Hugh James > Cardiff, Wales > Firm Profile

Hugh James
Two Central Square
CARDIFF
CF10 1FS
Wales

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Benefiting from 'good regional resources', Hugh James has developed excellent ties with domestic businesses from across a range of industry sectors, and is consequently regularly instructed on significant M&A transactions, including a number of recent sell-side mandates to international purchasers. 'Commercial and pragmatic' team head Gerallt Jones  is a 'consummate professional', who has vast experience in the market not only on domestic M&A mandates but also ones with a cross-border element. Formerly head of legal at S4C, Aled Walters  has significant media and gaming industry knowledge, ensuring that he is particularly well-placed to advise on commercial contraccts-related work for clients in those sectors. Greg Williams is also recommended and is noted for his M&A experience in the healthcare sector.  

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

Hugh James Corporate is a diverse and experienced legal team and is rightly regarded a one of the best in the region.’

‘Gerallt Jones provides consistently high levels of service and combines a commercial view with an ability to get the job done.’

‘Gerallt Jones is a consummate professional; commercial focus and pragmatic.’

Aled Walters has industry experience particularly in the media and gaming sector.’

Gemma Davies is hard working and ambitious; very personable and relationship focussed.’

Key clients

Rockwool International

Welsh Government

Welsh Rugby Union

S.A Brain & Company

Celtic Manor Resort

Capestone Organic Poultry

Avicenna Retail

A&JM Sheppard

Novomatic Netherlands B.V.

Robert Price Builders Merchants

Conexus Group / Partis Solutions

Inspired Entertainment

Computacenter UK Plc

Work highlights

  • Advised the shareholders of A&JM Sheppard, on the sale of the pharmacy group to Avicenna.
  • Advised shareholders on their sale of a majority stake in Capestone Organic Poultry to Euronext Paris-listed LDC Group, one of Europe’s leading poultry supply companies.  
  • Advised Avicenna, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy group, on various acquisitions in England and Wales during 2021, including the purchase of Ozpharm and Gilbody Pharmacy, as well as acting on the sale of Sheppards to Avicenna.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

Led by the 'first-rate' Richard Locke, Hugh James provides 'really strong commercial advice' on behalf of regional and national public and private sector clients across the panoply of high-stakes commercial disputes. Locke's own practice, which frequently transcends disputes specific to the region and regularly includes cross-border facets, is emblematic of the scope of the team's overarching disputes offering, ranging as it does from shareholder litigation and IT disputes, through to professional negligence and mining disputes. The 'exceptionally clever' Tracey Singlehurst-Ward 'combines very strong legal ability and intelligence with an excellent strategic approach', particularly in the context of IP, media and sports-related disputes. 'Hugely bright and incredibly hardworking' senior associate Abigail Flanagan regularly takes the lead on complex litigation involving injunctive relief and is also noted for her pensions and professional negligence prowess.

Practice head(s):

Testimonials

The team is exceptionally professional.’

They have been extremely proactive in dealing with the case involved and kept me very much informed and part of the team throughout.’

The team provides really strong commercial advice, fighting tooth and tail for their client’s interests.’

Richard Locke – excellent team leader, great with clients, excellent judgment, first rate lawyer.’

Tracey Singlehurst-Ward – fantastic lawyer, exceptionally clever, extremely tough with opponents but brilliant with clients.’

Tracey Singlehurst-Ward combines very strong legal ability and intelligence with an excellent strategic approach.’

‘Abigail Flanagan really fights for her clients, is hugely bright and incredibly hardworking.’

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

Route Media Limited

Natural Resources Wales

Denbighshire County Council

Welsh Government

ROCKWOOL Limited

Kenyan Rugby Football Union

Work highlights

    Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

    Often handing the financing requirements for many of the firm's institutional corporate clients, including the Welsh Rugby Union and Celtic Manor, and also drawing upon strong lender ties with both challenger and clearing banks (including Metro and Lloyds Bank), Hugh James has an excellent perspective from both sides of the table on local and UK-wide transactions. 'Responsive and commercial' team head Dominic Marshall  has vast experience handling bilateral and syndicated financing arrangements from a working capital and event-driven perspective and has also been very active of late advising on Covid-related CLBILS loans and RLS loans. Rowena Downie is also a key member of the team and is now responsible for leading on the finance work for the firm's roster of social housing clients following Robert Morgan's recent retirement. Kelly Davies  is the key contact for real estate finance.

    Practice head(s):

    Testimonials

    Dominic Marshall is quick, effective and takes a commercial viewpoint not just the least risky standpoint.’

    Key clients

    Metro Bank

    Arbuthnot Latham

    Welsh Government

    Development Bank for Wales

    HSBC Bank

    Lloyds Banking Group

    NatWest

    Welsh Rugby Union

    Hodge Bank

    FEI Foods Limited

    Work highlights

    • Advised the Welsh government on the provision of debt finance to the Newport Bus Company to assist with the electrification of the company’s bus fleet.
    • Advised Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association on new debt facilities provided by THFC (The Housing Finance Corporation Limited) by way of an aggregator facility funded through a private placement.
    • Advising a start-up bank on its lending documentation and its saving terms and conditions.

    Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; claimant

    Benefiting from a ‘good range of talent across the seniority spectrum’, Hugh James has ‘the knowledge, resources and desire to achieve the best results for clients’, throughout the panoply of personal injury and clinical negligence cases, including those of the utmost severity. Although it has substantially broadened the scope of work it handles, the firm’s traditional strength in handling industrial disease work remains, with the ‘calm, effective and extremely knowledgeableKathryn Singh having an excellent success rate on behalf of factory workers (and their families), in high-profile individual actions and group actions. Richard Green has a ‘deep knowledge of asbestos litigation’, which he is able to deploy for claimants in many of the country’s most complex and high-value disputes. Lucy Strong is ‘efficient, determined and pragmatic‘ and has a flourishing reputation at handling work for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. Mark Harvey heads up the firm’s specialist personal injury offering and has a ‘wealth of knowledge‘ in relation to medical device-related product liability matters, as well as expertise in acting for victims of accidents overseas. The ‘highly experiencedAndrew Harding is a ‘renowned expert in Court of Protection work’, and leads the multidisciplinary neuro law group, which has a tremendous reputation assisting claimants and their families in the aftermath of catastrophic injuries. Simon Ellis leads the firm’s specialist military personal injury group, which has developed a market-leading UK-wide reputation through its high-profile successes for military personnel which have suffered hearing loss and cold injuries, in particular. Ciaran McCabe (who ‘cuts to the issue straight away and cannot be pushed around’) and the ‘highly committed and technically very able’ Cari-Sowden-Taylor handle more conventional personal injury matters (including RTA matters) and both have significant expertise handling complex spinal injury and brain damage cases. Stephen Webber heads up the firm’s overarching individual client services division and is ‘simply brilliant’ at handling high-value clinical negligence claims. The ‘hugely experienced, hardworking and very thorough’ Rhian Parsons and ‘very efficient’ Katie McCraith both excel in handling cases of the utmost severity, including those involving brain injuries. At an associate level, the ‘calm and courteousGareth Beard has developed a ‘wealth of expertise’, including in relation to spinal injuries; the ‘hardworking and hugely dedicated’ Rebecca Mather is ‘experienced in transforming good results at inquests into successful clinical negligence proceedings’; and Hannah Webber has developed an excellent practice as a result of her involvement in a wide array of complex and high-value cases, including bowel, spinal and brain injuries arising from both obstetric mismanagement and delays in diagnosing meningitis. Mari Rosser is also a key name for clinical negligence work.

    Practice head(s):

    Testimonials

    An extremely dedicated partner-led team, which has built on traditional South Wales industrial disease and accident work to become one of the leading PI teams in the whole country, with particular skill in handling group claims.’

    This practice is of national standing (England and Wales) for claimant catastrophic injury work. It is in the top division. The practice stands out because of the quality of its litigators, the size and depth of the pool of expert knowledge, its position at the cutting-edge of the legal market, the strength and depth of its resources and the way in which it is structured so as to support claimant’s and their families throughout the litigation process.’

    This is a top-tier firm taking on the most difficult case and winning them. They have the knowledge, resources and desire to achieve the best results for their clients.’

    Good range of talent across the seniority spectrum.’

    Andrew Harding – highly experienced and renowned expert in Court of Protection work. One of the longest practising solicitors in this field.’

    Mark Harvey – longstanding practitioner with a wealth of knowledge and experienced and a well deserved reputation.’

    Stephen Webber is simply brilliant.’

    Lucy Strong and Richard Green could not have done more to help and advise me in a difficult situation. They were patient, sensitive and understanding when asking me for the necessary information and kept me up to date with progress.’

    Work highlights

      Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1

      Professional negligent claimant work (for individuals, corporates and public sector clients) forms a central part of the work of Hugh James‘ highly rated commercial disputes team, which is led by Richard Locke. As well as handling an eclectic mix of domestic litigation, including claims against solicitors, surveyors and accountancy firms, the team has developed an excellent reputation handling cross-border group action claims. This is exemplified by its ongoing work for various Kenyan nationals (which were involved in the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950s) in bringing a claim against their former solicitors which they argued were negligent when representing them in the original action against the UK Government. Kevin O’Brien is involved in the case alongside Locke, and his recruitment from JCP Solicitors in May 2021 has substantially enhanced the firm’s credentials in cases against solicitors and surveyors. ‘Very bright and hardworking’ senior associate Abigail Flanagan is also a key member of team.

      Practice head(s):

      Testimonials

      It is an excellent cross-disciplinary professional negligence team. It has easy access to lawyers across different disciplines which is vital for professional negligence work.’

      ‘Richard Locke is an excellent team leader, great with clients and displays excellent judgement.’

      The brilliant Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is exceptionally clever, extremely tough with opponents but brilliant with clients.’

      Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is immensely bright; great with clients and a pleasure to work with.’

      Abigail Flanagan – utterly committed to her cases and clients. Very bright and hardworking, always proactive in terms of advancing her clients’ interests.’

      Key clients

      Transform Medical Group

      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 on an alleged failure by their former solicitor’s to properly handle the original failed group action brought against the UK government.
      • Acting for a private individual in a claim brought aginst 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

      'Technically very able' and appreciated for its ability to 'handle difficult and emotional issues with ease', Hugh James retains its position at the pinacle of the market for contested estates and trusts in Wales. Much of the credit for the success of the firm in the area can be attributed to 'knowledgeable and hardworking' team leader Roman Kubiak  who leads by example and has effectively broadened the scope of the practice to include specialisms in offshore disputes, as well as an increasing amount of mandates for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. As well as handling core contentious probate work, an area that 'technically astute and commercially-oriented' private wealth head Matthew Evans  is also noted (including in relation to proprietary estoppel work), the firm also continues to grow its presence in relation to charity-related legacy disputes. At an associate level, although he is still relatively junior, Oliver Black  is already impressing clients 'with his comprehensive knowledge of the facts', including on cases relating to a lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.

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      Other key lawyers:

      Testimonials

      The firm has the best reputation for contested estates and trusts in Wales. It also has a national reputation. The team has sufficient quality and depth to be able to manage large scale litigation, but is affordable for lower value estates.’

      The premier firm for contentious trust and probate work in Wales. Exceptional quality, strength in depth and technically very able.’

      The team is knowledgeable about the area of law and gives sensible and commercial advice to its clients. The members of the team are approachable and user friendly in my experience. They handle difficult and emotional issues with ease.’

      Undoubted the market leaders in Wales in contentious trusts and probate work, Hugh James are streets ahead of the competition. They have quality lawyers supported by excellent resource-management and they bring their A-Game to every case.’

      Roman Kubiak is well known in the industry as knowledgeable, hard working and tough.’

      Roman Kubiak is energetic and engaged, with great client-handling skills, knowledgeable and well-respected.’

      Roman Kubiak has the ability to cross over between private client and property-related matters with ease which gives him a breadth which many solicitors do not have. He is very easy to deal with, a pleasant personality without arrogance and works well as a team with counsel and others.’

      ‘The first-class Matthew Evans is technically astute and also very commercially oriented.’

      Key clients

      Thomas Crane and his sister

      Family of the deceased

      Daughter of the deceased

      Husband of the deceased

      Trustees/former trustees of the Eritrea Orthodox Church

      Noah’s Ark Charity

      Inheritance Planning Company

      Ludlow Trust Company

      Banking client

      Adam and Timothy Dunbabin

      Work highlights

      • Advised Ludlow Trust Company on the correct devolution of a complex family trust settled in 1945 and valued at over £4m which was subsequently varied by two court orders in the 1970s under the Variation of Trusts Act 1958.
      • Acting for the successful claimants in the reported decision of Dunbabin and Others v. Dunbabin [2022] EWHC 241 (Ch) in relation to a claim regarding a dispute over a severance of joint tenancy.
      • Acting for the successful parties in having the deceased’s purported last will set aside for lack of capacity and establishing a beneficial interest over farmland under the doctrine of proprietary estoppel in the reported decision of Hughes v. Pritchard & others EWHC 1580 Ch [2021].

      Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

      At Hugh James, the ‘technically astute and commercially awareMatthew Evans heads up the firm’s overarching private wealth group which has the strength-in-depth to handle a significant range and volume of work in the space and is noted for its ‘professionalism, empathy and fantastic approach to their clients’. Eleanor Evans is ‘approachable and friendly‘ and spearheads the firm’s thriving trusts and estates administration sub group which continues to grow its client base and includes a raft of institutional clients, including high street banks. Gareth Wisdom also handles probate work although he is principally focused on developing the firm’s volume will writing service, and in this regard he has successfully secured some notable mandates for a number of high street and private banks. The ‘knowledgeable, hardworking and tough’ Roman Kubiak provides clients with a market-leading contentious probate offering which transcends geographical borders and includes a considerable flow of work form outside of Wales. Senior associate Austin Gill  is ‘efficient, resourceful and compassionate’ and has a particular focus on helping clients structure lifetime gifts in an IHT efficient manner.

      Practice head(s):

      Testimonials

      Consistently excellent, significant clients and considerable experience.’

      A highly and deservedly reputed private client team, who back up the reputation with professionalism, empathy and a fantastic approach to their clients.’

      The team is approachable and friendly, and put their clients at ease, guiding them through a difficult time, as many people do not have prior experience of the probate process.’

      Matthew Evans is an excellent lawyer, who is easy to work with and always on the ball.’

      Matthew Evans and Eleanor Evans in particular have created a level of approachability and professionalism that is second to none in the sector.’

      Roman Kubiak is well known in the industry as knowledgeable, hard working and tough.’

      Austin Gill was extremely helpful, efficient, resourceful and compassionate towards our family throughout the whole process.’

      Key clients

      High Street Bank Trust Corporation

       

      Work highlights

      • Acting for the executor of an estate valued at £5.4m including five properties, three of which were buy-to-let and overseas assets.
      • Acting for the executor of an estate that was reportable to HMRC for IHT purposes.
      • Acting for High Street Bank Trust Corporation in relation to the administration of two linked trusts, one of which is high value.

      Real estate > Construction Tier 1

      Benefiting from a 'longstanding knowledge of the industry', Hugh James' 'highly responsive and commercial' four-partner team is regularly involved in many of the most significant regional mandates in the market for a balanced mix of private, public and third sector clients. Team head Ioan Prydderch  has a focus on disputes work, where he is noted for his 'excellent strategic judgement'. Iwan Jenkins is 'highly valued for his pragmatic, non-contentious construction contract and sector expertise', including in the context of complex contractual documentation, where he is appreciated for his ability to 'help navigate risk'. The 'shrewd and pragmatic' Matthew Stevens is 'well respected in the South Wales market' by dint of his versatile practice that includes a considerable amount of contentious work for public sector clients, as well as a strong grounding in construction matters in the social housing space.

      Practice head(s):

      Testimonials

      The team has an amazing commercial approach to legal issues and the annual contract governance service they offer ensures our contract documentation is up to date and reflects current legislation, commercial and legal experiences.’

      Ioan Prydderch is highly commercial and collaborative, but knows when and how to stand firm for his clients. He has excellent strategic judgment.’

      Iwan Jenkins is highly valued for his pragmatic, non-contentious construction contract and sector expertise.’

      Matthew Stevens has an exceptional understanding of the law which you would expect, but what makes him to stand out, is his ability to bring his advice back to commercial pragmatic advice.’

      Matthew Stevens is the stand out star for me. On the outside he’s smooth and articulate but behind that facade is a shrewd mind that is constantly calculating the best options for his client. He is well respected in the South Wales market.’

      Key clients

      Pobl

      Coastal Housing

      Ely Mill Development Company Limited

      Welsh Government

      Celsa UK

      Newydd (1974) Housing Association Limited

      WRU

      Linc Cymru

      Melin

      Whiteheads Development Company Limited

      Brackley

      Mabey Bridge Ltd

      Mace Construction

      Walters UK Limited

      Work highlights

      • Advised Pobl on the largest carbon neutral development in the United Kingdom with 225 new homes being built outside Tonyrefail.
      • Acting for the WRU on the flagship development of long heritage buildings on Westgate Street into a 175 bed luxury hotel.
      • Acting on a major subcontract for the supply of steel for the Hinkley nuclear power station project.

      Real estate > Social housing Tier 1

      Social housing work is one of the core strands of Hugh James‘ business services offering and work for a huge number of Wales and England-based RSLs permeates throughout different practice areas within the firm, including commercial property, construction and employment. Team head Richard Macphail  specialises in development matters and continues to represent key client Pobl in relation to an innovative mixed use development, providing affordable new homes and workspace alongside a community urban farm. Caroline O’Flaherty is also a key member of the team and advises a number of high profile multimillion-pound regeneration schemes within the sector. Associate Bethan Gladwyn heads up the firm’s housing management team and is particularly well-versed in assisting RSLs and local authorities in measures to combat nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

      Practice head(s):

      Key clients

      Pobl Group

      Linc Cymru

      Curo Group

      Newydd

      Grwp Cynefin

      Melin

      Adra

      Optivo

      Barcud

      Hafod Housing

      Clarion Group

      Work highlights

      • Advised Pobl Homes and Communities Limited on a pioneering project in Swansea accessing £15m of innovative funding and groundbreaking technology enabling fish waste to fertilise a rooftop garden.
      • Set up a collaboration of housing associations to implement the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act to ensure the approach is consistent across Wales.
      • Advising Adra and North Wales Housing, two North Walean RSLs, on a joint venture for the development of 21 new affordable homes in Penrhyn Bay to meet housing need in Conwy County.

      TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment Tier 1

      Hugh James is well-versed at handling a range of media and entertainment work, including advice on contracts and rights issues, as well as in the context of corporate and financing transactions in the sector. Himself formerly head of legal at S4C, team head Aled Walters  has an excellent understanding of the commercial and legal needs of media clients and is regularly instructed by tv production companies to negotiate and draft commercial contracts, including on production and rights agreements.

      Practice head(s):

      Other key lawyers:

      Key clients

      Wildflame Productions Limited

      Avanti Media Limited

      Welsh Government

      4 Wood Group Limited

      Location Solutions Limited

      F X Hire Limited

      Cwmni Da Cyf

      Dragon Studios Limited

      Keolis Amey Operations Limited

      Work highlights

      • Advised on the contracts, documents and rights position for its new multimillion-pound production for Viacom/Smithsonian called “True Vikings”.  
      • Advised Cwmni Da on numerous complex co-productions, including “Rain Stories” with various coproduction partners, Northern Ireland Screen, LDC China and Creative Scotland.
      • Picking up work for new client 4 Wood Group, a major UK-based set building company for TV and film, including advising it on a new contract with Disney for the production of sets for its major new production, TrapperKeeper.

      Insurance > Product liability: claimant Tier 1

      The team at Hugh James specialises in product liability work relating to medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs, with a number of skilled medical practitioners to call upon. Members of the practice also have significant experience recovering compensation for defective household products. Mark Harvey leads the Cardiff-based team with over 35 years of experience representing claimants, handling some if the most significant cases in the sector. He is supported by associates Pauline Roberts, Aidan Lloyd and Carlos Land.

      Practice head(s):

      Mark Harvey

      Testimonials

      ‘Pauline Roberts was amazing from day 1 she took me through every step of whatever was asked of me. I was a total novice, Pauline painstakingly explained legal wording, procedures, and possible outcomes. She did all this with ease and gave me confidence when I got overwhelmed by it all at times. I have nothing but admiration for this lovely lady.’

      ‘Aidan Lloyd has been my solicitor throughout the claims process. He has been approachable, knowledgeable and sensible throughout . Helping to guide me through unfamiliar territory whilst keeping the information clear and easy to understand. He gave me confidence in knowing who way to proceed and we achieved a more than acceptable end point.’

      ‘Major claimant players in the product liability field. Well resourced and structured team. Decades of experience within the team means that they are unafraid to take on the most challenging cases. Extremely skillful in driving group litigation forwards.’

      ‘Mark Harvey – Something of a legend in the product liability world. Runs enormous pieces of group litigation with aplomb. Excellent strategist. Drives major corporate defendants and their insurers into settling claims; achieves great results across the board. Bravely takes on technically complex and challenging cases and obtains fantastic results. A genuine pleasure to work with.’

      ‘Pauline Roberts – Vastly experienced in product liability and clinical negligence. Great at digging up data that defendants would rather was not found! Clients love her and she knows how to really engage with them and reassure them during all the ‘tricky’ points in a case.’

      Work highlights

      • Advising a cohort of claimants pursuing claims for injuries as a result of defective intraocular lenses.

      Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud Tier 2

      While it differs from many of the other ranked firms, in that it does not operate a traditional crime/fraud practice, under the umbrella of its regulatory practice, which is led by Martin Jones , Hugh James handles a considerable volume of regulatory and business crime matters, as well as professional regulatory mandates. Although it does handle some defence matters for a number of the firm's larger commercial clients, much of the work is on the prosecution side. In this context, senior associate Justin Davies has a particular specialism in fire safety law and regularly handles the advocacy himself by dint of his higher rights of audience qualifications. Davies has also developed niche expertise in prosecutions brought by the Welsh government relating to breaches of UK, Welsh and European fisheries legislation.

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      Other key lawyers:

      Testimonials

      They are an exemplar of how to manage a complex and difficult criminal case. The first class level they offer to their clients sets them out from the rest.’

      Justin Davies has many years of experience in criminal law. This shows. He is an excellent criminal solicitor. He knows his area inside out. He has an excellent manner with clients. He is an astute tactician when it comes to the nuances and complexities of the criminal law. He is also a highly effective higher court advocate.’

      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

      Work highlights

      • Continuing to handle a considerable amount of work for Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, including a significant number of fraud cases prosecuted by the Agency, having previously trained its new-entrant Counter-Fraud Investigators.
      • Instructed by the Counsel General for Wales (the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser) to prosecute all cases of alleged breaches of UK, Welsh and European fisheries legislation.
      • Continue to represent The South Wales Fire & Rescue Service on all prosecutions brought by it under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as well as representing it in appeals brought against Enforcement Notice and Prohibition Notices issued by the Service.

      Employment Tier 2

      Led by the 'extremely knowledgeable' Louise Price , Hugh James's nine-strong team provides 'incredibly high calibre' advice to a varied mix of public and private sector clients across the panoply of employment matters, including on day-to-day advisory matters, corporate support and litigation. The social housing sector continues to spawn a variety of employment law instructions for the team and both Price and Rhiannon Dale are pivotal to this work. Dale, who was promoted to partner in May 2021, is also well-versed at handling large-scale restructuring and redundancy exercises, as well as being the key point of contact for Celtic Manor on its day-to-day employment law issues.

      Practice head(s):

      Testimonials

      The knowledge of the team and their attention to detail is very good and their client care is excellent in keeping us informed and delivering advice and documentation within the timescales promised.’

      The professional team provides an incredibly high calibre of advice.’

      I value their pragmatic approach, which is realistic in our world, rather than being completely risk averse.’

      Louise Price is extremely knowledgeable and always provides prompt responses which are clear and not full of legal jargon.’

      Christine Bradbury’s depth of knowledge, attention to detail and accessibility were very important in supporting us through what could otherwise have been a very difficult matter.’

      We have been impressed with the service and credibility of advice provided by Rhiannon Dale and Eleanor Bamber, and also their understanding and empathy.’

      Key clients

      Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

      Natural Resources Wales

      Brace’s Bakery

      REHAU Limited

      PF Concept International B. V

      City and County of Swansea

      Coastal Housing Group

      CSA Catapult Limited

      Denbighshire Council

      Linc Cymru

      The London Mint

      Tai Tarian

      Social Care Wales

      The Celtic Manor Resort Limited

      Transport for Wales Rail Limited

      Welsh National Opera

      The Walters Group

      Welsh Government

      Work highlights

      • Providing employment law advice, including on whether or not TUPE was applicable, to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council on the acquisition of St Tydfils Shopping Centre.
      • Sole providers of employment law advice to Celtic Manor Resort – the world renowned 5* luxury resort and related companies. Work has included urgent, practical, commercial support to steer the client through a very difficult period, as it responds to the ever-changing challenges presented to the hospitality sector in Wales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
      • Successfully defended City and County of Swansea in two separate highly complex claims (one which was in the Employment Tribunal and another which was currently in the Employment Appeal Tribunal).

      Employment > Health and safety Tier 2

      Led by Martin Jones , Hugh James' 'very knowledgeable' regulatory team has a particularly strong reputation on the prosecution front. In this regard, although the firm also handles a considerable amount of work for Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, it is perhaps best-known for its niche expertise in relation to fire safety law - an area that Justin Davies has a market-leading reputation. On the defendant side, Jones handles a considerable amount of training for clients from a risk management perspective and also has expertise defending clients subject to workplace fatalities.

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      Testimonials

      ‘The team is very knowledgeable in the area of health and safety law. They provide a first-class service to their customers.’

      ‘Justin Davies is an excellent solicitor and higher court advocate. He has a very good knowledge of regulatory law. Gets on well with clients and opponents and has an effective advocacy style in court. An all round class performer.’

      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 advise the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service in all prosecutions brought by the Service under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, as well as in appeals brought against Enforcement Notice and Prohibition Notices issued by the Service.
      • Continuing to prosecute transport-related offences for the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency 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 in an appeal brought against a Prohibition Notice issued by it in connection with commercial premises.

      Employment > Pensions Tier 2

      On the non-contentious front, Hugh James regularly provides pensions support to corporate matters handled by the firm, as well as a significant amount of standalone mandates, including advice on issues such as changing benefits termination of accrual and auto enrolment. 'Very bright and focused' employment head Louise Price  takes the lead on most of this work and is 'particularly good in relation to public sector pensions matters and TUPE issues'. The firm also handles a considerable amount of pensions litigation within the broader commercial litigation group, including as joint lead solicitors for claimants in a long-running group action relating to alleged financial mis-selling regarding unsuitable investments within a SIPP wrapper.

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      Testimonials

      The pensions team is still in development, but offers excellent vale for money. It is particularly strong in relation to pensions matters in the public sector.’

      A very knowledgeable team who have been able to provide us with in-depth advice on some quite complicated pension issues relating to local government pensions schemes, contractual requirements around these and the implications for our business arising from TUPE Service Provision Transfers.’

      The approachable and knowledgeable team is exceptional at making a complex subject understandable.’

      Louise Price – very bright and client-focused. Particularly good in relation to public sector pensions matters and TUPE issues.’

       

      Key clients

      Transport for Wales

      Cynon Taf Housing Association

      Ty Hafan

      Arvin Meritor

      The Wallich

      Coastal Housing Group

      National Library of Wales

      Denbighshire County Council

      Ceredigion Recycling and Furniture Team (CRAFT)

      Swansea County Council

      Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association

      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

      Headed by commercial litigation partner Alex Pay, Hugh James‘ insolvency team has strong connections with IPs, in particular, which are appreciative of the firm’s ability to advise on contentious matters (including advice on  wrongful trading claims and preference actions), as well as its ability to deploy a multi-disciplinary approach involving other areas of expertise within the firm’s full service offering. In addition to the firm’s expertise in formal insolvency matters, the team is also adept at handling corporate restructuring  and transactional-related distressed mandates.

      Practice head(s):

      Testimonials

      ‘The lawyers in the team are determined and provide excellent advice.’

      ‘Alex Pay has strong commercial know-how.’

      Key clients

      Menzies LLP

      Mazars LLP

      Begbies Traynor LLP

      BDO LLP

      Kennway Francis Ltd

      Quantuma Advisory Ltd

      Bishop Fleming LLP

      TRI Advisory Ltd

      Welsh Government

      Work highlights

      • Seeking directions from the court in relation to a liquidator’s entitlement to company assets, as an alternative to seeking an order for examination of the director with a view to preserving company assets and maximising the prospect of a distribution to unsecured creditors

      Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; defendant Tier 2

      Led by Alun Tobias, Hugh James‘ ‘knowledgeable, professional and friendly’ insurance and recoveries team provides an ‘excellent service’ to insurers, as well as core firm-wide public sector and corporate clients, in the defence of a wide range of classes of liability, including public, employers’, motor and property claims. ‘First-rate’ senior associate Leon Lloyd is ‘excellent at summarising and condensing complex cases into easy to understand decisions’. 

      Practice head(s):

      Other key lawyers:

      Testimonials

      ‘The whole team work together in a very tight unit.’

      ‘Knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Always available to discuss a claim and provide any ad-hoc advice.’

      ‘Hugh James provides excellent service standards and levels, with faultless adherence to service levels, billings and accuracy of reporting, as well as high levels of knowledge and advice.’

      ‘Leon Lloyd is first rate. A real details man, but good with clients too.’

      ‘Leon Lloyd is one of the leaders in his field in Cardiff and beyond. Clear in his advice founded on many years of experience. He spots the factual and legal issues immediately and has a keen commercial eye to place his advice in context.’

      ‘Leon Lloyd is excellent at summarising and condensing complex cases into easy to understand decisions, and maintains excellent standards of record keeping and file management.’

      Work highlights

        Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2

        Appreciated for its 'depth of knowledge' in the sector, Hugh James' multi-disciplinary team draws from strong independent private wealth, tax and trusts and commercial property teams, in particular, to deliver 'great results' for clients that include high-net-worth landowners and farmers. The 'technically astute and commercially-oriented' Matthew Evans  is de-facto head of the team and alongside the 'pragmatic and responsive' is noted for his expertise at handling contentious probate and proprietary estoppel cases for farming clients.

        Practice head(s):

        Testimonials

        The team’s strength continues to be the accessibility of key senior staff when needed and a straightforward no-jargon approach to communication.’

        They have a significant depth of knowledge in the sector and often produce great results.’

        Mathew Evans is technically astute and commercially oriented.’

        Roman Kubiak is pragmatic and responsive.’

        Key clients

        Vaynor Developments Limited

        Coleg Gwent

        Candelston Ltd

        Farm Owner

        Family of Deceased

        Welsh Government

        Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust

        Capestone Organic Poultry

        Work highlights

        • Acting for the family of a deceased North Walian farmer in relation to claims seeking to set aside the deceased’s last will by reason of lack of testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval and undue influence, as well as a claim in relation to the deceased’s farmland and business by reason of a proprietary estoppel.
        • Advising Vaynor Developments on the acquisition of a ten-acre agricultural site for future development near Marshfield and the new Cardiff Parkway Development.

        Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

        A sizeable and increasing amount of Hugh James‘ work in the space, directly flows from the firm’s market-leading private wealth and wills/trusts offering, with both Matthew Evans  and Roman Kubiak  regularly engaged for charities as beneficiaries in legacy administration and disputes. On the non-contentious front, under the guidance of Gareth Wisdom, the firm is one of the partners to Macmillan Cancer Support providing supporters of the cancer charity to  receive a “free” writing service. Leveraging the firm’s vast roster of housing association clients, the team also remains very active in the social housing space, with work touching on pure charity-related guidance, in addition to advice on their development and employment needs.

        Practice head(s):

        Key clients

        Trustees/former trustees of the Eritrea Orthodox Church

        Noah’s Ark Charity

        Banking Client

        Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

        Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru

        Macmillan Cancer Support

        Pobl Group

        Cardiff University

        Coleg Gwent

        Work highlights

        • Advised Cardiff University in relation to its award winning Centre of Student Life.
        • Advised Pobl Group on the UK’s largest zero carbon development worth £32m and bringing sustainability and innovation through the provision of affordable homes.
        • Securing a legacy of c.£200,000 for Noah’s Ark Charity, a children’s hospital charity, following issues over the construction of the will.

        Private client > Family Tier 2

        Drawing upon the knowledge of several ‘highly skilled’ core family law practitioners and also able to leverage the expertise of practitioners in complementary areas of law including tax, probate and commercial, Hugh James excels in providing a holistic service to clients on high-value and complex financial relief cases and pre-marital agreements. Pivotal to the firm’s success in the area is ‘super bright’ team head Adrienne Donneky  who ‘works tirelessly for good outcomes for clients’. The team also has a strong reputation for children work and in this context, Belinda Moseley ‘deals brilliantly with the most complex of cases’ on the private side, while 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.

        Practice head(s):

        Other key lawyers:

        Testimonials

        The practice has a family law department that is focused on achieving the best possible outcome for the clients that it represents.’

        ‘They have an innate ability to empathise with the situation in which the clients finds themselves, thereby instilling confidence in the client and putting them at ease.’

        An amazingly strong team in both children and finances. Clients should have every confidence in this family team which offers a top class service equivalent to Magic Circle firms but for a fraction of the price. They are a real force to be reckoned with.’

        It has at its disposal a family law department with highly skilled and experienced lawyers, who are able to unpick complex legal disputes and to present a case in a straightforward but extremely effective fashion.’

        This is a close knit family law department within a very large commercial law practice. The great aspect of that is the access the team has to in-house specialist financial and tax advice, commercial lawyers, probate, trusts and also Court of Protection expertise, within the larger Hugh James brand.’

        Adrienne Donneky works tirelessly for good outcomes for clients, and gives them very good value for money, in my opinion.’

        Adrienne Donneky is super bright, wonderfully approachable, gives sound and sensible advice and is superbly organised.’

        Belinda Moseley – superb children lawyer. Deals brilliantly with the most complex of cases, getting them on the right track from the outset. Very personable and clients love her.’

        Work highlights

          Wales > Public sector Tier 2

          Public sector-related work has been pivotal to Hugh James‘ strategy since its formation over 25 years ago and it has consequently gained an excellent insight into the requirements of a myriad central/local authorities, as well as third sector entities. This expertise was recently underscored by the firm’s strong showing across the various NPS lots, including gaining a coveted spot as one of the firm’s specifically acting for the Welsh Government.  Ioan Prydderch and Martin Jones  co-head the multidisciplinary team which includes senior associate Justin Davies, who has a market-leading reputation advising on fire safety law and continues to represent South Wales Fire & Rescue Service on enforcement matters.

          Practice head(s):

          Key clients

          Social Care Wales

          Welsh Government

          Natural Resources Wales

          Denbighshire County Council

          The City of Cardiff County Council

          Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

          Torfaen County Borough Council

          Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

          Coleg Gwent

          Cardiff University

          Swansea City Council

          Gwynedd Council

          Flintshire Council

          Monmouthshire County Council

          Transport for Wales

          Independent Office for Police Conduct

          Welsh Language Commissioner

          Conwy County Council

          Pembrokeshire County Council

          CAFCASS Cymru

          Care Inspectorate Wales

          South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

          Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

          Bridgend County Borough Council

          Carmarthenshire County Council

          Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council

          Isle of Anglesey County Council

          Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council

          South Wales Police

          South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

          University of South Wales

          Linc Cymru Housing Association

          Trivallis Housing Association

          Caerphilly County Borough Council

          Hafod Housing Association

          Wrexham County Borough Council

          Crown Estate

          Natural England

          Gwent Police

          Dyfed Powys Police

          Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water

          Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

          Curo Housing Association

          Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

          Aelwyd Housing Association

          Bro Myrddin

          Bron Afon Community Housing Ltd

          Cadwyn Housing Association

          Cardiff Community Housing

          Charter Housing Association

          Coastal Housing Association

          Cynon Taf Community Housing Group

          Derwen Cymru Ltd

          Grwp Gwalia Cyfyngedig

          Grwp Cyfnefin

          Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association

          Monmouthshire Housing Assocation

          Newport City Homes

          Newydd Housing Assocation

          Pobl Group

          Taff Housing Association

          Tai Ceredigion

          Untied Welsh Housing Association

          Work highlights

          • Advised Wrexham Borough Council on property elements of the Wrexham Gateway Project and redevelopment of racecourse stadium transferred to Wrexham AFC and supported by grant funding in the region of £25m.
          • Acted for Natural Resources Wales in high-profile proceedings concerning mineral rights before the Court of Appeal in Summer 2021.
          • Successfully represented the Welsh Government in an arbitration against Costain Limited in connection with cost overruns on a £340m road expansion project.

          Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

          Hugh James' ten-partner team has the strength-in-depth and bandwidth to handle a tremendous range and volume of mandates for public/third sector and private sector clients, including a number of longstanding institutional clients of the firm such as Celtic Manor Resorts and WRU. As well as his niche expertise on renewables-related property work, experienced team head Peter Hurn  continues to be extremely active in the residential development space as a result of his strong ties with a number of well-established housebuilders. In the third sector, social housing remains a core strength of the practice with a large roster of RSLs continuing to rely on the practice for all of their property needs, including on disposals, acquisitions and city regeneration schemes. Notably this side of the practice has also enhanced the residential development work with notable influx of home builders which have been spun out of the social housing sector. Caroline O’Flaherty  remains instrumental to work in the social housing space, work which she combines with a particularly strong offering in the education sector.

          Practice head(s):

          Key clients

          Tirion Group

          WRU

          Pobl

          Coleg Gwent

          Bellway

          Linc-Cymru Housing Association

          BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)

          Wrexham County Borough Council

          Brackley Investments Limited

          ICCW

          Work highlights

          • Advised Tirion Group on the £150m development of 800 new homes and community facilities.
          • Advising Celtic Manor Resort on a new £7m hotel to add to the resort’s portfolio.  
          • Advising Welsh Rugby Union on its portfolio of facilities, including Newport Gwent Dragons and their property at Rodney Parade, Newport and the Welsh Rugby Union’s National Centre for Excellence at the Vale Hotel, Hensol.

          Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 2

          Drawing upon the expertise of commercial property and property litigators, in  particular, Hugh James adopts a multidisciplinary approach to planning and environmental work and is well-placed to provide a holistic service to house builders and development consortia; social housing and public sector developers; and renewable energy developers. Senior associate Shelley Ikram is the main contact for planning matters, including for developer cients on village green matters.

          Practice head(s):

          Other key lawyers:

          Key clients

          Stonewater Limited

          Ely Bridge Development Company Limited

          Parc Eirin Development Limited

          Llanmoor Homes

          Persimmon Homes Limited

          Bellway Homes PLC

          Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

          Curo Enterprise Limited

          BDW Trading Limited (Barratt Homes)

          Tirion Group

          Cenin Renewables

          Natural Resources Wales

          Newydd Housing Association Limited

          Pennant Walters (Holdings) Limited and Enersyst Limited

          Pobl Living

          Coastal Housing Group

          Ely Mill Development Company Limited

          Ffos Las Limited

          Work highlights

          • Advising Persimmon Homes regarding a Judicial Review of the decision of the Welsh Ministers (October 2020) to dismiss its appeal in connection with planning permission for 300 dwellings at Heol Y Cefn, Caerphilly, an area with a chronic shortage of new affordable housing.
          • Advising Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust  in relation to land earmarked for the construction of a cancer centre (Velindre) which has attracted much local opposition although planning has been approved.
          • Advising on a key strategic collaboration between two major RSLs (Pobl Group and Coastal Housing) on their large-scale innovative project in Gwynfaen to bring a sustainable zero carbon development to fruition, providing the blueprint for partnership working in the social housing sector and energy efficient development.

          Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

          Overseen by consultant Rebecca Rees  and led on a day-to-day basis by senior associate James Hastings, following the departure in January 2022 of Rob Phillips to Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP, Hugh James' reconfigured team remains a prominent player in the market for private and public sector clients across a range of discrete mandates, as well as in the context of strategic land management. As well as handling convential property litigation, including a myriad landlord and tenant disputes, Hastings has also developed niche expertise representing clients on contentious matters involving mineral rights. The team also regularly handles property litigation on behalf of its impressive roster of social housing clients.

          Practice head(s):

          Other key lawyers:

          Testimonials

          They are very easy to deal with and provide clear and concise advice.’

          We particularly appreciated James Hastings’ patience in addition to the clear and concise advice in what has been a long winded matter and also the ability to ask James any random questions and obtain a quick response.’

          Key clients

          Natural Resources Wales

          Welsh Government

          United Welsh Housing Association

          AP Wireless II (UK) Limited

          WRU

          Pobl/Coastal Housing Association

          Persimmon Homes

          Conwy County Borough Council

          Greenham Trust Limited

          Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust

          Work highlights

          • Represented Natural Resources Wales in their successful defence of a claim to ownership of minerals across large areas of the Welsh Government Woodland Estate in Mid-Wales.
          • Acted for Persimmon Homes in their successful quashing of a refusal to grant planning permission for a development of 300 homes.
          • Acted for Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust in relation to the application for registration of a number of rights of way which would have impeded/prevented the development of a new cancer centre.

          TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property Tier 2

          Benefiting from 'huge IP expertise' across a number of Hugh James' practice groups, including corporate/commercial and litigation, provides 'clear and concise' advice to a range IP-rich clients from the gaming, sport and fintech sectors. Formerly in-house at Welsh broadcaster S4C, team head Aled Walters  has a 'deep understanding' of IP and rights-related issues impacting media clients, in particular. 'Affable and tactically astute' commercial litigator Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is a key contact for clients engaged in IP disputes and has a strong track record in relation to copyright and trade mark infringements, breach of confidence and passing off.

          Practice head(s):

          Testimonials

          The responsive team provides clear and concise advice.’

          Hugh James offers huge expertise in its intellectual property practice. Having worked with the team within the complex area of international broadcast IP I knew that I was always in safe hands. Expert insights, robust contracting and complementary experience across the team have helped us grow our presence within the international market.’

          Tracey Singlehurst-Ward is a pleasure to deal with. On the front foot with advice, what to and what not to do. Affable and great zoom manner. Clear on costs and concise with advice.’

          Aled Walters brings a wealth of experience to lead the team. Always delivering a deep understanding of the business.’ 

          Key clients

          SJJ System Services Limited

          Bar 44 Limited

          Route Media

          LaAD Sports Limited

          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) > Sport Tier 2

            Led by corporate partner Gerallt Jones  and drawing upon the expertise of lawyers from across a number of the firm's business services practice areas, Hugh James' multidisciplinary team handles a range of work for professional bodies and sports clubs. Jones is the relationship partner for longstanding client Welsh Rugby Union, with recent work including advice to it on  its collaboration with Celtic Manor on the Parkgate Cardiff, the city’s premier luxury hotel which opened in November 2021. Litigation head Richard Locke is adept at handling sports-related disputes including for rugby players in disciplinary hearings subsequent to dangerous play.

            Practice head(s):

            Key clients

            Welsh Rugby Union

            Cardiff Blues

            British Boxing Board of Control

            Metro Bank

            Welsh Gymnastics

            Run4Wales Limited

            Work highlights

            • Continue to advise longstanding client Welsh Rugby Union on a range of matters, including in 2021 its collaboration with Celtic Manor on the Parkgate Cardiff, the city’s premier luxury hotel which recently opened.
            • Represented Cardiff Blues players Ray Lee-Lo, Owen Lane and Lloyd Williams in separate high-profile disciplinary proceedings.
            • Advised the national governing body, Welsh Gymnastics, in relation to the Whyte Review, established by UK Sport and Sport England to investigate allegations of historical abuse in the sport of gymnastics.

            Private client > Court of protection Tier 2

            The ‘approachable’ team at Hugh James is praised for its’ pragmatic and holistic advice’ under the leadership of  Andrew Harding. The professional deputyship team deals solely with high-value complex cases arising from damages claims. The work extends to overseeing the direct employment of care teams to the purchase of property, overseeing house adaptations and the investment of funds to provide care for a client’s lifetime. It is currently managing the affairs of 183 individuals, including 144 deputyships and 39 trusts with total assets, including property and large investment portfolios exceeding £175m.

            Practice head(s):

            Andrew Harding

            Other key lawyers:

            Kate Coles; Ruth James; Charlotte Fletcher; Joy Davies; Laura Metcalfe

            Testimonials

            ‘Andrew Harding and Kate Coles provide a wealth of expertise and experience. I’ve recently worked with Charlotte Fletcher and Joy Davies, both have an excellent understanding of the clients’ needs and respond quickly to queries’.

            ‘The team genuinely cares about the vulnerable people who they are engaged to support. Often their clients have suffered massive injury, trauma or abuse and they take a personal interest in their ongoing welfare. Ruth James – such a down to earth and kind lawyer who has the right personality to support the vulnerable clients she is safeguarding’.

            ‘Strong expertise and a consistent track record of being involved in very complex and high value deputyship arrangements. Hugh James (due to its size and specialisms) also offers the ability to bring in other teams to resolve matters out-with the scope of deputyship arrangements’.

            ‘Kate Coles is amazing she fully explains everything to me without me feeling dim. She answers emails quickly and if needed will phone with the answers’.

            ‘Two people who stand out for us are Kate Coles and Charlotte Fletcher. Both are very qualified and engaged in dealing with our son’s needs. All queries are dealt with promptly if possible or they will investigate and revert very quickly. They both show empathy towards our son and always acts in his best interest’.

            ‘Andrew Harding has been an excellent advocate for our daughter providing well balanced information and guidance which has been easy for us to both understand and implement’.

            ‘The team is our go to in Wales for deputyship matters. We have an excellent relationship with the solicitors there and know that if our clients’ funds are managed by them, they are in safe hands’.

            ‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with Laura Metcalfe. She has been easily contactable and great to work with collaboratively in relation to a case we have. She has been proactive and incredibly helpful throughout’.

            Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant

            In late 2022, Hugh James acquired Manchester firm Potter Rees Dolan, taking on a clinical negligence team which advises clients who have suffered brain and spinal cord injuries. That team is led by Helen Dolan, while Lesley Herbertson deals with maximum severity claims for both adults and children. Gill Edwards is another key name to note. On the personal injury side, the firm handles complex brain and spinal injuries, amputations, serious orthopaedic and criminal injury cases. Hugh Potter oversees the practice, acting for clients with brain injuries who have made a good physical recovery, but are struggling with decision-making or poor behavioural control. Gary Herbert represents pedestrians and cyclists injured in road traffic accidents.

            Practice head(s):

            Helen Dolan; Hugh Potter

            Other key lawyers:

            Testimonials

            ‘A great firm to work with. They are very knowledgable in spinal injuries.’

            ‘While I have been going through my case I have felt that Lesley Herbertson has always explained all the information very well and has always made me feel as though we were going through it together and I am grateful for that.’

            ‘The professionalism and the doggedness with which Lesley Herhertson and her team handled our claim were exemplary, employing an avalanche of their experience to make sure our claim succeeded.’

            ‘Helen Dolan is outstanding, her knowledge of the law and ability to pick up on the smallest detail in conversation is how all solicitors should aim to practice, she is very caring and you feel that you are able to discuss anything with her.’

            ‘I would describe the practice as efficient, effective and focused, but in a person-centred rather than a bureaucratic way.’

            ‘Gill Edwards is a highly skilled and knowledgeable practitioner. Her friendly and supportive manner creates a strong bond with clients, and her experience in the field gives confidence to individuals and families who aren’t experienced in this world.’

            ‘Lesley Herbertson is very experienced and extremely knowledgeable. She takes an informed and realistic approach to all of her cases and offers cogent and sound advice. Clients, experts and counsel like and respect her.’

            ‘Gill Edwards is hugely experienced, very personable and willing to fight for a client.’

            Work highlights

              Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3

              Working between the firm's Cardiff headquarters and London, the team at Hugh James is highly skilled at handling complex online and land-based matters with a particular focus on sports betting and regulatory work. Commercial head Aled Walters leads the team with significant expertise in advising on M&A transactions and high-value IP licensing issues in the gaming sector. Martin Jones heads the regulatory department, advising on gambling licensing issues and enforcement procedures by the Gambling Commission. Neil Paramore recently joined the team as a consultant, having previously held the role of CFO at Novomatic.

              Practice head(s):

              Aled Walters

              Other key lawyers:

              Martin Jones; Neil Paramore

              Testimonials

              ‘Very commercial team, with great industry knowledge and targeted advice.’

              ‘Aled Walters is extremely responsive and provided exactly the right commercial high-level advice we were looking for. He focused on the key issues, allowing us to turn around a complex agreement with minimal time and changes to ensure that the deal was not lost and gave us a sufficient level of protection. He quickly understood our specific needs in the circumstances.’

              ‘Quick response, focus and attention to detail, no matter what the subject matter.’

              ‘Available at short notice and it is the attention to detail and our particular issues that makes you feel valued.’

              Key clients

              BetVictor

              TCS John Huxley

              Amelco

              Superbet

              Novomatic Services NL SV

              Double Diamond Gaming (Rainbow Casino)

              Development Bank of Wales PLC (in respect of its in-house charitable fund raising)

              Bresbet

              Admiral PLC (in respect of its in-house charity lottery)

              Pentasia / Conexus Group

              Work highlights

              • Advising BetVictor on an urgent basis; a high-profile premier football team shirt sponsorship agreement.

              Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 3

              The Cardiff-based licensing team at Hugh James handles the full range of alcohol, entertainment, and gambling licensing matters. Additionally, the team has particular expertise in large-scale licensing of festivals and stadia and licensing appeals. Practice head Martin Jones regularly advises on complex music festival and club licenses, as well as undertaking advocacy before licensing sub-committees and appeal courts. Aled Walters supports Jones on gambling licensing matters, and has experience with reviewing licensing documentation for prospective M&A transactions.

              Practice head(s):

              Martin Jones

              Other key lawyers:

              Key clients

              John Fisher Sports and Social Club

              Bier Nuts Limited

              Rowland Hamilton

              TT Super Limited

              Korat Thai Cuisine Limited

              Organic Power House Limited

              Prediction Champ Limited

              Rush Green Community Association

              Twist London Limited

              ZZ Food Express

              Novomatic

              TCS John Huxley

              Amelco

              Admiral PLC

              Double Diamond Gaming (Rainbow Casino)

              Bet Victor

              Pentasia / Conexus Group

              Superbet

              Inspired Gaming (UK) Limited

              Work highlights

              • Advised John Fisher Sports & Social Club on appeal against revocation of both premises licence and club premises certificate.
              • Continuing to advise specialist retailer T T Super Limited  on multiple premises licence applications.
              • Advised Bier Nuts Ltd on obtaining premises licences for online retail sales of alcohol.

              Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 3

              The personal injury offering at Hugh James is co-led by head of specialist personal injury Mark Harvey and head of abuse claims Alan Collins. The offering is formed of multiple sub-teams, which focus on areas including personal injury, abuse, neurolaw, asbestos and military claims. The team in London has a particular focus on catastrophic and serious injury, and is ably supported by the Court of Protection sub-team. In addition, it has a strong reputation for handling claims on behalf of vulnerable clients, including those concerning such matters as child sexual abuse and the duty of care owed to claimants lacking capacity. There is also an asbestos specialism in the team; ‘extremely talented’ Mary Mulhall takes the lead in this area.

              Practice head(s):

              Mark Harvey; Alan Collins

              Other key lawyers:

              Nia Wyn-Evans; Mary Mulhall; Kevin Grealis; Danielle Vincent; Phoebe Osbourne

              Testimonials

              ‘This is an excellent team and very knowledgeable in asbestos-related disease claims. Very approachable for clients – prompt and efficient service.’

              ‘The child abuse team are exceptional. They take on very difficult cases with outstanding results.’

              ‘Nia Wyn-Evans is an excellent lawyer, she is very good on litigation strategy and is completely trusted by her clients.’

              ‘The firm has a stellar asbestos team. They have expertise in abundance, a willingness to take on difficult cases and the know-how and resources to take on the biggest cases.’

              ‘Mary Mulhall is extremely talented, passionate and dedicated.’

              ‘Alan Collins has been involved in some of the most significant cases in this area and knows how to win cases.’

              ‘The team leads the way in personal injury claims brought on behalf of injured members of HM Armed Forces against the Ministry of Defence. They have carved out a leading position in the market through their excellent, well-resourced, and innovative military department which is capable of handling very large numbers of claims. Despite handling a large volume of claims, one of their real strengths is their commitment to client care and getting the details right in each case. There is also a culture that prioritises the building of strong relationships with their clients.’

              ‘A highly able team with vast experience representing claimants who have suffered sexual abuse.’

              Transport > Travel Tier 3

              Hugh James‘ overseas accidents department has been representing Britons injured in foreign accidents for over 20 years. In addition to being involved in group litigation representing victims of disasters occurring in the sea, air, or by rail, they are also involved in litigation in Africa relating to torture. Co-head of the team, the ‘extremely knowledgeable’  Katherine Allen has specialised in travel litigation since 1999, with particular expertise in brain and spinal injury cases. Mark Harvey, another leader of the team, has particular expertise in dealing with product liability cases, and has been involved in a number of international claims. Senior associate Rebecca James has been commended for her ‘sound instincts for the strengths and weaknesses of a case,’ with her French language skills allowing her to excel in French jurisdiction cases.

              Practice head(s):

              Katherine Allen; Mark Harvey

              Other key lawyers:

              Rebecca Gilmore; Aidan Lloyd

              Testimonials

              ‘Hugh James are a niche player in this sector with a small but very experienced team who punch above their weight.’

              ‘I would recommend Katherine Allen who is a long-standing player in this sector and who is experienced and has great client care skills.’

              ‘Mark Harvey runs an excellent group of lawyers running complex inter-jurisdictional cases’

              ‘Rebecca Gilmore is a really safe pair of hands; very knowledgeable about travel law, and with sound instincts for the strengths and weaknesses of a case, and a good track record of negotiating good outcomes for her clients.’

              ‘Katherine Allen is the standout, always. Her team, especially Rebecca Gilmour, are devoted to her. She is extremely knowledgeable and sensible, with excellent judgement.’

              ‘They take on the most complex cases without fear and are prepared to battle to see them through, often taking on large multi-nationals who try to give them the run around, but fail.’

              ‘The team is very experienced in travel law and completely reliable. They know the work inside out and provide a great service to clients.’

              Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 4

              The team at Hugh James, described as being ‘at the top of its game’, is headed by Action Against Medical Accidents panellist Ruth Powell. It deals with a broad range of claims with values often rising into the millions, including maximum severity cases, fatal births, failures to diagnose, cerebral palsy, neurological injuries, debilitating obstetric injuries, orthopaedic issues and general surgerical negligence. Fran Moore specialises in the complex and sensitive area of mental health-related deaths. In addition, the firm has a focused clinical negligence inquest sub-team, led by ‘force to be reckoned with’ Lynda Reynolds. Significant growth has occurred recently, including the recruitment of senior associate Ivan Moody from Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors in July 2021.

              Practice head(s):

              Ruth Powell

              Other key lawyers:

              Fran Moore; Lynda Reynolds; Ivan Moody; Mala Patel; Sophie Jones; Carys Lewis

              Testimonials

              ‘I worked with solicitor Fran Moore on my case and was very happy with the service provided. Fran was well informed regarding the professionals and agencies available to work with in support of the case.’

              ‘A team at the top of their game. Simply exceptional.’

              ‘Ruth Powell was supportive, caring, knowledgeable and exceptionally professional. Ruth helped us navigate a difficult process, was accessible when we needed her and delivered a result beyond our expectations. I cannot speak highly enough of her.’

              ‘The team is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. Their dedication to the work is second to none but, perhaps most importantly of all, they are supportive of their clients. Rarely have I come across a firm of solicitors that place their clients’ best interests so much to the forefront.’

              ‘Lynda Reynolds is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to her work, fierce in her pursuit of her clients’ claims but also very personable and sympathetic. Fran Moore is kind, considerate, compassionate and intelligent, combined with an unwavering dedication to the work.’

              ‘Hugh James have put together a strong team of individuals over recent years. They are the leading team for inquests and have used this as a vehicle to increase their work and profile in this area, along with some key recruits at partner level.’

              ‘Lynda Reynolds is a force to be reckoned with in the area of inquests. Fran Moore is growing her reputation in this area. Ivan Moody is a has a long history of obtaining excellent results for his clients. Mala Patel and Sophie Jones are ones to watch in the London team over the next few years.’

              ‘This is a very good team. Ruth Powell is excellent.’

              Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence; claimant Tier 4

              Hugh James specialises in handling claims involving asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. The team, led by Andrew Walker in the Plymouth office, is particularly active in representing clients who were exposed to asbestos while they were working for the military. Walker is praised by clients for his work with asbestos disease support groups. Graeme Chisholm, who has worked on asbestos cases for much of his career, joined the practice in November 2021 and is based in Bristol.

              Other key lawyers:

              Testimonials

              ‘The team has a wealth of experience in this field.’

              ‘Graeme Chisholm has been undertaking asbestos claims for many years and has a complete understanding of how these cases need to be prepared to ensure success.’

              ‘The major strength, from a healthcare professional point of view, is that the team care about each individual they represent, and at a time when you are diagnosed with a life limiting illness, that is an essential quality that is not always evident in other legal firms. As a team, they are very supportive of each other, patients, relatives, support groups and nurses and can easily collaborate on cases.’

              ‘Andrew Walker is a very caring individual, with the best interests of all patients with mesothelioma at heart. He will engage with all members of the support group offering support and understanding, whether his firm represents them or not and regularly receives praise.’

              Work highlights

                Private client > Contentious trusts and probate

                Hugh James is a ‘very impressive firm, recently established in London and doing great things there’ under the leadership of Roman Kubiak who ‘combines strong and confident technical skills with a friendly and personable nature that makes him stand out from many of his competitors’.

                Transport > Rail

                Spearheaded by Aled Walters the team at Hugh James is praised for taking a ‘collaborative approach’ and for ‘working proactively to find a solution that works for all parties whilst ensuring that its client is protected’.

                Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant

                Welsh firm Hugh James has recently expanded into the South East, taking on a number of hires who now focus on asbestos disease claims from an office in Southampton.

                North West > Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

                South East > Insurance > Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant

                Welsh firm Hugh James has recently expanded into the South East, taking on a number of hires who now focus on asbestos disease claims from an office in Southampton.

                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.

                DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
                Managing Partner Alun Jones
                Head of Individual Client Services Stephen Webber
                Head of Business Services Ioan Prydderch
                PhotoNamePositionProfile
                Maria Cosslett photo Maria CosslettPartner and Head of Department
                Andrew Davies photo Andrew DaviesAndrew has been a partner in Hugh James since 1994 and specialises…
                Adrienne Donneky photo Adrienne DonnekyAdrienne Donneky is Senior Associate and heads up the family team. Adrienne…
                Matthew Evans photo Matthew EvansMatthew is a partner and heads up the firm’s private wealth offering.…
                Bethan  Gladwyn photo Bethan GladwynBethan is head of the housing management team as a result of…
                Richard Green photo Richard GreenRichard is a Partner and heads a team of solicitors who specialise…
                Andrew Harding photo Andrew HardingAndrew is head of the firm’s Neurolaw Department covering brain and spinal…
                Mark Harvey photo Mark HarveyMark Harvey is a Partner in the claimant division. He has obtained…
                Peter Hurn photo Peter HurnPeter heads up the fastest expanding real estate team in Wales. He…
                Martin Jones photo Martin JonesAs the Head of the Regulatory Department, Martin acts in a wide-range…
                Gerallt Jones photo Gerallt JonesGerallt is a partner and head of the corporate and commercial team.…
                Alun Jones photo Alun JonesAlun Jones is Managing Partner of Hugh James, taking the helm in…
                Roman Kubiak photo Roman KubiakRoman Kubiak is a partner and head of the contested wills, trusts…
                Richard Locke photo Richard LockeRichard is a Partner and an elected partner on the firm’s board…
                Mark Loosemore photo Mark LoosemoreSenior Partner and Head of Department
                Richard Macphail photo Richard MacphailRichard is head of our social housing team, coordinating the work of…
                Dominic Marshall photo Dominic MarshallDominic is a partner and head of the banking and finance team.…
                Rebecca McCarthy photo Rebecca McCarthySolicitor
                Robert Morgan photo Robert MorganRobert is a highly experienced partner in the banking team. Rob advises…
                Gwen Morgan-Evans photo Gwen Morgan-EvansGwen is head of environmental claims and one of the UK’s leading…
                Caroline O'Flaherty photo Caroline O'FlahertyAs a Partner in the Commercial Property team, Caroline O’Flaherty, specialises in…
                James Pearn photo James PearnPartner and Head of Department
                Robert  Phillips photo Robert PhillipsRob is Head of Property Litigation at Hugh James. He leads a…
                Louise  Price photo Louise PriceA highly specialised lawyer, Louise is a Partner and Head of Employment…
                Ioan Prydderch photo Ioan PrydderchIoan is head of the firm’s business services division. This division comprises…
                Mari Rosser photo Mari RosserRecognised as a leader in the field of clinical negligence and known…
                Cari Sowden-Taylor photo Cari Sowden-TaylorCari is a partner in our neurolaw team. Representing claimants with traumatic…
                Neil Stockdale photo Neil StockdaleNeil is an elected partner on the firm’s board of management. He…
                Karl Thomas photo Karl ThomasPartner and Head of Department
                Matthew Tossell photo Matthew TossellMatthew is the chief executive of our bespoke volume services business, Hugh…
                Siôn Tudur photo Siôn TudurPartner
                Aled  Walters photo Aled WaltersAled is a partner and is head of the commercial team. Aled…
                Stephen Webber photo Stephen WebberSteven is head of one of the two divisions at Hugh James.…
                Number of UK partners : 72
                Number of other UK fee-earners : 318
                Total staff : 620
                Welsh

                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.

                DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
                Commercial Mark LoosemoreLoosemoreM@Loosemores.co.uk
                Corporate Siôn TudurTudurS@Loosemores.co.uk
                Property James PearnPearnJ@Loosemores.co.uk
                Employment & Dispute Resolution Karl ThomasThomasK@Loosemores.co.uk
                Probate, Wills & Trusts Maria CosslettCosslettM@Loosemores.co.uk
                Number of UK partners : 5
                Number of other UK fee-earners : 8
                English
                Welsh