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Andrew Harding

Consultant
Contact Number: 029 2267 5890

Andrew is a consultant in the firm’s Neurolaw Department covering brain and spinal injuries and Court of Protection deputyship. Andrew established the firm's dedicated Brain Injury Unit in 1998 and has over 30 years’ experience representing the survivors of catastrophic injury. He is responsible for the growth and development of the unit into a national multidisciplinary specialist department. He has been ranked as a leader in the field of personal injury and ranked in the top tiers in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners legal guides. Andrew has also recently been named in The Legal 500 Hall of Fame; this recognises him as a leader in his field and consistently receiving praise from his clients. Andrew and those in his team place a heavy emphasis on rehabilitation and achieving best outcome working closely with clinicians and the third sector.

The department includes a unique specialist Court of Protection team providing professional deputy input to those who have recovered damages following brain injury. Andrew leads the team which represents the interests of those who have suffered acquired brain or spinal cord injury, and their families and carers, with continued support and input provided post settlement in the professional deputyship service provided. Andrew is currently personally appointed as deputy to more than 115 individuals who are unable to make financial decisions for themselves following acquired brain injury.

As a result of his involvement and the experience gained from representing those who have suffered acquired brain injury, Andrew has been invited to sit on NHS Steering groups and committees reviewing rehabilitation services in Wales and establishing community based rehabilitation teams.

Andrew has been instrumental in the establishment and development of Headway – The Brain Injury Association in South Wales and has been Chairman of Headway Cardiff and South East Wales since its incorporation. Andrew is also a member of the Board of Headway UK. He was also instrumental in establishing the Child Brain Injury Trust Cymru and the South Wales Acquired Brain Injury Forum.

Andrew was an invited member of the Court of Protection Receivers Forum prior to the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and is a member of the Court of Protection Court User Group. He has this year worked to establish the Court of Protection Practitioners Association Cymru where he is Vice Chair.

Andrew was appointed as Recorder sitting on the Wales and Chester Circuit in 2001 and is regularly instructed to provide expert witness evidence in relation to the Court of Protection and deputyship costs in litigated cases due to his national reputation in this field.

Work History

Andrew joined the firm in 1982 before qualifying in 1984. He has been a partner in the firm since 1987.

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Andrew Harding is a key partner in the neurolaw department, with formidable experience in complex and high-value head and spinal injury claims.

Chambers and Partners UK

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Andrew Harding is considered “very efficient and professionally competent” by his clients.

Chambers and Partners UK

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My first contact with Hugh James solicitors was in early 2008. The solicitor was Mr Andrew Harding. The claim was for an injury sustained whilst working on a farm. There was continuous contact whilst dealing with the case. I was very satisfied with the case outcome. Advice was given on investing the compensation. I found all of the Hugh James personnel extremely efficient and cooperative and have no hesitation in recommending Mr Andrew Harding and colleagues to deal with high value personal injury claims.

Mr J Groom

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Andrew Harding is noted as having significant experience assisting individuals with acquired brain injuries. He is particularly skilled as a financial deputy, and he often handles complex and high-value cases. One source says: “He’s fantastic – he’s a good communicator and is good with the clients.” Another source confirms: “He is just brilliant.”

The Legal 500

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Hugh James fields a team of ‘exceptional and approachable lawyers’ that includes Andrew Harding, who ‘takes a real interest in all of his clients’.

The Legal 500

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Catastrophic/neurological injury matters are led by ‘absolute expert’ Andrew Harding, who is also an ‘excellent’ Deputy

The Legal 500

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Andrew Harding is an extremely pragmatic chap; he is very down to earth and has a very good way of relating to clients with brain injury.

Chambers and Partners UK

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Andrew Harding is knowledgeable and takes a very fair view about costs. He understands the special nature of the work and the fact that clients in this area of work are vulnerable. He cares.

The Legal 500

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Andrew Harding continues to be a stand-out deputy with exceptional support from Kate Coles.

The Legal 500

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Kate Coles and Andrew Harding keep us as a family in the loop and take our opinions into account when making decisions. They make home visits to keep us up to date with finances and are always available to offer guidance and advice on every situation.

The Legal 500

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Andrew Harding is extremely knowledgeable. Also, coming from a litigation background, he truly understands his clients. He is very ably and efficiently assisted by Kate Coles.

The Legal 500

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He is very approachable and deal with families in a lovely way; he has a nice manner and is very professional.

Chambers & Partners