Department profile
Hugh James

Environment: Claimant

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Hugh James

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About

Provided by Hugh James

Hugh James is one of the country’s leading specialists in environmental law and group actions.

We have built up a team of environmental law experts and have had unrivalled success in applying the law to protect the environment. Our specialist team of leading environmental solicitors has successfully conducted environmental nuisance claims for whole communities affected by various forms of nuisance including odour, dust and noise. They have particular expertise in environmental nuisance claims caused by landfill sites, sewage treatment works and factories. We have specialist solicitors in claims pursued under the Land Compensation Act relating to new or altered highways, airports and other public work and have sought judicial reviews of government and local authority decisions which threaten to adversely affect people’s homes and properties.

Additionally, we specialise in dealing with health impacts of environmental hazards, such as illness or injury caused by exposure to pollution, high magnetic fields or food contamination.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment: Claimant - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Hugh James is a distinguished practice with a strong pool of sector experts who regularly represent clients in court litigation. The firm is highly experienced in group actions, particularly in relation to private nuisance and land compensation claims. It regularly acts for community groups and local residents across the UK. In addition, the team is active in representing homeowners alleging loss of value to their properties as a result of infrastructure projects and developments.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Hugh James represented 127 claimant households in Newcastle-under-Lyme affected by the severe odour nuisance alleged to be caused by Walleys Quarry.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Hugh James are a pleasure to work with. They have a good understanding of technical issues, which makes communication straightforward and fruitful. The team understand technical complexities.

    Environment: Claimant respondentUK

  • They have a big group for nuisance claims. It is an unparalleled team on these claims.

    Environment: Claimant respondentUK

  • Hugh James have a very varied and capable group who possess expertise in a wide range of environmental law matters.

    Environment: Claimant respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Neil Stockdale
    Neil Stockdale

    Neil Stockdale

    Neil Stockdale is regarded as a leading claimant lawyer in environmental law. He is experienced in acting for both individuals and groups, and is highlighted for his ability in bringing private nuisance claims.

    • Neil is incredibly focused, professional, astute and approachable. He always goes the extra mile to seek results for claimants.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • He is a safe pair of hands. He is commercial and pragmatic, but he combines this with genuine care about his clients and communicates well with them.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK
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  • Stephanie Eedy
    Stephanie Eedy

    Stephanie Eedy

    Stephanie Eedy regularly acts for communities and residents in environmental claims. She specialises in group actions involving a range of issues including dust, noise, odour and pollution.

    • She provides all-round expertise in environmental claims.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • She is a safe pair of hands. She anticipates a lot of the twists and turns that happen in a trial. She is very experienced.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • I have found her to be an incredibly skilled and good-humoured environmental lawyer. She is focused, decisive and well organised.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK
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  • Kimberley Sutton
    Kimberley Sutton

    Kimberley Sutton

    Kimberley Sutton has a growing reputation for her expertise in the environment field. She has notable experience in nuisance claims, representing claimants in group litigation.

    • She has considerable experience of handling nuisance claims, liaising with clients and dealing with court procedures.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • Kimberley is always quick and provides clear responses.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • I have always found her to be approachable, efficient and supportive.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK
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  • Rebecca Andrews
    Rebecca Andrews

    Rebecca Andrews

    Rebecca Andrews is an experienced associate in the group action team at Hugh James and predominantly handles matters relating to private nuisance law. She has experience assisting groups of residents to pursue claims under Part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973.

    • I think she is absolutely stellar. She has a great brain and a great manner, and her forensic analysis is exemplary.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK

    • I have found her to be friendly, very well organised and focused.

      Environment: Claimant respondentUK
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  • Susanna Evans
    Susanna Evans

    Susanna Evans

    Susanna Evans is experienced in a range of matters, including representing individual claimants, as well as group action litigation involving private nuisance actions.

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Ranked Individuals at Hugh James (5)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Hugh James

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