James is extremely personable and communicates well with those instructing and clients alike. He has good technical knowledge and his advocacy and courtroom presence are impressive.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

James is a specialist clinical negligence practitioner. He acts for both claimants and defendant trusts and clinicians, and is regularly in cases where there is more than one defendant.

Recent work includes:

  • Injury to external iliac artery during laparoscopic sterilisation surgery.
  • Wrongful or late cancer diagnosis (including, most recently, brain tumours in an adolescent claimant and oesophageal cancers in adult claimants).
  • Negligent prescription of opioid analgesics.
  • Missed cholesteatoma diagnosis.
  • Colorectal and gastrointestinal sepsis.

Directory Quotes

James has a keen eye for detail and provides thorough advice. His pleading of court documents is thorough and concise. He is good on his feet in trials, especially in getting the point across clearly and concisely.

The Legal 500 2025, Personal Injury

James’s written advice is clear and concise. In conference he quickly gains the client’s trust, but he is unafraid to adopt a gloves-off approach when exploring the nitty-gritty of a contested matter.

Chambers UK 2025 , Personal Injury

James provides pragmatic advice. He is approachable and helpful, and alive to the difficulties and intricacies in running personal injury cases.’ He is a robust counsel but friendly and has a good manner with clients. He provides clear and concise advice and is always happy to assist.’ James’ court room deliverance and advocacy skills are impressive.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

A tenacious advocate, who is very approachable and appreciated by clients and witnesses alike for his easy-going manner and interpersonal skills.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

James is extremely personable and communicates well with those instructing and clients alike. He has good technical knowledge and his advocacy and courtroom presence are impressive.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Seminars & Events

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • LLB (Hons) (Nottingham University) –  Law with European Law (2010)
    • BPTC, College of Law (2011)
    • LLM, Bristol University (2012)
    • Erasmus Scholar
    • Nottingham University Mooting Competition and Law Graduates’ Association Moot Prize Winner
    • Westlaw UK Mooting Competition Winner (judged by Jackson LJ)
    • Lord Justice Jackson’s Award for Best Submissions at Westlaw UK Moot Final
    • National Mock Trial Competition Semi-Finalist
    • Herbert Smith Mooting Competition Winner (Bristol University, judged by Lord Kerr, Supreme Court Justice)
  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
  • James Hughes is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.