Hugh James celebrates 65 years of legal excellence and growth
Hugh James celebrates 65 years of legal excellence and growth
Top 100 UK law firm Hugh James is marking its 65th anniversary this month, celebrating its evolution from a high street practice in south Wales to a full-service national firm with more than 700 staff across Cardiff, London, Manchester, and the south coast.
Founded in 1960 at Queen’s Chambers near Cardiff’s Queen’s Arcade, Hugh James began by serving local communities across south Wales with branches in Aberdare, Bargoed, Blackwood, Merthyr Tydfil, Pontlottyn, Talbot Green, and Treharris. Many of today’s senior leaders began their legal journeys in those local offices, laying the foundation for the firm’s people-focused culture.
A major turning point came with the firm’s move to Hodge House on St Mary’s Street, establishing its city-centre presence, and was further cemented in 2018 with its relocation to the landmark Two Central Square, Cardiff’s premier business district. The move fuelled Hugh James’ expansion across the UK.
Over the past decade, Hugh James has more than doubled its London footprint, grown a nationally recognised claimant practice in Manchester, and expanded operations along the South Coast. Today, the firm provides specialist legal services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector nationwide.
The firm has led on some of the most significant litigation in UK legal history. In the 1990s and 2000s, Hugh James represented tens of thousands of ex-miners in one of the largest personal injury claims in British history.
More recently, it secured a landmark 2024 matrix agreement with the Ministry of Defence to deliver compensation to service personnel affected by hearing loss, underlining its commitment to access to justice.
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Led by Stephen Webber, the firm’s Individual Services Division remains a national leader in serious injury, clinical negligence, environmental claims, and military cases.
The Business Division, under the leadership of Ioan Prydderch, reflects Hugh James’ growing influence in commercial law. The team advises major institutions such as Lloyds Banking Group, Metro Bank, and Barratt Homes, and has played key roles with the Welsh Government and Welsh Rugby Union, acting as principal legal advisor since 1993, including during the development of the then Millennium Stadium.
Its sports law credentials are also notable, with the firm advising the British Board of Boxing Control and British Gymnastics, among others.
Alun Jones, Managing Partner, reflected on the firm’s anniversary: “Marking 65 years is a proud milestone that speaks to the strength of our people, the trust we’ve built with clients, and our ongoing ambition.
From our origins as a general practice in South Wales to leading landmark group litigations and advising national institutions, our growth has always been grounded in purpose and people. We’re proud of our heritage and excited for the future.”
To mark the anniversary, Hugh James has launched a special “HJ Talks” heritage video series featuring reflections from long-serving team members. The firm is also reinforcing its commitment to community engagement with a new initiative offering an additional 65 paid volunteering days for staff, building on the two CSR days already provided annually.
