Hugh James has an emphasis on regulatory crime, business crime, and professional regulation, and acts on behalf of prosecutors in relation to health and safety, environmental, and food safety matters, in addition to a range of other issues. The group is active throughout England and Wales, and is led by Martin Jones, whose practice extends to fraud issues and financial regulation. Also key are Justin Davies, who has particular expertise in POCA proceedings and fire safety law, and Lydia Clements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Justin Davies is a stand-out solicitor in this area, supported by a great team.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable and competent regulatory firm.’
‘The team is very well-resourced with impressive expertise and keenness at all levels. The national scale of the Hugh James operation should only be assessed against the Big Law London firms.’
‘Justin Davies has long experience in acting for the Counsel General for Wales as well as substantial companies which means that he has a reassuring and wise perspective on cases from a prosecution and defence angle which is unusual in those handling criminal work generally.'
‘The regulatory team always appear to be one step ahead of other firms and provide great results, they are reliable, and I feel that they are trustworthy. The team have excellent communication skills and collaborate exceptionally.’
‘Justin Davies is very well liked by my team as he is friendly and approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. Justin will engage with colleagues who are not legally trained, yet Justin explains concepts in a straight forward way that is clear to understand.'
Key clients
- Welsh Government
- Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Independent Office for Police Conduct
- The Council of the City & County of Cardiff
- Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
- East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
- Newport City Council
- Ceredigion County Council
Work highlights
Acting for the Counsel General for Wales in prosecutions on behalf of the Marine Fisheries Enforcement team.
Acting under contract for the DVSA, the regulator of the road haulage industry throughout the UK.
Providing highly specialised prosecution advice and representation to fire and rescue authorities in South Wales, the South coast, and the South East.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Martin Jones
Other key lawyers
Justin Davies; Lydia Clements