Jim Hester is a highly respected personal injury barrister whose expertise has earned him recognition in both Chambers & Partners and in Legal 500.  Legal 500 praises him as “hard-working,” “very personable,” and “never afraid of a fight when necessary,” making him a top choice among many leading personal injury law firms and solicitors throughout the UK, especially in the North East.

As an experienced barrister, Jim represents both claimants and defendants in cases arising from accidents in workplaces, public spaces, on the road, and more. His expertise spans all levels of work, including complex catastrophic injury litigation. Outside of court, he excels in advising on liability and quantum, negotiating at Joint Settlement Meetings (JSMs), and offering clear, practical advice in conference settings.

Jim’s personable approach makes him popular with both professional and lay clients. One solicitor highlighted how he “puts the client at ease with his relaxed style, while also earning their trust and respect with clear, understandable explanations and advice.”

Before being called to the bar, Jim served for 10 years as a Major in the Royal Marines Commandos. His military background gives him unique insight into personal injury claims involving military personnel. Since being appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel to the Crown in 2020, he has regularly been instructed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).  However, he is now undertaking run-off work from these instructions, with the focus of his military practice having shifted to claimant work. His military experience, combined with his lateral thinking and legal expertise, makes him an exceptional choice for cases involving military personnel.

Jim is a member of the Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA).

Areas of Personal Injury Expertise

Employers’ Liability

Jim specialises in employers’ liability cases, often involving complex employment arrangements, agency cases, and multi-defendant claims.

He is frequently selected as preferred counsel by one of the UK’s largest construction firms, routinely handling cases involving multiple defendants and complex contribution claims. His expertise spans accidents such as falls from heights, manual handling, and repetitive strain injuries, where he provides detailed liability advice.

Notable Employers’ Liability Cases:

• AW v Various (2024): Represented one of three employers in a claim involving a construction dust-related injury at the Tottenham Hotspur football stadium, with a claim value of up to £700,000.
• F v MoD (2024): Represented the Ministry of Defence in a High Court brain injury case following a fight between servicemen in Estonia, with complex issues of vicarious liability.
• CD v CKS (2024): Acted for the claimant who sustained significant injuries after falling through a roof on his first day as a roofer, with a claim value exceeding £500,000.
• MV v UCP (2023): Acted for the claimant injured in an explosion caused by a chemical buildup in the workplace.
• JV v E (2022): Defended a North Sea oil rig employer in a case that was settled after two Joint Settlement Meetings.

Fatal Accidents

Jim is highly experienced in handling cases involving fatal accidents, providing compassionate legal advice while protecting his clients’ interests. He represents clients in a wide range of fatal incidents, including those caused by occupational diseases, road traffic accidents, and workplace incidents. His expertise enables him to guide individuals, public bodies, and organisations through all stages of the legal process following a fatality.

Recent Fatal Accident Cases:

• JM v GJ (2024): Represented the Personal Representatives of a motorcyclist killed in a collision with a car.
• MW v HM (2024): Acted for the Personal Representatives of a pedestrian killed by a car while crossing the road.
• HF v Various (2024): Represented the wife of a man who died from asbestos-related lung cancer following a prior provisional damages order.
• GP v SP (2024): Represented a defendant employer following the death of a former employee from mesothelioma.

Public, Product, and Occupiers’ Liability

Jim has developed a specialised practice in public, product, and occupiers’ liability since the early stages of his legal career.

Jim is known for his work on high-value claims involving severe injuries, including drafting pleadings, advising in conferences, conducting Joint Settlement Meetings (JSMs) and providing trial advocacy. According to The Legal 500, he is “particularly strong on advising on liability issues” [2024] and “never afraid of a fight, when necessary” [2023]. He regularly updates his knowledge of evolving case law and CPR changes, sharing insights via his website and LinkedIn.

Recent Public and Occupiers’ Liability Cases:

• CG v MoD (2024): Acted for the Ministry of Defence in a claim for traumatic hearing loss caused by a controlled explosion of historic ordnance on public land.
• EB v VST42 (2024): Defended a landlord in a claim for respiratory injury allegedly caused by a faulty AGA in a tenant’s premises.
• HG v NCC (2023): Represented the claimant who sustained a brain injury during the bike leg of a triathlon on public roads.

Military Claims

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Industrial Disease

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Before being called to the Bar, Jim served as a Major in the Royal Marines Commandos for 10 years, with operational deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. This extensive military experience makes him a top choice for solicitors seeking a barrister to handle personal injury claims involving military personnel.

Jim’s military background, combined with his lateral thinking and legal expertise, sets him apart in this field. He has been frequently instructed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and brings a unique understanding of military structures, rank hierarchies, and individual roles, which provides invaluable insight into determining liability in such cases. Chambers & Partners describe him as ” a well-regarded barrister who is regularly called upon to represent the Ministry of Defence in complex personal injury cases. He has considerable experience handling military deafness claims.” Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) [2023]

His understanding of military organisations, the rank structure and the roles of individuals within can give great insight into cases, and where liability may lie. Likewise, having undertaken the role of a Commando Unit Adjutant, he has a deep understanding of the promotion system, including insight into what military appraisal reports (OJARs and SJARs) really mean for promotion prospects. This helps to determine a likely career path, which is key for cases where loss of career is claimed.

Jim is currently involved in the AJAX vehicle litigation concerning alleged exposure to excessive noise and whole-body vibration which is alleged to have resulted in injury to service personnel.

Jim has also delivered several presentations on military-related topics, providing in-depth insights on legal issues and developments impacting the armed forces and related sectors.

Admiralty/Accidents at Sea

Jim handles personal injury cases related to accidents at sea and the applicable Merchant Shipping regulations. His prior career provides him with first-hand experience of the maritime environment and its unique challenges.

Recent Military Claims Cases:

• Various v MoD (2024): Representing the MoD in seven High Court claims related to a newly introduced armoured vehicle, alleged to cause whole-body vibration injuries and noise-induced hearing loss.
• JB v MoD (2022): Advising and drafting pleadings for a military noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) claim valued at over £1.25 million.
• SM v MoD (2024): Acting for the MoD in a £2.5 million claim involving injuries sustained during parachute training.
• F v MoD (2024): Representing the MoD in a High Court brain injury case following a fight between two servicemen in Estonia, with issues of vicarious liability.

Jim has specialised in Industrial Disease matters since early in his career at the Bar and is one of only a small number of barristers ranked nationally in Chambers & Partners guide across all circuits for his expertise in this field.

“Jim is very knowledgeable on all industrial disease work, very personable for claimants and is a good orator at trial.” Industrial Disease (All Circuits), Chambers & Partners 2024. He “possesses a broad range of expertise in personal injury. He is often instructed on matters relating to hearing loss and asbestos disease. Hester is skilled in the representation of both claimants and defendants.” Industrial Disease (All Circuits), Chambers & Partners 2023.

This length of experience and an innate curiosity and passion for the subject fuel his expertise and success in this field. His in-depth knowledge of all areas of occupational disease cases includes claims involving vibration-related injuries, noise-induced hearing loss, asbestos-related injuries (including mesothelioma) and occupational cancer.

Jim represents both claimants and defendants and works nationally appearing in courts throughout the country. Since 2020, Jim has been a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel, representing public bodies in such claims.

He is routinely instructed to: draft pleadings, including Part 18 and Part 35 questions on technical aspects; advise in conference; and represent parties at interlocutory hearings and trials. This often involves the cross-examination of experts in contentious areas, requiring a deep understanding of the subject matter. This in-depth knowledge of the field means he can complete paperwork on short notice when necessary, and he receives regular praise from his instructing solicitors on his quick turnaround of papers.

As the coordinator for the Chambers’ Industrial Disease Group, Jim serves as a contact point for instructing solicitors seeking training, advice, or other assistance related to Industrial Disease matters. Jim regularly writes for legal publications on the topic and is at the forefront of legal commentary on recent decisions and developments.

Jim also maintains his own Industrial Disease website – providing updates relevant to Industrial Disease practitioners, as well as articles of interest and a library of useful documents.

Chambers and Partners (2025) - Personal Injury (Band 3) – “Jim Hester is a well-regarded barrister who is regularly called upon to represent the Ministry of Defence in complex personal injury cases. He has considerable experience handling military deafness claims.”

Chambers and Partners (2025) - Personal Injury: Industrial Disease – All Circuits (Band 2) - “Jim Hester possesses a broad range of expertise in personal injury. He is often instructed on matters relating to hearing loss and asbestos disease. Hester is skilled in the representation of both claimants and defendants.”

Legal 500 (2025) – Personal Injury (Tier 1) – “Jim Hester is ‘never afraid of a challenge’ and is sought after for his expertise in military claims.”

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury (Band 3) - "Jim is hard-working, always well prepared and has a good grasp of the law."

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury: Industrial Disease - All Circuits (Band 2) - "Jim is very knowledgeable on all industrial disease work, very personable for claimants and is a good orator at trial."

Legal 500 (2024) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "Jim has an excellent manner in conferences and at JSMs. He is particularly strong on advising on liability issues."

Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury: Industrial Disease - (Band 2) - "Jim Hester possesses a broad range of expertise in personal injury. He is often instructed on matters relating to hearing loss and asbestos disease. Hester is skilled in the representation of both claimants and defendants."

Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury (Band 3) - "Jim Hester is a well-regarded barrister who is regularly called upon to represent the Ministry of Defence in complex personal injury cases. He has considerable experience handling military deafness claims."

Legal 500 (2023) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "Jim adopts a very measured approach to claims and explains advice in a clear yet concise manner. He is never afraid of a fight, when necessary."

Chambers & Partners (2022) - Personal Injury (Band 3) - "Very responsive and takes a good, common-sense approach to litigation. He also has a very good manner with clients and is a good advocate."

Legal 500 (2022) - Personal Injury (Tier 3) - "good knowledge of the nuances of industrial disease work', and, drawing upon his former service as a major in the Royal Marines, has niche expertise in handling cases involving military personnel and maritime-related accidents." "An amenable barrister with a good client manner."

"Jim Hester continues to get very good feedback – both from [clients] yesterday and [clients] today (as well as before Christmas).  And getting results..." - Partner in national firm

“I’ve instructed Jim for a number of years now. He is my “go to” Counsel in respect of disease matters and he is also excellent in respect of multi-Defendant/contractual claims. He is routinely requested by one of my large Plc construction clients and always impressive with clients whilst focusing on the material issues in a case. Highly recommended.” - Mark Douglas, Partner, DAC Beachcroft

“I have worked with Jim for over 10 years and have always been impressed with his detailed preparation and thoughtful approach. He is a skilled advocate and negotiator, who quickly identifies the main issues to be addressed. Always pragmatic yet not afraid to think outside the box and to fight his corner when required.” - Phil Davison, Partner, Sintons LLP

“Jim has a thorough knowledge of al industrial disease types. He combines good paper and court work with sound practical advice.” - Paul Woolford, Partner, Sintons LLP

"Cracking result from Jim Hester yesterday. [The solicitor] was very impressed and a few of our guys are already sold on his services. He’s very user friendly and a charismatic chap..." - Partner in national firm

Feedback from training sessions: "It was really interesting, thanks."   "It was really useful.  Thank you very much."   "Thanks ... it was really informative." "The training today was really useful."   "It was really interesting and very helpful, thank you..."   "Great session today, I really appreciated Jim’s time and knowledge."   "Very useful session, thanks."

Attorney General Panel of counsel to the Crown (2020 - 2025)

Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA)

JB v MoD:  Advising on and drafting Defence in military NIHL claim valued at over £1.25m

MA v HIS:  Successful defendant in a NIHL claim where the Claimant discontinued following cross-examination having found numerous defects in his evidence/ case.

GA v MoD: £280,000+ settlement at JSM for a trainee soldier injured in an accident which took place during training.

French v SoS:  NIHL trial.  Successful claimant following oral expert evidence in relation to interpretation of contemporary and historic audiology.

Hays v SoS:  2-day NIHL trial where causation was the only issue.  Successful claimant following oral expert evidence in relation to de minimis and the LCB/ CLB calculations.

FS v TTT:  Multi-Track noise induced hearing loss claim.  Successful claimant following oral expert evidence on issues including de minimis and loss at 4 kHz.

DR v SFM:  Noise-induced hearing loss claim.  Successful claimant following expert oral evidence with notching at 6 kHz, and de minimis argument.  Judge finding NIHL proved and that there was a compensable loss.  Oral evidence for the Defendants from Professor Lutman.

NA v WA:  Successful claimant in Multi-Track noise-induced hearing loss case with issues relating to breach of duty and limitation.

JO v MOD:  £500,000 settlement at JSM for soldier injured in an accident which occurred whilst on exercise, resulting in his having to leave the Army. MM v NHS trust: £330,000+ settlement for family of patient who died during an operation as a result of negligent surgery, following representing the family at the Inquest.  Drafting Schedule and advising in circumstances where there was a complex family situation.

DB v LC:  £230,000+ settlement at JSM for Royal Navy officer injured in a RTA, resulting in his having to leave the Navy.

H v AS:  Successful defendant in noise induced hearing loss claim and successful Respondent in subsequent Appeal.

RR v PL Ltd:  Drafting counter-schedule and advising defendant in mesothelioma case where C had moved to live in Australia and issues arose as to recoverability of pension and fees for healthcare owing in Australia.

Attorney General's Junior Counsel to the Crown (B Panel) 2020-2025.

Chancery House Chambers Award for Best Overall Bar Vocational Course Student, Northumbria University

Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Prize, Middle Temple Certificate of Honour, Middle Temple Bar Vocational Course, Northumbria University (Outstanding)

Graduate Diploma in Law, College of Law (Distinction)