Hugh James has strengthened its nationally recognised Serious Injury practice with the appointment of two new Partners, Keith Cundall and Lee Hart. Their arrival further expands the team’s presence across the firm’s UK office network, with Keith joining the Manchester office and Lee joining the team in Southampton.
Keith Cundall joins Hugh James with more than 19 years’ experience acting on behalf of individuals and families affected by serious injury and fatal incidents, including traffic collisions, workplace incidents and cycling injuries.
Joining from Fieldfisher, Keith is widely recognised for his work on complex and high-value claims, particularly those involving life-changing injuries such as brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation.
He also brings significant expertise in fatal claims, representing bereaved families at inquests and in subsequent civil proceedings. This includes particular experience acting for families following large-scale industrial incidents, including the Didcot Power Station collapse.
Similarly, Lee Hart brings extensive experience in serious injury litigation to Hugh James. During his career of over 30 years, he has worked closely with severely injured people and their families to carefully guide them through the claims process and helping them secure the treatment, rehabilitation, care and support they need.
Having joined Hugh James from Clarke Willmott, Lee is known for handling high-value, complex catastrophic injury claims with skill, clarity and compassion.
The firm’s national Serious Injury practice, headed by Partners Cari Sowden-Taylor and Ciaran McCabe, has grown into one of the UK’s most respected catastrophic injury teams, delivering landmark settlements and award-winning client care nationwide.
Earlier in the year, the team also welcomed two new Senior Associates, Kate Samuel from Admiral Law and Chris-Marie Niemela from Thompsons. In addition, four Newly Qualified (NQ) solicitors will also be joining the serious injury department at Hugh James over the next few months, as well as a number of new paralegals.
With 60 specialists now working across the firm’s UK offices, and recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, the Hugh James Serious Injury team’s expertise and growing national presence signals their standing as a leader in the serious injury sector. These latest appointments mark yet another significant step in their growth strategy.
Joint Head of the Serious Injury team, Cari Sowden-Taylor commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Keith and Lee to Hugh James. They are both highly respected practitioners with outstanding reputations for delivering exceptional outcomes for people whose lives have been changed by serious injury or bereavement. Their expertise, commitment and client-focused approach make them an excellent fit for our team and our values.”
Fellow joint Head of the Serious Injury team, Ciaran McCabe said:
“These appointments reflect the continued growth and ambition of our Serious Injury practice. We are investing in exceptional people at every level to ensure we continue to provide the highest quality representation, rehabilitation support and access to justice for our clients. As our team continues to grow, our focus remains firmly on achieving the very best outcomes for the individuals and families who place their trust in us.”
Speaking of joining Hugh James, Lee Hart said:
“At Hugh James, there is a clear focus on achieving the very best outcomes for people whose lives have been changed by catastrophic injury, and on providing the support they and their families need to rebuild their lives and look to the future with confidence.
“I am excited to work alongside such talented colleagues and to contribute to the continued success and growth of the team while helping seriously injured clients secure the rehabilitation, care and compensation they need to move forward.”
Keith Cundall, fellow new Partner to the firm, said:
“I am delighted to join Hugh James in Manchester and to support its ambitions for strong growth in the region. My new colleagues are exceptional lawyers, renowned as specialists, with strong client values and a collaborative culture.”
