Henrietta’s practice is focused on Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and RTA non PI matters including Credit Hire. She represents both claimants and defendants.
She has been instructed in multi-track and fast track claims. Henrietta frequently appears in court in a range of hearings including trials, CCMCs, applications, disposals and approval hearings. This has enabled her to hone her advocacy skills and expose her to the varying judicial attitudes across the country whilst managing an expanding advisory practice (in writing and in conference). She is also regularly instructed in cases in which alleged fundamental dishonesty and fraud are features.
Henrietta provides a comprehensive and prompt performance ensuring solicitors and lay clients receive an all round exemplary level of service. She is noted for her thorough and client focused approach to cases. In addition, she has the ability to balance sensitivity with the need to be robust in certain circumstances.
Outside of her practice, Henrietta is currently learning Hindi. She also enjoys running (having completed the London marathon for the Spinal Injuries Association and half marathons, including for the Royal British Legion).
Henrietta has more recently been involved in organising 3PB’s virtual quizzes in aid of the Child Brain Injury Trust and chambers’ participation in the London Legal Walks 19/20 to raise support for free legal advice charities in London and the South East.
Seminars/Webinars
Henrietta’s most recent presentation was for MBL on the RTA Stage 3 - Practical Issues & Pitfalls Explained
Henrietta acts for both claimants and defendants in Personal Injury matters. She appears in court on a daily basis. She has been instructed to attend an array of hearings (non-exhaustive list):
In relation to trials, Henrietta largely appears in cases involving road traffic accidents. However, she is also instructed in cases concerning:
Henrietta has successfully argued for and defended findings of fundamental dishonesty. When acting for defendants in such cases she undertakes robust and detailed cross-examination of claimants, with her attention to detail proving extremely useful.
In addition to oral advocacy, Henrietta can draft skeletons, pleadings and opinions (liability and/or quantum).
Prior to moving to the self-employed Bar Henrietta was in house counsel at a leading personal injury firm, which specialises in civil claims brought by serving and non-serving military personnel as well as claims brought under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
Her cases of interest include drafting Particulars of Claim in a multi-track case where the claimant suffers Non Freezing Cold Injuries, and appearing at an AFCS appeal securing an increased lump sum thereby triggering a guaranteed income payment.
Furthermore, Henrietta's previous experience includes being legal assistant to a personal injury QC for over 18 months (including during the trial of Nadarajah v Sotnick [2013] EWHC 3389 (QB)) and undertaking paralegal work for other senior members of the Bar who also specialise in the area.
Credit Hire
A significant degree of Henrietta's practice is Credit Hire.
Henrietta has been instructed in many credit hire hearings for both claimants and defendants, regularly appearing in cases involving the UK's largest car hire companies and insurers. She has the advantage of being able to help anticipate the submissions her opponents are likely to make given she acts for both sides.
She has substantial experience in addressing the common issues - enforceability, need, type, impecuniosity, duration and rate - and is very familiar with the key authorities in this area of law. Henrietta prides herself on her detailed approach.
She is also able to advise on tactics and settlement in these cases.
Henrietta accepts instructions in all aspects of Clinical Negligence work (on a Conditional Fee basis where appropriate) including:
Recent instructions included drafting Particulars of Claim, conducting conference and advising in a cosmetic negligence claim concerning rhinoplasty. Settlement was secured.
On 2nd February 2023 The Civil Procedure Amendment Rules 2023 were laid before Parliament with the stated intention that they should come into force on 6th April 2023, amending the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 from that date.
Henrietta Hughes looks at the changes being introduced.
“Henrietta was very clear on what was where, preliminary issues etc. Her meticulous preparation was self-evident in the trial, she knew the case and the bundle like the back of her hand and her cross examination was clear, precise, well-mannered and cognisant of the judge. The successful outcome spoke for itself. She was tenacious in pursuing difficult points.
To me, Henrietta’s performance from the outset is an exemplar and she is a credit to chambers. She has just the right attitude; her focus was on the case, she was not hurried or watching the clock and she had an eye on customer service. As for her abilities as counsel, this is someone who knew the law well, who had clearly read the papers meticulously despite the inadequacies of fast track fixed costs, and whose trial strategy and submissions were so well thought out. She was against counsel twice her call but was far more polished, exuded confidence and was not phased by anything thrown at her. Advocacy that was a pleasure to watch.
Henrietta is someone who clearly has the ability to handle complex trials. Her approach to trial preparation clearly lends itself to managing voluminous papers, complex issues and multiple issues whilst maintaining a clear overall game plan. I am sure she will go very far.”
Instructing Solicitor
“Henrietta is thorough and comprehensive in her preparation, quickly grasps salient issues and is a determined and focused advocate. She is charming with clients”
Instructing Solicitor
“I would always have the utmost confidence in instructing Henrietta in my Stage 3 Hearings, particularly with regards to Credit Hire. Clearly a very skilled advocate which shows in the detailed attendance notes and fantastic results. Always an absolute pleasure to deal with as well!”
Instructing Solicitor
David Kemeny edits our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence newsletter, with analysis from Michelle Marnham, David Kemeny, Paul Newman and Dr Tagbo Ilozue of the following cases: Jenkinson v Hertfordshire CC [2023] EWHC 872 (KB); ABC and others v Derbyshire CC and CC Derbyshire Constabulary [2023] EWHC 1337 (KB); Bilal and Malik v St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2023] EWCA Civ 605; and Blair v Jaber [2023] EW Misc 3 (CC).
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