Weightmans LLP

SECTOR LEAD FOR LEGACY RE/INSURANCE Weightmans dedicated disease unit.

Admitted in 1996, Jim has been a partner since May 2003 and joined Weightmans in January

2014. Jim’s expertise is defending disease and toxic exposure claims for the live and legacy insurance markets, upon instruction of carriers, brokers, intermediaries and global corporates.

He has extensive experience in all aspects of this litigation, including all asbestos-related diseases, asthma, dermatitis, HAVS, NIHL and stress cases. He has particular expertise in HAVS, following extensive involvement in the British Coal Litigation and Government Compensation Scheme, on behalf of Commercial Union, CGU and NU. Jim has also been instructed by the insurance market on a number of successful group actions, not just in relation to HAVS, but also carbon monoxide, dermatitis, food poisoning, lead poisoning and rhinitis. Jim has successfully defended to trial every type of disease case. He also has successful Court of Appeal experience in HAVS and stress claims.

Jim also has a great deal of experience in the discontinued insurance business. He has advised run-off managers and acquirers of run-off books of business on claims-related and corporate liability and coverage matters. He has also taken part in panel discussions on disease-related topics at the annual IRLA Congress and chairs regular claims forums for the key players in the legacy market. Jim is currently an accredited mentor to younger members of IRLA.

Trained Maddocks Clarke; qualified 1996; assistant solicitor Maddocks Clarke and Alexander Harris; assistant solicitor, associate and partner Halliwells LLP; partner Barlow Lyde & Gilbert Claims LLP; partner Clyde & Co Claims LLP; partner Weightmans LLP to date.

Manchester Grammar School; University of London (Queen Mary & Westfield) (BA (Hons) History); Manchester Metropolitan University (1994 CPE and LPC)

Cricket, football – both still played to reasonable standard; music and philosophy.