Hugh James

Clinical negligence

Partner

Stephen Webber is one of Wales’ most established claimant clinical negligence practitioners, with a track record in catastrophic injury litigation, public inquiries, inquests and complex human rights-related healthcare claims.

Stephen is a Partner at Hugh James and was head of the firm’s Individual Services division until May 2026, overseeing teams acting for private individuals across litigation, personal legal services and related advisory work. Alongside his leadership role, he continues to bring senior strategic input to high-value medical negligence claims, particularly those involving cerebral palsy, brain and spinal injury, obstetric negligence, psychiatric injury, delayed diagnosis, surgical failings and consent issues.

He has been involved in some of the most high value clinical negligence cases recovering tens of millions of pounds for clients over his career as well as some of the most legally significant claimant work in the field. His cases include the Court of Appeal case of PMC v A Local Health Board which highlighted the need to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and those who lack capacity, within the justice system.

Stephen also was successful in the Court of Appeal case of Walters v North Glamorgan NHS Trust, a leading authority on secondary victim psychiatric injury; multimillion-pound settlements for children and adults affected by cerebral palsy, brain injury and spinal cord injury; and representation of families affected by the 2005 South Wales E. coli outbreak, including work connected to the public inquiry.

Directory commentary underlines both Stephen’s technical reputation and his strategic judgement where he is described as highly regarded and experienced in clinical negligence, with particular strength in surgical care and delayed diagnosis claims. Recent feedback calls him “the doyen of catastrophic clinical negligence claims” and highlights his “exceptional technical knowledge”, strategic skill and commitment to clients. He is described as “highly intelligent” and a “great tactician” within the Hugh James claimant clinical negligence team.

Stephen’s standing is also reflected in his professional appointments and accreditations. He is on the AvMA and Law Society clinical negligence panels and is a Fellow of APIL. Stephen was also the chairperson of SCIL for 8 years.This combination of senior market recognition, complex case experience and sector leadership makes him a persuasive choice for clients and referrers seeking expert representation in the most serious medical negligence claims.