Justin Davies
Hugh JamesHugh James is primarily focused on regulatory prosecution, an area that the firm has, in recent years, gained particular acclaim as a result of Justin Davies' eclectic work for prosecutors in relation to health and safety, environmental health, food safety and trading standards, among others. 'Personable, warm and witty yet firm and unshakeable in court', Davies is best-known for his fire-safety work, recently adding a number of English fire and rescue services to a client base that already includes South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. He also regularly handles work for the Driver & Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Welsh government (including on fisheries regulation), as does the 'highly competent' Leah Ellison , who regularly assists Davies on larger cases, as well as developing her own caseload. Martin Jones heads up the firm's overarching regulatory department and is the main contact for defendant work, including as it relates to fraud and money laundering.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Justin Davies is the heart of Hugh James' criminal offering and has an expertise built of many years in regulatory prosecution work.'
- 'Justin Davies is that rare breed, a lawyer of real niche knowledge and skill without a trace of the geek - he is personable, warm and witty, yet firm and unshakeable in Court.'
- 'Leah Ellison is highly competent.'
- 'Hugh James stand out from other firms as they go above and beyond. Nothing seems to be too much hassle for the firm, and they are always willing to assist. The people skills of their staff are excellent and their team are friendly and approachable.'
- 'Justin Davies has been particularly helpful. He has recently attended events to talk to different teams within the business about the prosecution work that the firm has done, and to offer tips to increase the quality of future prosecution cases.'
Key clients
- Welsh Government
- Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
- Independent Office for Police Conduct
- The City of Cardiff County Council
- Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service
- East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
Work highlights
- Acted for the Counsel General for Wales in prosecutions on behalf of the Marine Fisheries Enforcement team.
- Prosecution work in England and Wales on both of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (as well as training).
- Provide very specialised prosecution advice and representation to the fire and rescue authorities in South Wales and the West of England.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Jones