Hugh James

Regulatory

As the Head of the Regulatory Department, Martin acts in a wide-range of regulatory crime and professional regulation matters. Martin has built up over 20 years of experience and a wealth of specialist knowledge.

He leads the firm’s cross-departmental alcohol and gaming licensing teams. Additionally Martin manages the teams providing a range of outsourced services to local authorities, including court representation of local authorities Adult and Children’s Services Departments.

Martin has a wealth of specialist knowledge in the fields of regulatory crime and compliance. With vast experience in fraud, money laundering and financial regulation matters, Martin has dealt with numerous high-value cases, some concerning fraud valued in excess of £100 million.

For six years, Martin worked as a Health and Safety solicitor agent. Having advised in criminal health and safety matters throughout his career, he has worked in cases of the utmost gravity, including those arising from multiple-fatalities and disease outbreak.

In addition to his defence and advisory practice, he prosecutes on behalf of local authorities and the Welsh Government in health and safety related matters. Complementing his health and safety work, Martin has substantial coronial law experience, appearing in inquests throughout England and Wales for individuals, companies, the Welsh Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The firm’s gambling licensing practice has grown considerably over recent years. Within this area, Martin advises operators on licensing issues of all types. This includes assisting clients in obtaining licences from the Gambling Commission and advising operators on compliance with their on-going obligations under Licensing Conditions and Codes of Practice. Within alcohol licensing, Martin specialises in contested matters.

Dealing with Professional Regulation matters on behalf of regulators and regulated individuals, Martin is very familiar with all three roles. That is, advising the regulatory panel or committee, presenting the case for the regulator and presenting the case for the regulated individual. For more than 10 years, Martin has been the lead legal advisor to the regulatory panel of Social Care Wales.

Qualified 1996; Bawtree and Sons for five years; Hugh James senior associate and then a partner. He also provides training regularly. Currently offering training on corporate manslaughter and the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Welsh

Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers Children’s Panel member Health and Safety Lawyers Association Inquest Lawyers Group Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (associate member) Fraud Lawyers Association

Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest; Keele University (1993 Law & English Literature 2(1)); College of Law, Chester (1994 LPC).

A keen runner (distance), cyclist and hill-walker. Enjoys Welsh rugby and English cricket.