James Hartley

Freeths

As head of Freeths’ national disputes team, Hartley is tasked with managing 130 litigators across 13 different offices. He is also deputy managing partner of the firm’s base in Leeds.

However, despite these lofty positions, Hartley still boasts an impressive practice, most recently heading up the Post Office group litigation that led to a £58m settlement and a High Court victory for more than 550 claimants.

Back in 2014, Hartley helped to launch Freeths’ office in Leeds, one that has since built up a roster of around 60 staff, with disputes proving to be the largest team. Litigation- wise, Hartley’s department carries real weight, with its £25m revenue contributing to a quarter of Freeths’ total turnover.

As for 2020, this is likely to be another banner year for Hartley, as he focuses on a fresh class-action case while also aiming to move Freeths up the litigation ladder.