Class action litigation

Who we are

The UK’s leading class action law firm

Hugh James is without doubt the most experienced group action firm in the UK. We have dealt with more cases where a group litigation order has been granted than any other firm. List of group litigation orders.

We are a full service, top 100 UK wide law firm offering specialist legal and financial advice. With over 50 years’ experience, and six hundred staff members, we have the expertise to provide you a service you can trust.

A firm you can trust – We are ranked as for our group litigation work in Chambers and Partners Guide to the legal profession.

Fighting for justice for over 30 years

Our experienced lawyers have handled some of the largest group action cases in UK legal history and we have specialists who are able to fight cases across various sectors including financial mis-selling, investment scams, shareholder disputes, solicitor negligence, product liability, industrial illness, and data breach cases.

Can we help?

Tell us what happened to you and we will quickly assess whether we can help to join an existing claim or if a new group action might be appropriate.

Strength in numbers

We support you all the way. We help our clients and campaign groups at all stages from the initial assessment of the merits of a case and securing financial backing right through to trial.

Costs and funding

We undertake initial assessments free on charge. If we take your case forward, we will set out your options in writing. We offer conditional fee agreements (no win, no fee) on nearly all cases we agree to take on.

You will always know what you might pay and when. If anything is unclear at any point, please ask us to explain again.

Digital-first

We are at the forefront of technical innovation and invest in the latest technology, systems, and training to help ensure the efficient and smooth running of collective actions.

Ongoing class actions

Group action claim against cruise giant Carnival plc

Hugh James is currently acting for over 1,000 clients in a group action claim against cruise giant Carnival plc arising from significant flight delays that disrupted customers’ package holidays between November 2023 and March 2024.

Many affected passengers initially sought redress directly from the airline Maleth Aero and Carnival plc but had their claims rejected or received no substantive response. Hugh James has been instrumental in bringing this large group of customers together to pursue their claims collectively, seeking appropriate compensation for the disruption to their travel arrangements and to ensure their consumer rights are properly enforced.

If you may have been affected by this issue and wish to explore joining the claim, please contact us at [email protected] for advice.

Our specialist lawyers

You will work with solicitors who have run large multi-claimant actions in UK courts and have been appointed by the court to leadership roles in notable group cases. We combine legal expertise with practical support from your first enquiry to resolution.

Neil Stockdale

Partner
Neil is head of the firm’s group actions and financial mis-selling teams, specialising in handling claims for financial mis-selling relating to energy contracts, pensions, investments and timeshares.

Neil Stockdale is commended for his “good manner with clients.” He is a recognised expert in bringing nuisance claims, with clients calling upon his deep experience in major group actions. One source reports: “I have found that Neil can look at every aspect of a case, evaluate specialist advice and then take a pragmatic view of the way to proceed.”

Chambers & Partners

Mark Harvey

Partner
Mark Harvey is a Partner in the claimant division. He has obtained compensation for many individual victims of common but defective consumer products as well as victims of accidents overseas and arising out of travel generally. Mark is the court appointed lead solicitor coordinating over 1,000 claimants in a group litigation order (GLO) arising out of the recall and health alert relating to the French manufacturer’s PIP silicone breast implants.

Mark Harvey is a real star in this field. Has worked on multiple pieces of group litigation. Knows the area inside out.

The Legal 500

Your questions answered

In a class or group action, a group of claims with similar issues of fact and law are typically tried through a selection of “lead” or “test” cases. The Court will appoint lead solicitors to represent the group. The purpose of group litigation is that it reduces the overall cost of pursuing litigation for both parties and reduces delay by avoiding the need for each case to be determined individually or in multiple courts.

Usually, an application is made to the Court on behalf of existing claimants for a group litigation order (GLO) which provides for the cases to be tried as a group. In some cases, the Court may make a GLO of its own volition. Once a GLO is made, the Court will typically set a deadline for any additional claimants to join the group litigation.

It is difficult to predict how long a case will take. The timescale as to when the case will be concluded will be dependent to a large extent on the directions of the court, the conduct of the defendants, court listings and directions. Group action cases tend to take longer than a single case. It is not unusual for a group action to be concluded within three to four years, but a group action is beneficial in the long run as multiple issues can be determined by the same judge relating to all the cases within the same group, whilst at the same time keeping costs to a minimum. We will keep you updated throughout as to the progress of your claim.

You should contact the lead solicitors representing the claimants in a group action as soon as possible so that they may ascertain whether you have a claim. Time limits may apply.

Claims are often stronger when brought as part of a group. Please contact us so that we may discuss your potential claim with you. Time limits may apply.

Yes. You can book a short call with a solicitor to discuss your situation.

Related services

Harmful Product Claims Workplace Disease and Illness Claims Mis-Sold Investment & Financial Claims GDPR Breach Claims & Compensations Claims against negligent solicitors Competition litigation practice

Next steps

We’re here to get things moving. Drop a message to one of our experts and we’ll get straight back to you.

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