Hugh James

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.