Evans; Gareth Wisdom; Alun Jones; Catrin Griffiths; Austin Gill; Samantha Roberts; Ceri Webster; Kirsten Franklin; Lianne Jones
Testimonials
‘The team provides a cost-effective, responsive and solutions-oriented service.’
‘They demonstrate their technical experience and understanding of complex legal issues, and put forward practical solutions.’
‘Longstanding, professional team with great reputation and relationship with their clients. The client is at the heart of what they do.’
‘Mathew Evans is professional and empathetic, traits which are imbued within members of the wider team.’
‘Gareth Wisdom – excellent private client lawyer who is incredibly commercial, excellent at building relationships in the sector, and is ambitious and innovative.’
‘Eleanor Evans – very accomplished trusts and estates lawyer. She has an excellent manner with clients, fully understands the issues and has an excellent working knowledge of the law, and seeks to use this to find pragmatic solutions to assist clients.’
‘Roman Kubiak is one of the best there is! A charming charisma combined with a first rate intellect, and tough negotiation skills.’
Work highlights
Real estate > Construction Tier 1
Drawing upon ‘excellent knowledge and experience’ at handling regional mandates, as well as increasingly work located in London, Hugh James provides a ‘prompt and responsive service’ to public, private and public sector stakeholders, across a wide array of contentious and non-contentious matters. The team has ‘detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector’, an area that both Matthew Stevens and Iwan Jenkins have been particularly active, advising housing associations, including Pobl, across a wide range of matters. Team head Ioan Prydderch is also recommended, both in the context of contractual drafting in relation to the construction and engineering sector, as well as on litigation, where clients benefit from his deep knowledge of alternative dispute methods of resolution.
Practice head(s):
Ioan Prydderch
Other key lawyers:
Iwan Jenkins; Matthew Stevens; Alun Tobias
Testimonials
‘The team has excellent knowledge and experience, and provides a super service.’
‘They are friendly yet remain totally professional at all times. The communication is first class.’
‘They provide a prompt and responsive service. The firm has detailed knowledge of the affordable housing sector.’
‘The team has exceptional levels of experience particularly in the context of Welsh Housing-related contracts. They are accommodating, flexible and personable.’
‘The practice has unrivalled expertise in construction law, specializing in disputes and also contract law/ training insolvency’s etc. They always find the resources to cater for our needs, large or small.’
‘Matthew Stevens is always professional and produces work in a timely manner, keeping us up to date with progress. He provides commercial advice and clearly outlines the pros and cons when giving advice.’
Key clients
Pobl
Welsh Power
Ely Mill Development Company Limited
Welsh Government
Platform Housing Association
Celsa UK
Swansea Council
WRU
Willmott Dixon
Brackley
Work highlights
- Advised the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) on the flagship redevelopment of the previous post office and county court heritage buildings on Westgate Street in central Cardiff into a 175-bed luxury hotel that includes fifteen VIP suites, two restaurants, a luxurious spa with a rooftop infinity pool, comprehensive meeting facilities and a ballroom for 400 guests.
- Advising the Celsa Group companies in the UK in their negotiations with the main contractor joint ventures (BYLOR (Laing o Rourke and Bouygues), BBV (Balfour Beatty and Vinci)) in connection with the HS2 and Hinkley Power Station projects.
- Advising Pobl, Hafod, Melin, Newport City Homes, Rhondda Housing Association and Tarbed, as well as another five social housing providers and two local authorities, in relation to the use of Project Bank accounts on their multimillion-pound development projects.
Real estate > Social housing Tier 1
Drawing upon an 'excellent understanding of the Welsh landscape, the funding regime and the regulatory environment', Hugh James is a very popular choice among domestic housing associations to provide advice across the panoply of their legal requirements, from core management and real estate matters, as well as across other complementary areas of law including employment and corporate. The firm has also been at the forefront of the Renting Homes Act, taking a key role in ensuring RSLs were equipped and fully aware of the huge changes in Welsh landlord and tenant law ahead of the implementation date. Bethan Gladwyn has been pivotal to the training provided with the regard to the legislation and is also noted for her 'clear and concise advice' as it relates to anti-social behaviour issues. As well as her strategic advice to Wales-based RSLs, including on large-scale regeneration schemes, Caroline O’Flaherty has been central to the firm picking up an increasing volume of mandates for English clients in the sector. The team is headed by Richard Macphail , who excels at development work in the sector.Practice head(s):
Richard Macphail
Other key lawyers:
Caroline O’Flaherty; Bethan Gladwyn; Iwan Jenkins; Yvonne Davies; Matthew Stevens
Testimonials
‘It is a great team with lots of knowledge and expertise.’
‘They provide a top quality service and it is a pleasure to be instructed and work with people as passionate as I am about housing.’
‘The benefit of working with Hugh James is the depth of sector knowledge they have. They have an excellent understanding of the Welsh landscape, the funding regime and the regulatory environment.’
‘Bethan Gladwyn provides clear and concise advice and has an impressive depth of knowledge of the sector.’
Key clients
POBL GROUP
LINC CYMRU
CURO GROUP
NEWYDD
GRWP CYNEFIN
MELIN
ADRA
OPTIVO
BARCUD
HAFOD HOUSING
Work highlights
- Advising Pobl Group on its £15m pioneering mixed use development “Biophillic Living” in Swansea which uses innovative approaches to sustainability and complex funding measures.
- Advising Optivo on a £25m package deal delivering a blend of social rented and affordable rented housing in London involving the development of 81 apartments which are environmentally sustainable.
- Advising a large number of housing associations, local authorities and Community Housing Cymru on a landmark piece of legislation (Renting Homes Wales Act 2016) bringing together a collaborative training forum and sense of “shared endeavour” to save clients cost and sharing best practice in implementing the biggest change to housing law in a generation.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 1
Leveraging the expertise of lawyers from across the firm’s corporate and commercial, litigation and employment practice areas, in particular, Hugh James is ‘capable of delivering first-class advice across all aspects of the media and entertainment sector’. Drawing upon his rich experience in private practice, as well as in his former role as head of legal at S4C International, team head Aled Walters has deep and broad knowledge across a myriad issues facing clients in the sector, and is recognised by one client as: ‘perhaps the leading media lawyer working in Wales’. The arrival of solicitor Ilan Jones from S4C further enhances the team’s offering in the space in light of his commercial contract experience (including on co-production agreements), as well as his knowledge of commercialisation of content and broadcast compliance issues. In summer 2023 the firm acquired Cardiff-based boutique Loosemores, which is known for providing ‘constructive guidance and advice’ to clients across the spectrum of core media and entertainment contractual matters. Mark Loosemore provides ‘commercial and thorough’ advice to both large and small sporting governing bodies across a range of matters including on sponsorship and licensing agreements. Consultant solicitor Sara Griffiths effectively draws upon her experiences in private practice, as well as in-house at S4C, to good effect to advise across a range of contractual matters including content commissioning and production for film and television.Practice head(s):
Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Emily Powell; Louise Price; Richard Locke; Ilan Jones; Mark Loosemore; Sara Griffiths; Rhodri Evans
Testimonials
‘Hugh James is able to offer a complete legal service when it comes to media and entertainment. With a suite of expertise available within the in-house team they are capable of delivering first class advice across all aspects of the sector.’
‘Aled Walters is perhaps the leading media lawyer working in Wales and his expertise is acknowledged over his many years working in the sector.’
‘Highly professional with an approachable and friendly way of dealing with clients. Clear expertise and knowledge in the field they are dealing with, very accessible and easy to make contact.’
‘The individuals I have worked with have always been professional, friendly and always more than happy to help. They give constructive guidance and advice and present and explain information in a clear way.’
‘Efficient response times, clear communication.’
‘The exceptional Mark Loosemore is highly commercial and thorough in his approach.’
‘I enjoyed working with Sara Griffiths. Always felt I had her genuinely enthusiastic support.’
‘Sara Griffiths is a high skilled member of the team with regards to media and production and always has great recommendations to allow us to deal with any legal advice we need.’
Key clients
Wildflame Productions Limited
Afanti Media Group Limited
Welsh Government
4 Wood Group Limited
Location Solutions Limited
Cwmni Da Cyf
Dragon Studios Limited
ITV plc
Work highlights
- Advised Wildflame Productions Limited on the contracts, documents and rights position for its new multimillion-pound production for Viacom/Smithsonian called “True Vikings”.
- Review of privacy policy for Afanti Media Group’s “Songs of Praise” production for the BBC.
- Advised 4Wood Group Limited on its major new contract with Disney for the production of sets for its major new production, Trapper Keeper.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1
Hugh James has a strong grounding in the sports arena and deploys a multidisciplinary approach on behalf of broad and varied client portfolio spanning many different sports and types of client, including clubs, governing bodies and individuals. Nurtured over the years by 'calm and sensible' team head Gerallt JonesPractice head(s):
Gerallt Jones
Other key lawyers:
Tracey Singlehurst-Ward; Peter Hurn; Richard Locke; Dominic Marshall; Martin Jones; Rhiannon Dale; Mark Loosemore; Karl Thomas; Siôn Tudur; Rebecca McCarthy
Testimonials
‘Staff are highly skilled in the areas we have required services from Hugh James – from help with modernisation, updating legal documents to settling disputes.’
‘Gerallt Jones is calm and sensible, with good experience and knowledge.’
‘Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is hugely experienced and able.’
‘In highly charged environments Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is a calming influence and the voice of common sense, always applying logic, whatever the situation.’
‘The exceptional Mark Loosemore is highly commercial and thorough in his approach and strategically guides the project through to completion. His experience is very valuable to any situation and he is prompt and clear in all communication.’
‘Mark Loosemore is hugely experienced, knowledgeable and well-connected.’
‘Karl Thomas is very diligent in dispute resolutions and mediation for the sports sector. Karl has worked closely and successfully in disciplinary matters with many of our members in the sports sector.’
‘Rebecca McCarthy is very personable and helpful. She specialises in legal status for sports clubs and has proved very helpful to the sports sector, always able to explain complex issues into easily understood language.’
Key clients
British Boxing Board of Control
Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Gymnastics
Metro Bank
Cardiff Rugby
Celtic Manor Resort
Sport Wales
Welsh Athletics
Ryan Jones (former British & Irish Lion and Welsh rugby captain)
Run4Wales
Work highlights
- Longstanding legal adviser to the Welsh Rugby Union. Over the last year, the firm advised on various finance and corporate governance matters, on club incorporations and the company’s AGM which resulted in considerable publicity because key proposals were voted down by member clubs.
- Exclusive legal partner of the Cardiff Rugby region. In the last year, this has included advising on a wide range of issues including acting for players at disciplinary processes and lease matters at its home, Cardiff Arms Park.
- Carried out a comprehensive review of the governance documentation for six National Governing Bodies (NGBs) forming part of Sport Wales. The reviews were undertaken for the NGBs for boxing, canoeing, golf, gymnastics, athletics and swimming.
Insurance > Product liability: claimant Tier 1
Hugh James leads the way in product liability work with a particular specialism in medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs. The practice has experience in matters such as mesh implants, PIP breast implants and intraocular lenses. Mark HarveyPractice head(s):
Mark Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fantastically experienced and resourced claimant product liability team. They’ve done it all from massive GLOs to individual cases.’
‘Mark Harvey is an exceptional leader of the team. Very knowledgeable with an excellent grasp of civil procedure and commercially astute.’
‘Pauline Hughes is very interested in the science behind the cases; commercially sound judgment and always looking to get the best for clients.’
‘Mark Harvey is a legend in the field. Vast experience. Great legal tactician.’
‘Pauline Roberts is partner material. Runs complex product liability claims with aplomb. Great on the science.’
‘A well versed product liability team.’
‘Mark Harvey is a leader in the field. Tactically astute and always engaged with the detail.’
‘Excellent all round team for PL with a real depth and wealth of experience.’
Key clients
Cohort of Oculentis Intraocular lens claimants
Cohort of vaginal mesh claimants
Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 2
Somewhat of an anomaly in the ranking, Hugh James largely focuses on regulatory and business crime matters, as opposed to conventional crime and fraud. In this context, while it does handle some defence work for existing corporate clients of the firm, the focus remains on prosecution matters for public sector clients including local authorities and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The 'extremely knowledgeable' Justin Davies handles much of this and is best-known for his representation of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service on its fire safety prosecution work, an area that he conducts his own advocacy. Regulatory head Martin Jones is the key contact for defence work, including in the context of fraud, money laundering and financial regulation matters.Practice head(s):
Martin Jones
Other key lawyers:
Justin Davies; Leah Ellison
Testimonials
‘Hugh James’ great asset in criminal work is Justin Davies, who has built a unique practice in regulatory work and in particularly fire safety prosecutions. His knowledge exceptional and he combines that expertise with a friendly and reassuring client facing manner.’
‘Justin Davies is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in his fields of expertise, which he exudes in his formidable style during the training sessions that he delivers to our new entrants.’
‘Justin Davies stands out because of his expertise and ability to cut immediately to the core of an issue; he does not waste time (or client money) in pointless arguments or self indulgent pondering, but while he very often will use his skills to disarm an opponent he will always leave them wondering how he did so with such charm and grace.’
‘Leah Ellison is enthusiastic, professional and friendly.’
Key clients
Welsh Government
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Mid & West Wales Fire Rescue Service
Independent Office for Police Conduct
The City of Cardiff County Council
Work highlights
- Acted for the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency in its prosecution of a defendant for 26 offences contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.
- Acted for Cardiff County Council in its prosecution of Rowshanara Begum, a landlord of a House in Multiple Occupation in Cardiff at which significant safety defects were discovered culminating in the service of an Improvement Notice under the Housing Act 2004.
- Acting for the Managing Director of a number of leading companies in the international gambling sector, regarding an HMRC-related criminal interview in respect of allegations including conspiracy to bribe foreign public officials and conspiracy to launder money.
Employment Tier 2
The 'knowledgeable and attentive' team at Hugh James is adept at handling a broad spectrum of both individual and collective employment matters, for diverse range of clients, including domestic and UK-wide corporates, as well as many public sector entities. Team head Louise Price exemplifies the versatility of the firm's offering, being as comfortable handling corporate support work and large-scale TUPE transfers, as she is advising on pensions matters and defending clients in high-stakes employment litigation. Although she is a relatively new partner, Rhiannon Dale 'is able to pick up on points that other experienced partners may overlook', and is therefore a very safe choice for respondents in litigation, as well as on complex non-contentious work including on highly technical issues relating to the application of TUPE.
Practice head(s):
Louise Price
Other key lawyers:
Rhiannon Dale; Eleanor Bamber; Christine Bradbury; Elinor Corbett-Jones; Kate Walsh; Sali Owens; Harry Orbell
Testimonials
‘Their cases are very well prepared: they demonstrate excellent judgement in their advice to clients regarding i.e. merits, disclosure or witness statements; their approach to witnesses is careful and considerate; and they are very supportive to counsel during hearings.’
‘In respect of non-contentious work, I have been struck by the breadth of their clients and quality of their work, in both individual and collective matters.’
‘The level of knowledge, attention and professionalism is at a very high standard.’
‘Rhiannon Dale is fantastic at considering every angle of a case and is able to pick up on points that other experienced partners may overlook. Her knowledge of technical matters, such as the taxation of settlements or the application of TUPE, is impressive.’
Key clients
Cwmpas
Ensinger
Coastal Housing Group
REHAU Limited
PF Concept International B. V
Nile UK Service Company Limited
Welsh National Opera
Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association
Tai Calon Community Housing
Welsh Government
Work highlights
- Defending Welsh National Opera in a multi-party employment tribunal claim lodged by 12 claimants.
- Continuing to advise global company, REHAU Limited, in relation to all aspects of employment law, from providing day to day employment law support to policy drafting and advising on employment related data protection issues.
- Providing HR services under the Cwmpas (formerly the Wales Co-operative Centre) Organisational Development Framework (the Framework).
Employment > Health and safety Tier 2
Hugh James 'gets to grips quickly with a large and diverse range of work', both on the prosecution and defence front. Combining specialist knowledge in regulatory and health and safety work 'with an affable and charming manner that clients find to be reassuring', senior associate Justin Davies is the key contact and has developed a market leading reputation in relation to fire safety law matters. His specialism in this area sees him handling high-profile prosecutions for numerous fire and rescue authorities, often handling the advocacy himself. Martin Jones heads up the overarching regulatory practice and has substantial coronial law experience, appearing in inquests throughout the UK where health and safety issues are at the forefront.Practice head(s):
Martin Jones
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This team gets to grips quickly with a large and diverse range of work.’
‘Justin Davies has, through force of character and depth of expertise, built a niche practice in regulatory and H&S work, particularly fire safety matters. His specialist knowledge is complete and he combines that with an affable and charming manner that clients find to be reassuring.’
Key clients
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service
Pearson Engineering Limited
PF Concept
Keolis Amey
Welsh Government
DRW NX UK Ltd
Natural Resources Wales
Work highlights
- Continuing to represent the South Wales Fire & Rescue service in all prosecutions brought by it under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and has represented the Service in appeals brought against Enforcement Notice and Prohibition Notices issued by the Service.
- Continuing to act for the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, prosecuting transport-related offences on the Agency’s behalf and also being the sole provider of training to the Agency’s new-recruit Traffic Examiners, Vehicle Examiners and Counter-Fraud Investigators.
- Successfully represented the Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service Service in an appeal brought against a Prohibition Notice issued by it in connection with commercial premises.
Employment > Pensions Tier 2
Acting on its own, as well as being able to draw upon expertise across other complementary practice areas, including employment, corporate and commercial, should the need arise, the 'excellent' pensions team at Hugh James is an increasingly popular choice among public and private sector clients on both standalone advisory matters, as well as transactional mandates, including in the context of due diligence reports and outsourcing. The 'bright and commercial' Louise Price takes the lead on the non-contentious front, while Richard Locke regularly handles contentious employment matters as part of his wide-ranging commercial litigation prowess.
Practice head(s):
Louise Price
Other key lawyers:
Richard Locke; Abigail Flanagan
Testimonials
‘It is an excellent pensions team, particularly in the area of statutory schemes (and particularly in Wales, where they have a dominant market position).’
‘They go the extra mile for clients and have very strong support from elsewhere in the firm.’
‘Louise Price is bright and commercial and an absolute pleasure to work with!’
Key clients
Transport for Wales
Cynon Taf Housing Association
The Wallich
Coastal Housing Group
National Library of Wales
Ceredigion Recycling and Furniture Team (CRAFT)
Swansea County Council
Denbighshire County Council
Work highlights
- Successfully represented CRAFT, instructed by its current directors Sharon and Scott Thomas, at the original trial. One of the Defendants, Mr Derek Clifford Pope, sought permission first from the High Court and then from the Court of Appeal to bring an appeal against that decision. Both courts declined, finding there was no real prospect of an appeal succeeding.
- Continuing to represent claimants in group litigation alleging that they had been persuaded by an unregulated entity to transfer their personal or occupational pension scheme into a Self-invested Personal Pension in order to invest in a high-risk non-standard investment.
- Provision of independent financial advice from specialised team to provide holistic service to private and corporate clients and can manage group schemes dovetailing with employment law needs.
Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2
Drawing upon strong ties with national and regional IPs, as well as with public sector clients as creditors, Hugh James receives a regular flow of work on formal insolvency situations, as well as in a corporate restructuring context. Team head Alex Pay is a the forefront of most of the work and is able to leverage his broader commercial litigation prowess to good effect on contentious insolvency matters, in particular. In addition, Pay has niche expertise in dealing with insolvent probate estates.
Practice head(s):
Alex Pay
Key clients
Menzies LLP
Mazars LLP
Begbies Traynor LLP
BDO LLP
Kennway Francis Ltd
Quantuma Advisory Ltd
Bishop Fleming LLP
Welsh Government
Work highlights
- Advised Carter Backer Winter and Kennway Francis (as Trustee in Bankruptcy and successor Trustee) in protracted possession proceedings concerning bankrupt’s property.
- Advised Bishop Fleming as Liquidator in relation to potential support of a preference claim.
Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 2
The ‘efficient and user-friendly’ team at Hugh James regularly represents insurers, corporates and public sector entities across a wide range of personal injury matters, from low-value commoditised mandates, through to matters of the utmost severity, including industrial disease. Team head Alun Tobias has broad expertise within the insurance market, including on coverage issues and subrogated recoveries, while his personal injury defence work often flows from his broader professional negligence expertise. ‘Personable and strategic’ senior associate Leon Lloyd ‘has a great deal of knowledge and experience’ in the defence of higher value employers’ and public liability claims for both public sector clients as well as private individuals.
Practice head(s):
Alun Tobias
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Eedy; Leon Lloyd
Testimonials
‘Superb people who are efficient and user-friendly.’
‘Highly competent, excellent communicators, willing to tailor their approach to needs of clients.’
‘Leon Lloyd is an excellent lawyer. He is thorough, personable and a good strategic thinker.’
‘Leon Lloyd always goes the extra mile for the client.’
‘Leon Lloyd is professional, friendly and has a great deal of knowledge and experience.’
Work highlights
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2
Drawing upon ‘genuine expertise and strength-in-depth’, Hugh James‘ multi-disciplinary practice advises landowners, farmers, public sector clients and developers across a range of private client and property work, in particular. Private wealth head Matthew Evans has considerable experience in the sector, including in the context of contentious probate and proprietary estoppel. Combining ‘charming charisma with a first-rate intellect’, Roman Kubiak is also a key team member, regularly handling private wealth disputes work for farming clients.Practice head(s):
Matthew Evans
Other key lawyers:
Roman Kubiak; Eleanor Evans; Richard Macphail
Testimonials
‘What makes Hugh James’ agriculture and estates team stand above its competitors is (1) its genuine expertise and strength-in-depth, (2) its national coverage and (3) its tenacity in fighting their clients’ corner and achieving top results.’
‘Roman Kubiak – One of the best there is! A charming charisma combined with a first rate intellect, and one of the toughest negotiators I have seen in action.’
Work highlights
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2
As well as its traditional strength in the social housing space which elicits a considerable amount of property and employment work, in particular, Hugh James continues to pick up a growing number of charity legacy mandates, which is serviced by the firm’s market-leading private wealth offering. In this context, in addition to will drafting and the administration of estates involving sizeable charitable donations, the team is also noted for its disputes work, with leading contentious probate practitioner Roman Kubiak regularly engaged by both national and local charities on legacy protection. The team also regularly works alongside the firm’s core charities group, which is led from the London office by Peter Spencer. In summer 2023 the firm acquired Cardiff-based boutique Loosemores, which is known for providing ‘clear guidance and insight’ across a range of issues, including for clients seeking charitable status, as well as on governance and constitutional matters. Although her remit is broad, ‘proactive and responsive’ Rebecca McCarthy is particularly adept at advising clients in the sports and Christian church sectors; she recently acted for Welsh Sports Association on the structure, set-up and registration of a new charitable incorporated organisation, The Welsh Sports Foundation.Practice head(s):
Roman Kubiak; Matthew Evans
Other key lawyers:
Louise Price; Caroline O’Flaherty; Richard Macphail; Gareth Wisdom; Rebecca McCarthy; Mark Loosemore
Testimonials
‘The options they present always take our charitable status into account and the values within which we work. This produces the right outcomes for us which don’t put us in conflict with the way that we present ourselves to the world.’
‘They listen with empathy, understand the challenges of the sector and try and stay focused on how best to assist.’
‘The team have a very high knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by small charities and are able to bring this to bear on the issues that we have faced. Their insight and advice has been really, really helpful.’
‘We are always grateful for the speed of response, clear guidance and insight and we have absolute trust in the advice we are given.’
‘They are very professional, responsive and genuinely interested in what we do.’
‘Rebecca McCarthy is incredibly easy and flexible to work with, efficient and considerate in the demands she makes on our small team. She is also pro-active in ensuring we get things done in a timely manner.’
‘Rebecca McCarthy was extremely patient and understanding to our circumstances and the difficulties we faced, alternative options were always explored to ensure that we were making an informed decision.’
‘Mark Loosemore is very reliable and is prompt in his responses. This enables us to complete important legal tasks in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Age UK Somerset
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Run 4 Wales
Coleg Gwent
Cardiff University
Pobl Group
Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru
Cardiff YMCA
Macmillan Cancer Support
Noah’s Ark Charity
Grwp Cynefin
Work highlights
- Advised a leading Welsh sports charity on a £500,000 investment into its trading subsidiary by London Marathon. This was a unique deal in the charity sector due to the way in which both organisations are structured.
- Continuing to advise a leading conservatoire on charitable trusts established by a gift in a will to the Charity.
- Advising a college with charitable status on development of City Centre Campus with state of the art facilities for education and training worth £60m. The deal is important as it is one of the main projects to be funded by the Welsh Government Mutual Investment Model as well as involving capital funding from the local authority.
Private client > Family Tier 2
Leveraging the expertise of a strong standalone team, as well as being able to draw from complementary resources in surrounding expertise within the firm, including from personal injury/court of protection and private wealth, Hugh James provides a ‘helpful and supportive’ service to mid to high-net-worth-individuals (including some sporting personalities) on divorce and financial remedy proceedings. Belinda Moseley ‘exudes a calm approach’ for clients in matrimonial finances and private children disputes. Consultant Mark Powell has a notable public law child practice and regularly acts on behalf of local authorities in South Wales and the West of England. Former practice head Adrienne Donneky left the firm in November 2023.Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is helpful and supportive.’
‘The excellent Belinda Moseley has a wealth of experience in family law and exudes a calm approach.’
‘Belinda Moseley provided the necessary balance and calm that supported my emotional wellbeing and enabled me to get through the divorce with the best possible outcomes.’
Work highlights
Wales > Public sector Tier 2
Drawing upon a ‘strong collaborative working’ arrangement, both from within the firm (across a range of practice areas), as well as with the instructing clients, Hugh James provides ‘highly knowledgeable expert advice’ to central and local government, education and healthcare providers. Regulatory advice informs much of the firm’s workflow, with ‘consummate professional’ Martin Jones particularly noted for his social care expertise, where he combines an ‘authoritative approach with humility and pragmatism’ for local authorities in relation to safeguarding matters. Jones is also adept at representing non-police prosecutors throughout Wales and England, as is ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’ senior associate Justin Davies, who ‘has built a unique practice in regulatory work and in particular fire safety prosecutions’. The firm is also engaged in a significant amount of property-related public sector mandates, including Caroline O’Flaherty‘s work for Welsh and English registered social landlords, and construction partner Ioan Prydderch‘s regular engagements on contentious and non-contentious matters for core firmwide clients including Natural Resources Wales.
Practice head(s):
Ioan Prydderch
Other key lawyers:
Martin Jones; Lisa Morgan; Caroline O’Flaherty; Emily Powell; Justin Davies
Testimonials
‘Strong collaborative working, providing highly knowledgeable expert advice, with an in depth awareness and understanding of case law and developments within regulation, helping ensure the integrity of our regulatory process.’
‘The team is pragmatic in how it tailors advice to our rules, communications and policies.’
‘Martin Jones is always the consummate professional who balances an authoritative approach with humility and pragmatism.’
‘The exceptionally knowledgeable Justin Davies has built a unique practice in regulatory work and in particularly fire safety prosecutions.’
Key clients
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Welsh Government
The City of Cardiff County Council
Bridgend County Borough Council
Social Care Wales
Natural Resources Wales
Bangor University
Flintshire County Council
Argyle and Bute Council
Carmarthenshire County Council
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Transport for Wales Rail Limited
Wrexham County Borough Council
Gwynedd Council NNatural England
Denbighshire County Council
The Council of the City and County of Swansea
North Somerset Council
Pembrokeshire County Council
Cheltenham Borough Council
Monmouthshire County Council
Coleg Gwent
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
Vale Of Glamorgan Council
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Welsh Community Health Council
Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent
Conwy County Borough Council
Isle Of Anglesey County Council
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
Powys County Council
Ceredigion County Council
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board
Caerphilly County Borough Council
Cardiff University
National Museum & Gallery Wales
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
Cadw
Witham Town Council
Powys Teaching Health Board
Parish Church Council of Swansea St Peter Crockett
West Northamptonshire Council
National Library of Wales
South Wales Police
Citizens Advice Bureau
Torfaen County Borough Council
Work highlights
- Instructed by several Local Authorities in Wales in respect of housing development and regeneration of brownfield sites and sites, worth a total of £50m, stalled for development due to contamination issues.
- Representing a University Health Board in its breach of contract claim against an international software development company.
- Providing a group of six North Wales local authorities with advice to the Councils in the public procurement of schools admissions and transport software of value of about £7.5m.
Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2
Acting on its own, as well as being able to effectively leverage resources from other firmwide complementary practice areas, Hugh James is well-equipped to provide 'a good service' for a varied mix of public, private and third sector clients. 'Excellent' team head Peter Hurn has nurtured a particularly acclaimed development-side offering, both in relation to commercial property as well as for numerous high-profile housebuilders on large-scale residential developments, including on land acquisitions and disposals. The social housing space also remains a fertile source of instructions for the team, with Caroline O’Flaherty regularly advising a myriad housing associations on their property needs, including an increasing number of mandates involving sustainable goals. 'Knowledgeable and diligent' senior associate Shelley Ikram is a 'very calm and shrewd negotiator' and is effectively able to bring her broader planning expertise to bear for large scale consortiums on major developments.
Practice head(s):
Peter Hurn
Other key lawyers:
Caroline O’Flaherty; David King; Daniel Morgan; Richard Macphail; Kelly Davies; Rachel Arentsen; Shelley Ikram
Testimonials
‘It is a great team with lots of knowledge and expertise.’
‘All the lawyers are really approachable and not afraid to provide advice that is well received.’
‘The team members are experienced, thorough, cool under pressure and focused on providing a good service for their clients.’
‘The team is solution focused and always find ways forward which is refreshing.’
‘Peter Hurn is excellent.’
‘The knowledgeable and diligent Shelley Ikram is a very calm and shrewd negotiator.’
Key clients
Tirion Group
WRU
Pobl
Coleg Gwent
Bellway
Great Point Studios Limited
BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)
Wrexham County Borough Council
Brackley Investments Limited
ICCW
Work highlights
- Advising Pobl Group on an innovative mixed use development known as Biophillic Living; a pioneering development in sustainability, attracting complex funding including investment from the innovative housing programme and involves the installation of fish tanks with the fish waste being farmed in order to fertilise a roof top garden.
- Advising Tirion Group Limited on the £150m development at The Mill, Cardiff, a former 53-acre brownfield site providing up to 800 new homes, completion of the Ely Trail, and the construction of a new riverside park and improved transport links.
- Advising the Welsh Rugby Union on the Principality Stadium and Westgate Hotel and leading the Welsh Rugby Union’s sponsored Club Incorporation Project, which involves the transfer of all real estate and non-real estate assets and dealing with numerous property related issues from unregistered leases, lost deeds, deceased or missing trustees to bona vacantia and Treasury Solicitor issues.
Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 2
Forming a part of the firm’s overarching commercial property offering, Hugh James has ‘lots of knowledge and expertise’ on the relevant planning and environmental issues often associated with transactions for public and private sector stakeholders. Senior associate Shelley Ikram is ‘extremely thorough and provides excellent commercial advice’, including in the context of advice to large scale consortiums and for developers on village green matters. Peter Hurn co-heads the team, and as part of his work for house builder Barratt Homes on acquisitions throughout South Wales is regularly confronted with planning and environmental considerations.
Practice head(s):
Shelley Ikram (Head of Planning); Peter Hurn (Head of Environmental)
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Arentsen; James Guile
Testimonials
‘It is a great team with lots of knowledge and expertise.’
‘All the lawyers are really approachable and not afraid to provide relevant appropriate advice.’
‘Shelley Ikram is extremely thorough and provides excellent commercial advice.’
Key clients
Dandara Wales & West Limited
Ely Bridge Development Company Limited
Parc Eirin Development Limited
Llanmoor Homes
Persimmon Homes Limited
Bellway Homes PLC
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water
Brackley Investments Limited
BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)
Tirion Group
Work highlights
- Acting for Dandara Wales & West on all of its acquisitions for residential development in South Wales and the South West.
- Acts for Bellway Homes Limited in connection with their acquisition of new sites for both the Wales and South West Divisions. and environmental considerations.
- The firm acts for BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes) on nearly all of Barratt acquisitions throughout South Wales.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
Combining ‘strong legal and industry knowledge’, Hugh James has solid market credibility among a varied mix of stakeholders, including on contentious property matters associated with the telecoms and entertainment and leisure sectors. Senior associate and team head James Hastings now spearheads the firm’s efforts in relation to mines and minerals claims which show little signs of abating, in spite of Rob Phillips‘ departure to Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP at the beginning of 2022. The team is also adept at handling work for the firm’s impressive roster of housing association clients, with Rebecca Rees particularly active advising on the recently enacted Renting Homes (Wales) Act.
Practice head(s):
James Hastings
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Rees; Jo Brown
Testimonials
‘They have strong legal and industry knowledge to ensure their clients receive the best service.’
‘Rebecca Rees really understands her clients and their needs which means she is clear as to the goals that need to be achieved. She has in depth knowledge of her property and housing specialisms.’
‘I have worked with Rebecca Rees a lot in relation to Renting Homes (Wales) this year (drafting contracts and advising on points of law). She has demonstrated to me she is ahead of the game with this new and novel legislation and is focused on ensuring clients understand and appreciate the technicalities.’
Key clients
Natural Resources Body for Wales
Welsh Government
United Welsh Housing Association
AP Wireless II (UK) Limited
WRU
Pobl/Coastal Housing Association
Persimmon Homes
Conwy County Borough Council
Wrexham County Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advising a group of 28 landlords who collectively own over 150,000 properties in Wales to implement a new piece of legislation dubbed “the biggest change in the rented sector for over a generation”. Using a pioneering collaborative approach clients made significant cost efficiencies.
- Advising Persimmon Homes on a judicial review application relating to a decision of the Welsh Ministers which will impact the building of a substantial number of affordable homes in the Caerphilly area.
- Advising AP Wireless in relation to the new Electronic Communications Code, rental valuation and whether APW could be potentially liable (either on a civil or criminal basis) for telecoms equipment present on their land.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2
Led by Aled Walters , who was formerly in-house counsel at S4C, Hugh James is noted for its ability to 'manage all aspects of the legal framework surrounding IP in the media industry'. On the contentious front, the 'exceptional' Tracey Singlehurst-Ward excels in handling media-related defamation matters, as well as being adept at representing clients on copyright and trade mark infringements, breach of confidence and passing off matters.
Practice head(s):
Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Tracey Singlehurst-Ward; Emily Powell; Ilan Jones
Testimonials
‘Hugh James delivers a 360 degree legal service which has the scale and experience in-house to deal with every eventuality. In terms of IP, the team have the knowledge and expertise to deal with projects of all sizes and complexity.’
‘We work with Hugh James because of their professionalism and their ability to manage all aspects of the legal framework surrounding IP in the media industry. Whether we are working in the US, Europe or the UK the team are capable of managing and protecting our IP.’
‘Aled Walters brings a wealth of experience when dealing with IP across the board in the media sector. Aled always works in a positive and effective way to deliver the best result for his clients and we have been extremely grateful for that.’
‘The genuinely exceptional Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is charming, resilient and brilliant.’
Key clients
SJJ System Services Limited
Bar 44 Limited
Route Media
Inspired Entertainment Inc
Celtic Manor Resort
Wales International Convention Centre
Welsh Government
Wildflame Productions Limited
Novomatic Netherlands B.V.
Work highlights
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2
Hugh James regularly handles IT-related contract work for UK-wide and international clients in the financial services, utilities, gaming, infrastructure and defence sectors. Team head Aled Walters is at the forefront of much of this, including his ongoing representation of major gaming company, Novomatic, across a range of its commercial matters, including contractual drafting. On the contentious front, Tracey Singlehurst-Ward provides a ‘considered and balanced approach’ across a range of contractual disputes in the TMT sector.Practice head(s):
Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Emily Powell; Tracey Singlehurst-Ward
Key clients
Computacenter UK plc
Rockwool
Novomatic Netherlands B.V.
Amutron/Solivted
Inspired Entertainment
Ogi Networks Limited
Work highlights
- Advised by Inspired Entertainment to develop new precedent contracts.
- Advised AP Wireless on a telecoms lease renewal.
Private client > Court of protection Tier 2
Tom Hall now heads the department at Hugh James. Hall joined the firm from Thomson Snell & Passmore in September 2022 and brings with him a wealth of experience in complex deputyships involving other jurisdictions. Hall is also frequently instructed to act as an expert witness on Court of Protection and deputyship costs. The team has ‘great knowledge and expertise, but at the same time is down to earth and makes everything easy to understand for clients.' Andrew Harding is another significant member of the department. Harding is vastly experienced in assisting individuals with an acquired brain injury as well as their families. Senior associate Charlotte Fletcher is lauded for her work in property and financial affairs deputyships.Practice head(s):
Tom Hall
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Harding; Charlotte Fletcher; Kate Coles; Joy Davies
Testimonials
‘They provide depth and breadth of resources as Professional Deputies. Whilst providing services they are always willing to listen to the client, our ideas and questions, as well as providing solutions themselves. They have supported us with guidance, structure, and sound feedback’.
‘Andrew Harding has provided a solid sounding board providing clear overviews of needs, opportunities and available solutions. Charlotte Fletcher is accommodating, helpful and available for day-to-day matters’.
‘They are a great team. They are all easy to get hold of. Personally, I feel they have made life so much easier for my husband. There is always someone from the team at hand to chat to when needed.’
‘Kate Coles and Charlotte Fletcher have been brilliant at keeping me updated when required answering any questions I have in layman’s terms so I can understand’.
‘Joy Davies is a great help to us. Always on hand to answer any query and happy to talk through in a clear manner on our level’.
‘Tom Hall is both compassionate and professional, a real joy to work with. His understanding of the clients he works with and the other professionals involved makes working together so much easier’.
‘I’ve only worked with Tom Hall, who now heads the team, but he brings something positive to a firm that is already focussed on the relationship with professionals as well as clients and their families’.
‘The CoP team at Hugh James work hard at building individual relationships with clients and get to know each client’s individual circumstances and wishes. A number of my clients are with the CoP team at Hugh James and are all very happy with the service’.
Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2
Hugh James acquired Potter Rees Dolan in late 2022, taking on a team which specialises in brain injuries and spinal conditions such as cerebral palsy and cauda equina, with further areas of expertise including instances of failure to diagnose, surgical negligence, amputations and fatal injuries. The practice is noted for its ability to develop ‘a client relationship which is compassionate and understanding, but which in no way compromises the professional goals‘. Helen Dolan, who is highly experienced in complex brain injury cases, including those involving children, heads up the team. Also integral are Lesley Herbertson, recommended for birth injuries and amputations, and Gill Edwards, whose caseload primarily comprises brain and birth injury, spinal injury and amputation matters.Practice head(s):
Helen Dolan
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘From day one, the team put us at ease and fully explained the process, the expectations, the costs and all potential outcomes, and once the claim was underway they clearly communicated with us at every step in the process. They were always available and happy to answer questions and explain the legal process. The found the right special expert witnesses to help.’
‘The practitioners in the team are a real pleasure to work with. All are very efficient and effective, as well as focused and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes. Of inestimable value, a further key strength is their person-centred approach, that is to say, the sensitive development of a client relationship which is compassionate and understanding, but which in no way compromises the professional goals.’
‘This practice is definitely unique. For me, I have had the best service possible. My solicitor Gill Edwards and her team have kept me informed every step of the way.’
‘During the last five years, Gill Edwards has been the most caring and understanding professional I have had the pleasure of knowing. Her knowledge of my condition and her understanding of my needs has been of immense help to me through some very difficult times.’
‘Without any doubt when I think about the last five years, Gill Edwards and her PA have surprised me – I never expected to be given advice when required, with so much understanding and not just in a professional manner but in such a caring way.’
‘Everyone – from the receptionists to the solicitors – is wonderful.’
‘They have a deserved reputation for excellence and promotion of their clients’ interests to the maximum. I have found them unafraid to take on and pursue a challenging or difficult case.’
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2
In 2022 Hugh James acquired Potter Rees Dolan, taking on a team ‘characterised by efficiency, dedication and compassion‘, and known for its work in complex brain and spinal injury cases. The team is led by Hugh Potter, an APIL accredited brain injury specialist with over three decades of experience in the personal injury field. Also key to the team are paediatric brain and spinal injuries specialist Gary Herbert and amputations expert Richard Edwards. Sami Palmer-Latif is also recommended.Practice head(s):
Hugh Potter
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are specialist practitioners in personal injury litigation who fight hard for their clients.’
‘Commitment to achieve justice for their clients. They are determined fighters.’
‘The team is characterised by efficiency, dedication and compassion. They are always on top of the medicine underpinning their clients’ claims and provide the necessary reassurance to manage expectations, realistically.’
‘Sami Palmer-Latif is an excellent lawyer.‘
‘Friendly and able to communicate well with very vulnerable clients on exquisitely difficult cases.’
‘Client care, case progression and results are second to none. They really care about their clients and work tirelessly to achieve great outcomes. Brilliant commitment to rehabilitation.’
Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3
The gaming, betting and licensing team at Hugh James is well regarded for its IP licensing, and sports betting and licensing work. Engaged by both land-based and online clients, the unit is also equipped to handle an array of domestic and international commercial, regulatory and compliance work across. Practice head Aled Walters, who divides his time between Cardiff and London, is active across business purchase agreements in foreign jurisdictions. Cardiff-based Martin Jones is well acquainted with matters involving anti-money laundering regulations.Practice head(s):
Aled Walters
Other key lawyers:
Martin Jones
Key clients
BetVictor
Superbet
Double Diamond Gaming (Rainbow Casino)
Development Bank of Wales PLC
Bresbet
Admiral PLC
Pentasia
Conexus Group
Raw Entertainment
Roobet
888 Africa
TCS John Huxley
Inspired Entertainment
Greentube
Castle Bingo
Work highlights
- Acting for 888 (Africa) in the establishment of its operations in Africa.
- Advising Raw Entertainment, which operates the Roobet international casino, on an aspect of its promotion activity with Snoop Dogg.
- Acting for Bresbet on its application for UK Gambling Commission licences.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 3
Based in Cardiff, Martin Jones serves as the lead partner at the Hugh James team, drawing on over 20 years’ experience in alcohol and gambling licensing matters - both contentious and non-contentious. He regularly undertakes advocacy before licensing sub-committees and advises on large-scale applications to licence festivals, pub and club applications.Practice head(s):
Martin Jones
Key clients
True Swing Limited
Depot Warehouse Limited
Hangout Café Limited
Hope’s End Limited
Conspiracy Trading (Cardiff) Limited
Intact Retail Limited
Coal Exchange Operations LLP
Polperro Gin Company Limited
Cwmfelin Social Club
P&R Convenience Store Limited
Intact Management Limited
Golden Square Mart Limited
Tyn-Y-Felin Quarry (Anglesey) Co Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised True Swing Limited on a premises licence application in an area subject to a problematic cumulative impact assessment.
- Advised Intact Management Limited on a very urgent transfer application to retain a surrendered premises licence.
- Advised Depot Warehouse Limited on a number of applications.
Dispute resolution > Group litigation: Claimant Tier 3
Environmental nuisance, industrial disease, and product liability claims are all mainstays of the group litigation department at Hugh James, which also has 'unrivalled experience of litigating domestic environmental group actions'. Neil Stockdale, who heads the firm’s financial mis-selling team, has an 'instinctive grasp for the core issues, and an excellent feel for when to fight and when to settle'; he works in tandem with Mark HarveyPractice head(s):
Neil Stockdale
Other key lawyers:
Mark Harvey; Kathryn Singh; Rebecca Andrews; James Gibson; Stephanie Eedy; Kimberley Sutton
Testimonials
‘Hugh James has unrivalled experience of litigating domestic environmental group actions, spanning both common law nuisance and actions based on statute (in particular Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973).
‘Rebecca Andrews is always across both the detail and the strategic and tactical issues for a case, including matters of a highly technical nature.’
‘An innovative team who take cutting edge cases and are fearless.’
‘Mark Harvey has a longstanding and deserved reputation as a market leader.’
‘Kathryn Singh has extensive experience, is highly professional and knowledgeable and is an effective team player.’
‘James Gibson has considerable experience and knowledge in this specialist area.’
‘Stephanie Eedy – good knowledge of the law and procedure. Particularly good at putting a group claim together and handling claimant committees.’
‘Kimberley Sutton is experienced at gathering evidence from regulatory authorities, claimants and others to establish a robust claim.’
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 3
Mark HarveyPractice head(s):
Kevin Grealis; Alan Collins
Other key lawyers:
Nia Wyn-Evans; Danielle Vincent; Joanne Bailey; Ciaran McCabe; Mark Harvey
Testimonials
‘Alan Collins is a brilliant solicitor for all aspects of child abuse and sexual abuse claims – I can highly recommend him.’
‘Kevin Grealis is approachable, diligent and moves heaven and earth for his clients.’
‘Nia-Wyn Evans – her legal acumen and strategic sense are particularly impressive.’
‘This practice has a breadth and depth of talent. Offices are strategically positioned around England and Wales. The practice is properly and truly specialised in those areas of personal litigation where they hold themselves out to be experts. The practice is highly resourced with excellent back-up facilities.’
‘They are indefatigable in seeking the right level of compensation for their clients, and have a sympathetic understanding of injuries causing the most serious disabilities and the talent and legal knowledge to get the best results.’
‘Ciaran McCabe is an efficient solicitor with impressive client-handling skills. Clients with acquired brain injuries are difficult clients who require close attention and careful explanations, both as to the effects which such injuries cause and as to the litigation process and its inevitable difficulties and delays. This he does well.’
‘This is a very experienced and knowledgeable team which has a track record of getting good results in tricky cases. It is the firm of choice for badly injured claimants.’
‘A very friendly, professional and efficient group of lawyers.’
Transport > Travel Tier 3
Hugh James‘ travel personal injury offering has Katherine Allen, who is noted for her ‘impressive technical knowledge’ and ‘client care skills that are second-to-none’, at its helm, alongisde Cardiff-based Mark HarveyPractice head(s):
Katherine Allen; Mark Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Gilmore; Aidan Lloyd
Testimonials
‘A very well-regarded team, known for its abilities dealing with complex and technical questions.’
‘Katherine Allen is exceptionally well-regarded in the sector with client care skills that are second-to-none. She has impressive technical knowledge and is conscientious in her case preparation. Rebecca Gilmore is also highly experienced and commercially-minded.’
‘A very strong team.’
‘Mark Harvey and Aidan Lloyd are prepared to take on challenging cross-border litigation and see it through to a successful conclusion.’
‘A great knowledge of travel law with top client service provided in a down-to-earth manner.’
‘Rebecca Gilmore is knowledgeable, compassionate and determined. She is very reliable, and knows the sector very well.’
‘Katherine Allen is a hugely experienced partner and really is one of the leading lights of the claimant travel law scene. She knows the area like the back of her hand, and has a fantastic sense of a cases and what needs to be done.’
‘Katherine Allen and Rebecca Gilmore are noteworthy individuals.’
Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 4
Transport > Rail Tier 4
Aled Walters leads a dedicated rail team at Hugh James, which supports rail operators and the wider rail industry on a broad range of issues such as procurement, dispute resolution, construction and project work. It is well-placed to represent major operators, franchises and contractors.Practice head(s):
Aled Walters
Key clients
Keolis Amey Operations Limited
Transport for Wales Rail Limited
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4
Cardiff-based firm Hugh James is continuing to grow its asbestos and medical negligence practice in the South East, with a niche and specialist asbestos focus that spans nationwide and frequently involves international litigation. Peter Hilditch is the key partner in the firm’s asbestos group in Southampton.Practice head(s):
Richard Green; Ruth Powell
Other key lawyers:
Peter Hilditch; Lynn Yeates; Gemma Osgood
Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4
Hugh James is highly specialised in handling claims related to diseases caused by exposure to asbestos, with a specific focus on cases involving mesothelioma. Andrew Walker in Plymouth is adept at representing clients who have been exposed to asbestos during their military service.Other key lawyers:
Andrew Walker; Graeme Chisholm
Testimonials
‘Andrew Walker is a stand out solicitor in his field. He has brilliant judgment and can see where a case has merits where most would not.’
‘The team from Hugh James are, in my opinion, unique, in that they really care and will always help if I ask for it. The team collaborate very effectively with their American counterparts in dealing with claims to the benefit of patients in the south west.’
‘Andrew Walker and his team are an integral part of my working life. They are ever ready to offer a listening ear, will contact individuals to support and inform them of processes in “layman” terms.’
North West > Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2
North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2
Hugh James > Firm Profile
The firm: Hugh James is a top 100 UK law firm, employing more than 600 staff from its headquarters in Cardiff and offices in London, Southampton and Plymouth.
Hugh James has been established for more than 60 years and has built its success on offering expert advice through a personal and friendly service to its clients. A highly innovative firm, it creates a competitive advantage through a blend of excellence in client service, bespoke technical systems and the expertise of its people.
The firm handles the full range of services across a variety of industries. Business sectors where the firm has particular expertise including banking and finance, property and construction, technology, media and telecommunications, energy and sustainability, creative industries, leisure and hospitality, agriculture, insurance and health care.
In the public and not for profit sectors, the firm acts for the Welsh Government and is on the legal panels of most of the local authorities in Wales as well as a number in England. It carries out the full range of public sector work for these authorities, including childcare and inquests. The firm is also well known for its work in social housing and acts for a large number of registered social landlords and registered providers.
In addition to its transactional work, the firm has a strong commercial litigation practice that handles disputes across all areas, including commercial disputes, professional negligence, intellectual property, copyright, trademarks and passing off, defamation, landlords and tenant and contentious probate.
Unusually for a firm with a comprehensive commercial offering, Hugh James also has a highly rated private client department which advises on the whole spectrum of personal matters, including matrimonial legal advice, will writing and probate, inheritance disputes, and estate, finance and tax planning. The firm also has its own team of independent financial advisors.
Another area in which the firm excels is claimant litigation. It has nationally renowned practices in clinical negligence, catastrophic and general injury claims, as well as expertise in running large group actions for industrial disease, product liability and environmental claims.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Alun Jones | ||
Head of Individual Client Services | Stephen Webber | ||
Head of Business Services | Ioan Prydderch |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Maria Cosslett | Partner and Head of Department | View Profile |
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Andrew Davies | Andrew has been a partner in Hugh James since 1994 and specialises… | View Profile |
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Adrienne Donneky | Adrienne Donneky is Senior Associate and heads up the family team. Adrienne… | View Profile |
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Matthew Evans | Matthew is a partner and heads up the firm’s private wealth offering.… | View Profile |
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Bethan Gladwyn | Bethan is head of the housing management team as a result of… | View Profile |
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Richard Green | Richard is a Partner and heads a team of solicitors who specialise… | View Profile |
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Andrew Harding | Andrew is head of the firm’s Neurolaw Department covering brain and spinal… | View Profile |
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Mark Harvey | Mark Harvey is a Partner in the claimant division. He has obtained… | View Profile |
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Peter Hurn | Peter heads up the fastest expanding real estate team in Wales. He… | View Profile |
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Martin Jones | As the Head of the Regulatory Department, Martin acts in a wide-range… | View Profile |
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Gerallt Jones | Gerallt is a partner and head of the corporate and commercial team.… | View Profile |
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Alun Jones | Alun Jones is Managing Partner of Hugh James, taking the helm in… | View Profile |
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Roman Kubiak | Roman Kubiak is a partner and head of the contested wills, trusts… | View Profile |
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Richard Locke | Richard is a Partner and an elected partner on the firm’s board… | View Profile |
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Mark Loosemore | Senior Partner and Head of Department | View Profile |
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Richard Macphail | Richard is head of our social housing team, coordinating the work of… | View Profile |
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Dominic Marshall | Dominic is a partner and head of the banking and finance team.… | View Profile |
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Rebecca McCarthy | Solicitor | View Profile |
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Robert Morgan | Robert is a highly experienced partner in the banking team. Rob advises… | View Profile |
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Gwen Morgan-Evans | Gwen is head of environmental claims and one of the UK’s leading… | View Profile |
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Caroline O'Flaherty | As a Partner in the Commercial Property team, Caroline O’Flaherty, specialises in… | View Profile |
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James Pearn | Partner and Head of Department | View Profile |
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Robert Phillips | Rob is Head of Property Litigation at Hugh James. He leads a… | View Profile |
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Louise Price | A highly specialised lawyer, Louise is a Partner and Head of Employment… | View Profile |
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Ioan Prydderch | Ioan is head of the firm’s business services division. This division comprises… | View Profile |
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Mari Rosser | Recognised as a leader in the field of clinical negligence and known… | View Profile |
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Cari Sowden-Taylor | Cari is a partner in our neurolaw team. Representing claimants with traumatic… | View Profile |
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Neil Stockdale | Neil is an elected partner on the firm’s board of management. He… | View Profile |
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Karl Thomas | Partner and Head of Department | View Profile |
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Matthew Tossell | Matthew is the chief executive of our bespoke volume services business, Hugh… | View Profile |
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Siôn Tudur | Partner | View Profile |
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Aled Walters | Aled is a partner and is head of the commercial team. Aled… | View Profile |
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Stephen Webber | Steven is head of one of the two divisions at Hugh James.… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 72 Number of other UK fee-earners : 318 Total staff : 620Languages
WelshHugh James > Firm Profile
Loosemores is a boutique law firm, based in Cardiff and with a second office in central London. We have a strong heritage built up over more than 50 successful years. This is allied with a fresh, modern outlook and a commercial approach.
Loosemores was founded in 1966 by John Loosemore (current senior partner Mark Loosemore’s father). The firm was successful and grew significantly during its first 25 years, opening a number of branch offices around South Wales and becoming one of the top ten firms in Wales by turnover. In the early 21st century, the firm developed its specialisms in personal injury, charities and sport and these became a core part of the business.
Mark Loosemore acquired the practice and joined as senior partner in 2016. Under new ownership and senior management, the firm re-focused as a boutique practice with a new strategic plan.
The firm provides a range of legal advisory services to both corporate and individual clients. Our services for corporate clients include advising on corporate, commercial, property, litigation and employment matters. There is a particular emphasis on growth of the firm’s business in specific industry sectors, notably sport, media and entertainment, charities and technology.
Loosemores comprises a relatively small team of carefully selected, senior lawyers, who are experienced experts in their chosen fields and passionate about their client work. These leading individuals are ably assisted by a growing team of junior lawyers and support services colleagues.
Our approach is to work closely with our corporate clients, aiming to add real value, as their trusted advisors. We do so by thoroughly understanding their needs and then delivering high quality specialist advice in a bespoke and personalised manner, with a focus on high levels of client service.
The firm offers corporate clients a range of legal advisory services including: corporate transactions, corporate governance, commercial disputes, employment, intellectual property, commercial property, insolvency and recovery, credit control, partnerships and business start-ups.
Services for individuals include residential property conveyancing, wills, probate, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, Court of Protection and employment.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Commercial | Mark Loosemore | LoosemoreM@Loosemores.co.uk | |
Corporate | Siôn Tudur | TudurS@Loosemores.co.uk | |
Property | James Pearn | PearnJ@Loosemores.co.uk | |
Employment & Dispute Resolution | Karl Thomas | ThomasK@Loosemores.co.uk | |
Probate, Wills & Trusts | Maria Cosslett | CosslettM@Loosemores.co.uk |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 5 Number of other UK fee-earners : 8Languages
English Welsh- Corporate and commercial
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation
- Finance > Banking and finance
- Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant
- Insurance > Personal injury: claimant
- Insurance > Professional negligence
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Construction
- Real estate > Social housing
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
- Insurance > Product liability: claimant
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud
- Employment
- Employment > Health and safety
- Employment > Pensions
- Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery
- Insurance > Personal injury: defendant
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Family
- Public sector
- Real estate > Commercial property
- Real estate > Planning and environment
- Real estate > Property litigation
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms
- Private client > Court of protection
- Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant
- Insurance > Personal injury: claimant
Firm Rankings
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing
- Dispute resolution > Group litigation: Claimant
- Insurance > Personal injury: claimant
- Transport > Travel