James Hartson

(LLB 1st Class Hons)

Called to the Bar 2010 – Inner Temple

Education & Qualifications
LLB First Class Honours (2008)
Bar Vocational Course, University of the West of England (2008 - 2010)

A former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera, Swansea, James has a first class honours degree in Law and completed his Bar Vocational Course at the University of the West of England, where he obtained an overall grade of Outstanding. He achieved marks of Outstanding in Advanced Criminal Litigation, Criminal Advocacy, Family Law, Legal Research and Professional Ethics. He is a Bristol Law School and Inner Temple prize-winner.

Experience
James comes to the Bar with 19 years' operational experience as a police officer in London and Cardiff, which includes several years as a Special Branch officer and detective at New Scotland Yard. He has considerable experience of dealing with serious criminal offences and can offer an invaluable insight into the investigative process. He completed his pupillage under the supervision of Mr Ieuan Rees. James is a fluent Welsh speaker and willing to accept instructions in Welsh.

Crime
James completed a largely criminal pupillage and appears regularly for the prosecution and the defence in numerous proceedings in the Crown Court, including sentencing hearings, Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings, and appeals against conviction and sentence. He is regularly instructed by the defence in summary trials and has experience of conducting proceedings in the Welsh language. He has represented the defence in jury trials involving drug trafficking offences and serious assaults. James has also provided written advice on appeals to the Court of Appeal against sentence and has had applications approved by the Single Judge for a full hearing.

James has also successfully represented claimants under the Police (Property) Act and in appeals against revocations by Chief Constables of firearms licenses.

James is accredited by the Bar Council and Solicitors Regulatory Authority to provide CPD points in the field of criminal-law related seminars.

Civil
James has conducted small claims cases in the county court and provides written advice on personal injuries claims and infant settlements.

Interests
James enjoys spending time with his family and watching sport, in particular football and motor racing.

Memberships
Member of the Criminal Bar Association.