Hugh James > Cardiff, United Kingdom > Firm Profile

Hugh James > The Legal 500 Rankings

Wales > Corporate and commercial Tier 1

Leveraging a 'good depth of professional knowledge' throughout the team, Hugh James provides 'highly attentive and commercially minded' advice to an impressive roster of longstanding regional heavyweight corporate clients, including S.A Brain & Company and Rockwool, on their ongoing commercial requirements as well as on ad-hoc corporate transactional work. The firm's already strong presence in the sports and media sectors were recently enhanced following the merger in July 2023 with boutique firm Loosemores  Solicitors, with that firm's name partner Mark Loosemore  a leading expert on work in the sector. The 'strong, pragmatic and commercial' Gerallt Jones  also handles a considerable volume of sports-related transactions as part of his broad-based corporate/M&A skillset, including a considerable amount for longstanding client Welsh Rugby Union. Greg Williams is 'a good communicator and provides high levels of sector expertise', particularly in the context of healthcare-related M&A deals, as well as work for investors in the life sciences sector. Aled Walters , who heads up the commercial side of the practice, is particularly acclaimed for his work negotiating complex commercial contracts for clients in the media, tech and gaming sectors.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation Tier 1

Drawing upon 'incredible knowledge and expertise', both in relation to the substantive law and the procedural rules, Hugh James provides 'pragmatic, commercially minded and robust' advice to public sector, private sector and not-for-profit clients across a wide-range of high-stakes contractual and commercial disputes, as well as niche areas concerning professional negligence and defamation. Team head Richard Locke has strong and well-established ties with numerous major regional heavyweights, including Welsh Water, which he recently successfully represented as an interested party in a judicial review surrounding a decision made by Cardiff Council to grant planning permission in respect of a sewage pumping station and associated surface water extraction scheme. The 'tenacious' Tracey Singlehurst-Ward leverages 'strong legal knowledge and excellent strategic insight' to good effect for clients seeking resolution of often highly complex issues relating to IP, media, sport and defamation. The 'very bright' Abigail Flanagan has 'excellent knowledge of the law and is brilliant with clients', which she effectively represents in relation to pensions and professional negligence matters, and core contractual/ shareholders disputes, including complex litigation involving injunctive relief.

Finance > Banking and finance Tier 1

The 'very commercial, communicative and efficient' team at Hugh James advises a fairly balanced mix of borrowers and lenders across a range of financing mandates for general working capital purposes, event-driven-work, and real estate financing purposes. On the borrower front, the firm's well-established ties with the Welsh Rugby Union, the Welsh government (as well as in its role as creditor) and S.A.Brain, ensure that the team is involved in a considerable volume of deals of national importance. For lender work, under the guidance of 'highly knowledgeable' team head Dominic Marshall , the team continues to grow its relationship with Metro Bank, not only advising it on lending facilities but also helping to draft/develop its template standard documentation.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 1

Leveraging 'good tactical instincts and client management’, as well as having 'excellent knowledge of the medico-legal framework and of the clinical issues’, Hugh James remains at the pinnacle of the claimant market across high-value and complex cases throughout both Wales and England. Here, not only is the team, which is led from London by Ruth Powell, 'always willing to work to fight for the best outcome for clients and go the extra mile', but it also excels in the post-settlement phase, where clients benefit from a holistic service which, if necessary, is able to draw upon the skills of the Court of Protection offering, as well as the firm's excellent private client team. The 'doyen of clinical negligence claims', Stephen Webber  is a 'master of the litigation process' and has a 'willingness to fight for his clients on their own terms', particularly in the context of claims of the utmost severity, including those involving cerebral palsy and spinal injuries. Uniting 'a determination to get results with a canny tactical shrewdness', Rhian Parsons is also extremely skilled at handling complex cases, including brain injuries, and is well-liked by clients as a result of her empathetic approach. The 'extremely hardworking' Katie McCraith 'gets into the detail of a case and expert evidence', consequently regularly securing favourable outcomes for defendants in orthopaedic, gynaecological and cardiac claims, as well as in cases where there have been delays in diagnosis and missed diagnosis of cancer. 'Immensely intelligent and wonderfully caring', Elin Davies  'builds an excellent rapport with clients and experts alike' on conventional clinical negligence cases (across the quantum spectrum), as well as on claims against nursing homes and hospitals with regard to failings in the care of the elderly. At associate level, Gareth Beard  is noted for his 'calm and pertinacious skill in the litigation arts’, and Rebecca Mather  regularly handles complex orthopaedic cases dealing with issues of surgical negligence, consent and delayed treatment.  

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 1

With 'a firm grip on the facts, the science, and the law' Hugh James provides a 'truly stellar service' to claimants across a myriad personal injury claims. Indeed, the strength-in-depth of the team, which is headed by the 'outstanding' Mark Harvey (who himself excels at product liability and cross-border litigation) ensures that it is able to provide a degree of specialisation across work types that it is lacking in many of its peer firms. Asbestos work has been a well-established strength, and under the guidance of Richard Green , who is 'willing to take on difficult, cutting-edge cases because of the depth of his knowledge', continues to gain superb results for claimants throughout the UK, as well as abroad (particularly in South Africa). Kathryn Singh also handles asbestos-related lung cancer claims in her role as industrial disease head, as well as other respiratory illnesses and hand arm vibration syndrome, many of which have been initiated through large consolidated group claims. Noted for his 'sure judgement, lightning intellect and down-to-earth nature', Simon Ellis has been pivotal to the firm's success in the military arena, with one barrister observing that he has 'completely re-shaped the market for military claimants' as a result of his string of successes for ex-servicemen, including as it relates to hearing loss and cold injuries. 'Highly experienced, committed and hard working' partners Cari Sowden-Taylor  and Ciaran McCabe  lead the firm's serious injury group which excels in helping those who have suffered life-changing brain injuries, spinal injuries and amputations, often achieving early funding which can be vital to help many of these claimants gain early access to rehabilitation and care. Of the more junior partners, Lucy Strong provides 'amazing' assistance to clients on complex asbestos-related disease claims, while James Gibson  is a 'good tactical litigator' who excels at handling industrial disease claims, many of which take the form of group actions. At an associate level, Ruth Davies  is 'an absolute star' who shows a 'fearless approach to litigation' in relation to military claims, and Sandeep Gill  is 'hardworking and has a keen eye for detail', including on fatal accident claims.

Insurance > Professional negligence Tier 1

 Hugh James provides 'sensible, level-headed advice' to clients bringing single and group action claims against solicitors, barristers, accountants and financial advisers. 'An impressive and authoritative litigator', team head Abigail Flanagan has recently handled a number of cases brought against lawyers for the under-settlement of claims for former military personnel (in a personal injury matter and a divorce), where the previous lawyers failed to take into account loss of the client's military pension. Recognised by one barrister as 'the most effective litigator in the commercial professional negligence field outside London', Kevin O’Brien 'displays excellent judgment and steely resolve', including on behalf of financial institutions in claims against solicitors and valuers arising out of defects in security, mortgage fraud and negligent valuations. As part of his broader commercial litigation prowess, Richard Locke also regularly undertakes professional negligence claimant matters where he is noted for his 'outstanding judgement' and skill at handling cross-border matters.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Hugh James has 'the depth and range of experience to take on complex or modest litigation for institutions and private individuals', running the gamut from Inheritance Act claims, through to complex proprietary estoppel claims. Team head Roman Kubiak is recognised as a 'titan in the world of contentious trusts and probate', combining as he does a 'first-class legal brain with charm' to ensure the best possible results for clients, mindful of the client's overall and objectives and the costs involved with endless and unnecessary litigation. As well as receiving direct individual instructions, Roman has also successfully cultivated strong relationships with financial institutions, charities and professional trustees, ensuring a tremendous variety and scope of work that spans Wales and England and also regularly has cross-border ramifications. Matthew Evans combines strong contentious and non-contentious smarts in his role as overarching private wealth head, ensuring that clients receive a very joined up and holistic service. Senior associate Sarah O'Grady  has thrived since recently joining the firm from Clarke Willmott LLP and has been particularly effective in handling a range of trusts and probate disputes in the agricultural sector.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

Overseen by the 'top-notch'  Matthew Evans, as part of the overarching private wealth offering, Hugh James has the strength-in-depth to provide a degree of specialisation and expertise unmatched by other firms in the Welsh market. The 'outstanding' Eleanor Evans heads up the trusts and estates sub-group  and is responsible for managing the administration of the estates of institutional clients, work which often includes complex financial assets as well as issues relating to foreign jurisdictions. Senior associate Austin Gill  handles  the administration of estates for private individuals, including high-net-worth matters involving complex issues; he is also very adept at advising on onward succession planning for beneficiaries, including in the context of drafting Deeds of Variation, as well as ensuring that lifetime gifts are effectively utilised to minimise IHT burdens on the estate. One of several in the team with Welsh language skills, Catrin Griffiths  can handle matters in English and Welsh and leads the estate planning group that has a strong reputation representing high and ultra-high-net worth clients, in particular, with the preparation of their wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney documents, succession planning and estate planning advice. For the more commoditised work, under the guidance of Gareth Wisdom and utilising some very effective internal legal technology, the firm also excels in handling volume will writing for financial institution clients. Clients also benefit from access to a market-leading litigation offering which is headed up by the 'totally brilliant' Roman Kubiak, who excels in complex contentious probate matters, including promissory estoppel cases in the farming sector.  

Real estate > Construction Tier 1

Led by Ioan Prydderch, Hugh James has the strength-in-depth, both in relation to pure construction matters as well as in other associated practice areas including commercial property, banking and litigation, to regularly handle high-value and complex matters for public and private sector entities. On the non-contentious front, Iwan Jenkins regularly advises clients on contractual drafting to facilitate and best serve their interests in relation to projects in the housing, development, roads and energy sectors. In this regard, Jenkins is abreast of modern methods of doing business in the sector, including as these relate to collaborative contracts and offsite manufacturing. The 'exceptional' Matthew Stevens is also recommended and provides 'commercially aware' non-contentious and contentious advice to the firm's impressive roster of housing associations.

Real estate > Social housing Tier 1

Highly attuned to the specific needs of an impressive roster of Wales and England-based housing associations, as well as conversant with governmental decision making, Hugh James provides ‘clear and solutions-focused advice’, which ‘takes into account the bigger picture while also being focused on the individual commercial needs’ of the client. Richard Macphail, who oversees a multidisciplinary offering (which draws from property, corporate, employment and litigation practice areas), has deep experience in the sector and continues to be at the forefront of large-scale development projects for housing associations. The ‘exceptional’ Caroline O’Flaherty is ‘well respected’ as a result of her vast commercial property expertise, which regularly sees her involved in acquisitions and development matters (including for major regeneration schemes), as well as in the attendant funding of these projects. Recognised as a ‘leading expert in housing law’, Bethan Gladwyn displays a ‘pragmatic approach’ to housing management matters.

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

With a core sector-specific offering which is led by the ‘exceptional’ Aled Walters, as well as the ability to effectively leverage the relevant expertise across the firm’s full-service offering, Hugh James ‘provides a 360-degree legal service’ to a myriad of stakeholders in the sector, running the gamut from advice on co-production agreements through to IP matters and financing arrangements. Walters has a ‘deep understanding of the media sector’ gleaned through private practice as well as his former role in-house at national broadcaster S4C; consequently he has tremendous insight into the nuances of the sector, regularly advising large UK-based television and film production companies across a range of complex commercial and corporate matters. ‘Professional’ and ‘very knowledgeable’ solicitor Ilan Jones, who was also formerly in-house at S4C, aids Walters with contractual and compliance mandates. The arrival of the ‘exceptional’ Mark Loosemore  in July 2023 (following the absorption of his former firm Loosemores Solicitors) has also given the team an extra dimension, given his ‘strong legal credentials across the wider sports industry’ and the relevant media work within that sector, including advice on sponsorship and licensing agreements. Consultant solicitor Sara Griffiths retired in October 2023.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 1

Although Hugh James previously had a not insignificant presence in the sector, it was the merger with sports boutique Loosemores Solicitors in July 2023 that truly propelled the firm to the pinnacle of the market, ensuring that clients, be they governing bodies, rights holders, sponsors or individual sportspeople, can count on a multidisciplinary offering provided by a large full-service team, as well as niche pure sports-focused expertise. ‘Exceptional’ team head Mark Loosemore draws upon ‘sharp commercial acumen’ gleaned from his many years’ expertise in the sector, both in-house and in private practice, and has ‘a deep understanding of sports law’, including on relevant regulations, contractual issues, intellectual property rights and general commercial matters. Other key practitioners include ‘very astute lawyer and tactician’ Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who has deep expertise of dispute resolution mechanisms specific to the sports industry, and Gerallt Jones, who regularly handles corporate and commercial work for sports clients, including Welsh Rugby Union. Banking and finance head Dominic Marshall provides support in financial matters while Karl Thomas aids with employment procedures and contracts in this sector. Rebecca McCarthy left the firm in June 2024.

Insurance > Product liability: claimant Tier 1

The ‘well-resourced and outstandingly efficient‘ team at Hugh James is experienced in handling several of the largest product liability claims in the UK in recent history, with particularly strong expertise in the medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs space. Mark Harvey oversees the group; he is described as ‘a partner with masses of experience, including as lead solicitor in large GLOs‘, and is praised for his work on product regulatory reform. Further evidence of the group’s wider product liability experience lies in the work of Pauline Roberts, which includes high-profile recent multi-party litigation.

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

Hugh James is primarily focused on regulatory prosecution, an area that the firm has, in recent years, gained particular acclaim as a result of Justin Davies' eclectic work for prosecutors in relation to health and safety, environmental health, food safety and trading standards, among others. 'Personable, warm and witty yet firm and unshakeable in court', Davies is best-known for his fire-safety work, recently adding a number of English fire and rescue services to a client base that already includes South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. He also regularly handles work for the Driver & Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Welsh government (including on fisheries regulation), as does the 'highly competent' Leah Ellison , who regularly assists Davies on larger cases, as well as developing her own caseload. Martin Jones  heads up the firm's overarching regulatory department and is the main contact for defendant work, including as it relates to fraud and money laundering.

Employment Tier 2

The 'dynamic, forward thinking, and helpful team' at Hugh James provides 'reliable and very service-minded advice' to local and nationwide businesses, and public sector clients, across a wide array of employment matters, including hiring and firing, ongoing operational issues, and corporate support work. This eclecticism is exemplified by 'calm and collected' team head Louise Price , who is as comfortable handling large TUPE transfers and non-contentious employee benefits/pensions advisory work, as she is defending employers in multi-party tribunal claims. The 'highly professional' Rhiannon Dale excels in handling tribunal defence work, as well as also advising on data protection matters, while at an associate level Sali Owens has 'good client skills, impressive legal knowledge and is a pleasure to work with on cases'.

Employment > Health and safety Tier 2

The 'well-resourced and knowledgeable' team at Hugh James provides 'top-class client care' to a range of prosecuting entities across a myriad health and safety matters. 'Highly competent' senior associate Justin Davies is key to this work, not only by virtue of his 'niche knowledge of fire safety law' but also his prosecution work for the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency and local authorities in cases relating to food safety and housing safety. Martin Jones heads up the overarching regulatory offering and is most active from a health and safety perspective on the defence side , adding particular insight as a result of his former work as an HSE solicitor agent.  

Employment > Pensions Tier 2

Active within both the public and private sectors, the 'very approachable and knowledgeable' team at Hugh James, which is headed by 'brilliant' employment lawyer Louise Price, has extensive expertise on standalone advisory matters, as well as transactional mandates, including in the context of due diligence reports and outsourcing. Leveraging its market-leading commercial disputes offering, the team is also very adept at handling contentious pensions matters, with the 'very bright' Abigail Flanagan involved in several professional negligence cases alleging that ex-service personnel had their personal injury claims under-settled (including as it relates to a failure to take into account the military pension obligations).  

Finance > Insolvency and corporate recovery Tier 2

Acting on its own as well as often in a multidisciplinary fashion alongside other practices within the firm, Hugh James is particularly effective at advising on formal insolvency and restructuring matters for IPs and creditors. Team head Alex Pay advises officeholders, as well as regularly working with public sector clients as creditors.

Insurance > Personal injury: defendant Tier 2

Co-headed by Stephanie Eedy and Alun Tobias, Hugh James' 'knowledgeable and approachable' team represents defendants across a wide range of personal injury matters, from low-value commoditised mandates, through to matters of the utmost severity, as well as handling subrogated recoveries work for insurers. Much of the day-to-day work is handled by senior associate Leon Lloyd  who 'combines a deep understanding of the law with strong commercial instincts', ensuring that clients are well protected in claims of varied quantum and complexity.  

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 2

Sitting within the firm's broader private wealth offering but also able to leverage areas of expertise in other key firmwide practice areas, including property, litigation and regulatory, Hugh James is a popular choice among agricultural clients across a broad array of their contentious and non-contentious requirements. Team head Matthew Evans has a strong track record advising on inheritance disputes within the sector, including on proprietary estoppel matters, as does 'legal powerhouse' Roman Kubiak, who achieves 'superb results' for clients, including a recent high-profile matter which provided clarity on the issues of detriment and remedy in the context of a proprietary estoppel claim.

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

Led from the firm’s London office by Peter Spencer but with considerable input from across various departments out of Cardiff, the ‘very accessible and responsive’ team at Hugh James provides ‘very flexible’ contentious and non-contentious advice to a range of arts and sports-based charities, in particular. The firm also continues to pick up a significant number of charity legacy mandates, which is serviced by the firm’s market-leading private wealth offering. Rebecca McCarthy left the firm in June 2024.

Private client > Family Tier 2

In somewhat of a rebuilding phase following the departure of former team head Adrienne Donneky  and Belinda Moseley  to Geldards LLP at the end of 2023, Hugh James is now headed by the 'very experienced' Victoria Cannon, who joined the firm in November 2023 from Stowe Family Law LLP. Cannon is 'compassionate, incredibly supportive and sensitive', ensuring that she is not only very adept at advising on high value matrimonial finance cases but also complex private children matters, as well as cases from the LGBT community.

Wales > Public sector Tier 2

Deploying a multi-disciplinary service that leans into the firm’s impressive full service credentials, including a number of lawyers who have former in-house expertise, the team at Hugh James is well-positioned to provide ‘responsive and reliable advice’ to central and local government, health boards, and education bodies across the full scope of their social and commercial requirements. Regulatory work remains a strong driver to the firm’s offering, with department head Martin Jones  continuing to advise Social Care Wales across a myriad matters. Along with Justin Davies, who himself specialises in fire safety work, Jones is also pivotal to the firm’s work for a myriad non-police prosecutors throughout Wales and England. ‘Industrious, uncompromising and hugely intelligent’ newly promoted partner Sara Tomaszewski continues to excel in the social care sector, regularly representing South Wales-based local authorities in safeguarding cases, often undertaking her own advocacy. The firm also handles 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 frequent engagements on contentious and non-contentious matters for core firmwide clients including Natural Resources Wales.

Real estate > Commercial property Tier 2

Often collaborating with other core practice groups, including banking and construction, the ‘very knowledgeable, professional and accessible’ team at Hugh James remains a very popular choice among a balanced mix of public and private sector stakeholders across a wide array of commercial property matters. Team head Peter Hurn is a very well-known figure in the market and continues to advise an impressive roster of housebuilders on residential development projects, as well as advising developers on renewables matters. In the social housing sector, Caroline O’Flaherty provides ‘a very comprehensive, considered and constructive service’ to a multitude of Wales-based housing associations (as well as a growing number in England) on their property needs. Leveraging her broader planning expertise, senior associate Shelley Thomas is also a key member of the team and regularly advises on large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.

Real estate > Planning and environment Tier 2

Forming part of the broader real estate offering which is led by Peter Hurn, Hugh James provides 'very diligent and responsive' advice to public sector entities, developers and housing associations on the environmental and planning issues involved in the successful completion of transactions in sectors including energy, utilities and infrastructure. Hurn has recently handled numerous renewable energy mandates, including advice to key client Welsh Water on the environmental issues related to proposed hydroelectric schemes. 'Professional, diligent and knowledgeable' senior associate Shelley Thomas has 'significant experience in commercial and planning issues', including in the context of advice to large-scale consortiums and to developers on village green matters.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2

Recognised as ‘a safe pair of hands’ and drawing upon deep knowledge of developments in the real estate sector, Hugh James provides ‘thorough and considered advice’ to private, public and third sector clients across a myriad of contentious matters. The firm is also very highly engaged in the market from a risk management perspective, as was recently exemplified by team head Rebecca Rees‘ work for a raft of very large landlords in relation to the implementation of the Renting Homes Wales legislation, which was recognised as being ‘second to none’. Rees also has a ‘breadth of experience and connections’ within the social housing sector, ensuring she is a popular choice among RSLs across a range of contentious work. Jo Brown is a key contact including for contentious property advice in the hospitality and telecoms sectors. Former team head James Hastings is now a consultant to the firm.

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

Led by the 'knowledgeable and helpful' Aled Walters, Hugh James has 'an excellent understanding of legal issues relating to IP'. Formerly in-house at national broadcaster S4C, Welsh-speaker Walters has an excellent insight into IP issues within the media sector, and is also noted for his prowess within the gaming space, including for IP licensing agreements. IP litigation work is spearheaded by Tracey Singlehurst-Ward, who as well as handling copyright and trade mark disputes also has niche media law expertise and oversees a considerable amount of sports-related IP disputes work, including for governing bodies. The firm's merger in July 2023 with boutique law firm Loosemores Solicitors also enhances its credentials in the sports and media sectors, particularly in light of Mark Loosemore's expertise in the space.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > IT and telecoms Tier 2

Leveraging an impressive cadre of long-term commercial clients, including within the rail, financial services, gaming and utilities sectors, and also instructed on an ad-hoc basis, Hugh James regularly advises end-users and suppliers across a range of technology and IT-focused contracts. Under the guidance of Aled Walters, the team has developed a strong grounding in software and cyber-security IT matters, as was recently underscored by its advice to Cardiff University on the establishment of its new Cyber Innovation Hub. Telecoms-related work is invariably handled by commercial property partner David King, who specialises in advising on telecoms leases, the acquisition of telecoms sites by investors and operators, and the decommissioning of telecoms sites. On the contentious front, Tracey Singlehurst-Ward regularly oversees IT-related contract disputes as part of her wider commercial litigation prowess.

Private client > Court of protection Tier 2

Hugh James 'builds a strong and sympathetic relationship with the lay client'. It has seen further significant growth with the arrival of Christine Bunting and Kelly Knight from Hyphen Law in February 2024. Tom Hall spearheads the department which now has experienced teams in Cardiff, Manchester, London, and Swindon. It is a large team, which manages approximately 350 deputyships and 100 personal injury trusts. The overall value of assets under management by the department is in excess of £500m. The group is adept at helping on all matters relating to a client’s property and financial affairs, as well as health and welfare matters. Manchester-based Gregory Poole is highly regarded, and Charlotte Fletcher is another name to note.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

The ‘outstanding‘ and ‘extremely thorough‘ team at Hugh James handles a broad array of cases involving both fatal and life altering non-fatal injuries. Practice head Helen Dolan is well-known for her longstanding experience in claims concerning negligent surgery, and spinal and birth injury cases. Gill Edwards has broad knowledge of amputation cases, achieving settlements in matters concerning delayed diagnoses as a result of GP negligence and negligent antenatal care. Lesley Herbertson‘s varied caseload consists of major birth injuries resulting in cerebral palsy, in addition to matters involving chronic pain and gynaecological surgical injuries. Nina Roland is now a consultant with the firm.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2

The ‘consistently outstanding‘ practice at Hugh James handles a varied workload of cases involving major orthopaedic and criminal injuries. Practice head Hugh Potter has longstanding expertise in cases where claimants have sustained severe brain and spinal cord injuries. ‘Excellent‘ litigator Gary Herbert routinely acts for pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers in road traffic accidents, particularly where there are allegations of helmets and seatbelts not being worn. ‘Absolute star‘ Richard Edwards stands out due to his focus on amputation and traumatic brain injury cases as a result of workplace accidents, in addition to handling occupier’s liability claims.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 3

Hugh James provides comprehensive legal services to both online and land-based gaming and betting clients, with particular strengths in sports betting, licensing, and high-value IP licensing. The firm supports a diverse clientele, including international clients, across areas such as corporate law, regulatory and compliance matters, property, anti-money laundering, and dispute resolution. The practice is spearheaded by Aled Walters, who is noted for his expertise in commercial, IP, and M&A transactions within the sector. Martin Jones offers specialised advice on all aspects of gambling licensing, guiding clients through the process of obtaining licences from the Gambling Commission and ensuring operators meet their ongoing compliance obligations.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Licensing Tier 3

Dispute resolution > Group litigation: Claimant Tier 3

Successful in group action cases, Hugh James specialises in environmental nuisance and industrial disease claims. Product liability is another area of expertise; the team is particularly active in the medical devices and pharmaceutical drugs space. Neil Stockdale leads the firm’s group actions department from Cardiff, while Kathryn Singh leads the industrial disease team, specialising in multi-party group litigation. Also in Cardiff, Stephanie Eedy specialises in environmental matters and James Gibson is experienced in multi-party actions, representing claimants with respiratory disease and cancer. In London, Mark Harvey has a strong track record in product liability claims. Rebecca Andrews and James Coleman are further key names to note in Cardiff.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 3

Led by Mark Harvey, the London-based serious injury department of Hugh James is distinguished for its ‘strength and depth in military claims and international travel claims’, as well as for its capabilities in litigation pertaining to sexual abuse, including institutional child abuse.  Described as a ‘a standout star in his field of cross-jurisdictional claims’, Harvey maintains a leading role in the specialist claims team, which includes overseas travel injuries, along with sports accidents and injuries sustained from defective consumer products. Alan Collins is praised for his ‘enormous experience’, over 30 years, in sexual abuse litigation. Kevin Grealis‘ workload typically includes catastrophic injuries sustained from traffic collisions, while Mary Mulhall is noted for her work concerning asbestos and mesothelioma claims. Other key figures include Phoebe Osborne, praised for '(going) the extra mile for her clients’ during mesothelioma disputes.

Transport > Travel Tier 3

The practice at Hugh James is headed up by Katherine Allen, who has a strong reputation for her capabilities in acting for claimants across the entire gamut of travel PI matters, particularly those wherein serious brain and spinal injuries have occurred as a result of RTAs and aviation and cruise ship accidents. Allen is ‘very highly regarded’ by clients and is supported at the team’s helm by Mark Harvey, who has expertise in foreign product liability and foreign employers’ liability claims in particular. Rebecca Gilmore shows clients ‘deep empathy and compassion’ in the sensitive and complex matters she frequently handles.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 4

Transport > Rail Tier 4

The dedicated rail team at Hugh James is led by Aled Walters. It regularly supports rail operators and the wider rail industry on a broad range of issues which affect their commercial activities. It is well-equipped to advise on procurement, dispute resolution, construction and project work.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 4

Ruth Powell leads the clinical negligence team at Hugh James, which handles a diverse spectrum of matters relating to birth injury and misdiagnosis cases. The key name to note in the firm’s Southampton office is Gemma Osgood, who ‘works extremely hard’ and is ‘professional, caring and genuinely interested’.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4

From its base in Southampton, Hugh James‘ practice fields distinct subgroups specialising in serious injury claims, abuse issues, travel-related matters and specialist claims, among others. Peter Hilditch and Lynn Yeates are noted for their experience in asbestos-related work, while Siobhan Thomas focuses on catastrophic injury claims.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 4

Hugh James houses a highly-regarded specialist asbestos group, which is headed up nationally by Richard Green from Cardiff. The firm’s offering also includes regularly conducting international litigation in the US and South Africa. ‘Exceptional practitioner’ Andrew Walker is the key name to note in the Plymouth office.

North West > Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant Tier 2

North West > Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2