2025: Year in review

As we reach the end of 2025, I’m proud to reflect on another defining year for the firm, which also marks our 65th anniversary. This has been a year of growth and innovation – strengthening our UK footprint, advancing our digital capabilities, and investing in our people, clients and communities.

The work we do

Our mission has always been to protect what matters most to individuals, businesses, and communities, and this year has been no exception. Our teams have delivered significant results in some of the most complex and high-profile cases in the UK.

Our breakthrough for military hearing loss claims featured in The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2025 while a major anonymity case at the Court of Appeal further showcased our expertise in sensitive and high-impact litigation. Members of our Private Wealth team contributed to the Law Commission’s proposed reforms to wills law – the first of its kind in almost 200 years. In addition, our serious injury and clinical negligence teams were recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 and our Private Client teams scooped industry awards and recognition for Court of Protection, Family Law and Private Wealth.

Across our business divisions, we have supported clients through major deals and projects. Highlights include advising Glamorgan County Cricket Club on its acquisition of a 50% stake in Welsh Fire, working with Space Forge on pioneering developments in space manufacturing, and advising Barratt and Redrow on the UK’s largest net-zero housing development. We also secured appointments across public and private sectors, including frameworks, panels, and sole awards with organisations such as the Welsh Government, Development Bank of Wales, Transport for Wales, and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The business we run

We’ve continued to build a strong and sustainable business from our headquarters in Cardiff, and across our offices in London, Manchester and the South Coast. This year we welcomed new partners – Liz Fletcher, Phil Edwards, and Danielle Cahill – expanded our Planning and Charities teams, welcomed new trainees, and celebrated 26 promotions across the firm.

Our digital-first journey has progressed through our partnership with PwC, and the introduction of ChatGPT Enterprise across the firm to enhance productivity, build confidence in AI, and support more efficient outcomes for clients and colleagues. Our Planet Workstream has played a key role in advancing our sustainability agenda – achieving ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, including taking part in a world-record river clean-up as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.

We delivered 257 events this year, from the Manchester Trauma Conference to the inaugural Welsh Business Outlook,  helping to bring people together to share insight, strengthen relationships and shape important conversations.

The culture we want

Our people remain at the heart of our success. In 2025, we strengthened our culture through the launch of our Mentor Scheme, connecting 46 mentors and mentees, and expanded our employee networks with a new Men’s Health Group, alongside our existing Women’s Health and Parent and Carer networks. We also introduced a new infertility policy to provide additional support to colleagues and their families.

To mark our 65th anniversary, we offered an extra 65 corporate responsibility days, contributing more than 1,400 volunteering days to our communities this year. Through initiatives like Mastering Diversity, our partnership with NatWest to deliver events with our Gender Balance Group, and our Employee Excellence Awards, where 62 colleagues were recognised for living our values, we continue to build a culture that champions integrity, inclusion, and ambition.

Our investment in learning and development, wellbeing, and recognition ensures Hugh James remains a place where people can thrive and grow, both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate 65 years of Hugh James, I’m proud to recognise how far we’ve come – from our beginnings in Cardiff to our growing national footprint. Guided by our Bigger, Bolder, Better 2022-27 strategy, we’ll continue to grow with purpose, invest in our people, embrace digital innovation, and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Here’s to the next chapter – One that’s every bit as ambitious, collaborative, and values-driven as the last 65 years.