Jim is grateful to the many excellent solicitors he works with. Working with, and building relationships with, his instructing solicitors is by far the most enjoyable part of the job. He is extremely thankful to those who have taken the time to provide references for legal directories and on this webpage. Some of these are set out below.

Legal Directory Rankings

2026

Legal 500

Tier 1 - Leading Junior - Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) - 'Jim is always extremely thorough and methodical. His advice and advocacy has great clarity - an ideal advocate when the devil is in the detail. He also has an assured manner which instils confidence but does not intimidate clients or instructing solicitors.'

2025

Chambers and Partners

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) - “Jim Hester is a well-regarded barrister who is regularly called upon to represent the Ministry of Defence in complex personal injury cases. He has considerable experience handling military deafness claims.” 

Industrial Disease (All Circuits) - “Jim Hester possesses a broad range of expertise in personal injury. He is often instructed on matters relating to hearing loss and asbestos disease. Hester is skilled in the representation of both claimants and defendants.” 

Legal 500

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) (Tier 1) "He presents well-reasoned arguments in a calm yet forceful manner. A barrister who is never afraid of a challenge, and has excellent client care skills."

2024

Chambers and Partners

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) - "Jim is hard-working, always well prepared and has a good grasp of the law."

Industrial Disease (All Circuits) - "Jim is very knowledgeable on all industrial disease work, very personable for claimants and is a good orator at trial."

Legal 500

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) (Tier 1) - "Jim has an excellent manner in conferences and at JSMs. He is particularly strong on advising on liability issues."

2023

Chambers and Partners

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) - "Jim Hester is a well-regarded barrister who is regularly called upon to represent the Ministry of Defence in complex personal injury cases. He has considerable experience handling military deafness claims."

Industrial Disease (All Circuits) - "Jim Hester possesses a broad range of expertise in personal injury. He is often instructed on matters relating to hearing loss and asbestos disease. Hester is skilled in the representation of both claimants and defendants."

Legal 500

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) (Tier 1) - "Jim adopts a very measured approach to claims and explains advice in a clear yet concise manner. He is never afraid of a fight, when necessary."

2022

Chambers and Partners

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit)- "Very responsive and takes a good, common-sense approach to litigation. He also has a very good manner with clients and is a good advocate."

Legal 500

Personal Injury (North Eastern Circuit) - "Good knowledge of the nuances of industrial disease work', and, drawing upon his former service as a major in the Royal Marines, has niche expertise in handling cases involving military personnel and maritime-related accidents." "An amenable barrister with a good client manner."