James Hawkins specialises in personal injury, travel law and professional negligence claims.

In his personal injury practice, James represents both claimants and defendants, often in claims of substantial value and with complex medical causation issues. Recently, James has been involved in claims involving traumatic brain injuries and other serious physical injuries which have resulted in a need for significant treatment and care. James is experienced in all aspects of such litigation, including advising (generally, and with regard to expert evidence), interim hearings, joint settlement meetings/mediation and trials. He also acts in (and has delivered seminars about) Fatal Accidents Act claims.

James is regularly instructed to defend injury claims brought against local authorities. He has particular expertise in cases involving legal issues in respect of the creation, maintenance and status of highways, as well as issues as to the duties owed by highway authorities. James also appears at inquests, including inquests involving issues as to the medical cause of death and the standard of care and treatment received at hospital. He has particular recent experience of cases where death has resulted from anaphylaxis.

James regularly undertakes work with a foreign element, including accidents which have occurred abroad, illness claims, Athens Convention claims and claims against foreign insurers. In his professional negligence practice, James has recently appeared in a claim for substantial damages against a firm of solicitors.

Expertise

A claim where the claimant suffered a very severe traumatic brain injury. A total of 19 experts were instructed. The claim settled at a joint settlement meeting. James was led in this case by Howard Stevens KC.

A claim in which an elderly claimant suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in the need for residential care.

Claims involving issues as to whether footpaths were highways maintainable at the public expense for the purposes of the Highways Act 1980. The cases turned on issues of statutory interpretation and consideration of how a highway can come into existence.

An inquest arising out of an incident which occurred while the deceased was on holiday.

An inquest concerning the death of a person under the care of a local authority. James regularly delivers talks and seminars to solicitors and has given a talk on highway law to a major insurer.

Kuoni Travel Limited, a case which concerns whether a travel operator is liable in contract / under the 1992 package travel regulations for a sexual assault that occurred when the claimant was on holiday in a hotel in Sri Lanka. This was the first time the Supreme Court had considered issues of liability in the context of a package holiday. Katherine Deal KC acted for the Appellant (the claimant at first instance) and Howard Stevens KC and James Hawkins acted for ABTA, which was granted permission to intervene given the importance of the decision to the travel industry.

‘James is an excellent advocate. He has an intellectual rigour combined with a meticulous approach to his papers which enables him to simplify and distill the key issues at the outset.’ - Personal Injury

Legal 500 2025

"“James is a superb advocate. He is adept at distilling very complex issues and providing clients with clear and concise advice.” “James is a very effective operator who gets judges on side.”" - Travel: International Personal Injury

Chambers & Partners 2024

‘James is an excellent barrister. His attention to detail is second-to-none.’ - Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud

Legal 500 2024

"James is very approachable and reassuring." "His work is thorough and of high calibre." "He is very precise and concise." -Travel: International Personal Injury - London (Bar)

Chambers and Partners 2023

‘James is a very thorough barrister with great attention to detail and patience with large matters. He is a great advocate in court.’ Ranked: Tier 3 - Travel Law - UK Bar

Legal 500 2023

"He is quick on his feet and sharp on his knowledge of the Package Travel Regulations. He's also extremely approachable." "His pleadings are very clear and concise and he's a very reassuring presence before clients." - Travel: International Personal Injury - London (Bar)

Chambers & Partners 2022

‘ Exceptional attention to detail and is extremely thorough. ’ Leading Junior - Travel Law

Legal 500 2022

"Very good both on his feet and on paper." - Travel: International Personal Injury

Chambers and Partners 2021

For Help or Advice…


Please contact us either by telephone: +44 (0)20 7415 7800 or email: clerks@3harecourt.com

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