Before being called to the Bar, Jim Hester served in the Royal Marines Commandos for 10-years, seeing operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was promoted to Major aged just 29. This first-hand military experience makes him an obvious choice for solicitors looking to instruct a barrister on personal injury claims involving military personnel.

Having served as the Adjutant of 42 Commando Royal Marines, Jim has intimate knowledge of personnel issues which can affect service personnel.

Jim’s military background, combined with his lateral-thinking and legal knowledge sets him apart. Appointed to Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel to the Crown from 2020 - 2025, he was regularly instructed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Save for some limited run-off work, the focus of his military practice has shifted to claimant work, bringing to bear all this previous experience both in uniform and when acting for MOD.

Understanding of military organisations, the rank structure and the roles of individuals can give great insight into military cases, and how liability may lie. Likewise, he has a deep understanding of the promotion system, including understanding 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 represented MOD in the AJAX vehicle litigation concerning alleged exposure to excessive noise and vibration resulting in injury to service personnel.  As part of this, Jim successfully represented MOD in the 5-day High Court case of Bevan v Ministry of Defence.  In this case, the High Court also ratified the use of the Grindleford Criteria for claims involving acoustic shock for the first time.

Whilst on the TSol panel, Jim gave a number of talks to GLD and panel solicitors on military topics, demonstrating his sought-after expertise in this area.

Notable military claims cases:

AT v MOD (2025): Acting for claimant in mixed-form noise induced injury against MOD.  Schedule in excess of £2m.

Various v MOD (2025): Acting for MOD in relation to 5 High Court claims resulting from the AJAX armoured vehicle which was claimed to have caused whole body vibration injuries and noise induced hearing loss.

Bevan v MOD (2025): Successful defence of ‘acoustic shock’ claim following admitted excessive noise exposure in AJAX armoured vehicle.  5-day trial, with experts from 3 fields for each party.

JB v MOD (2022): Advising on and drafting Defence in military NIHL claim valued at over £1.25m.

SM v MoD (2024): Acting for MOD in relation to injuries sustained during parachute training. Valued at £2.5m.  Settled at JSM.

F v MOD (2024) – representing MOD in a High Court brain injury claim following a fight between 2 servicemen whilst deployed in Estonia. Issues as to vicarious liability.