Richard Locke > Hugh James > Cardiff, United Kingdom > Lawyer Profile

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.

 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.