Expert Comments

Opinion

asbestos
mesothelioma

Asbestos Claims Specialist Solicitors Welcome Increase to Mesothelioma Compensation Scheme Awards

At Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, our specialist asbestos claims lawyers have, over decades, successfully pursued civil claims for malignant mesothelioma sufferers, who have been exposed to asbestos dust, both…

October 15, 2025

Isobel Lovett

Opinion

Black History Month 2025
Diversity
Equity and Inclusion

Black History Month 2025: Raise the Percentage

‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. That is the theme that has been prescribed to Black History Month for 2025. ‘Power’ and ‘pride’ are two words I would assign to…

October 7, 2025

Dorian Williams

Opinion

Being Black And Working In The Criminal Justice System

When I began my career in criminal law as a paralegal I did not often see other black professionals. It was rare to see another black legal representative at the…

October 7, 2025

Michael Ackah

Opinion

Standing Firm in Power and Pride

I must admit, in my view, my journey to becoming a solicitor was in many ways ordinary. I grew up in a council estate in a suburb in north London,…

October 7, 2025

Christina Ashibogu

Opinion

Celebrating And Remembering Black Lawyers in The UK

HJA’s Criminal Law team marks Black History Month by honouring Courtenay Griffiths KC and other trailblazing black lawyers who shaped UK legal history.

October 2, 2025

Darrell Ennis-Gayle

Blog

criminal-defence
driving-offences

Understanding Penalty Points and Driving Offences

If you are convicted of a driving offence at court, penalty points are added to your driving licence. This is ancillary (as well as) a fine or other punishment. Each…

September 30, 2025

Sean Caulfield

Opinion

criminal-defence
extradition

Extradition Proceedings and the Role of Article 8 Rights

Article 8 is often in the news in the context of immigration law and there have recently been calls from politicians and others to limit its use. It is sometimes…

September 24, 2025

Katy O’Mara

Opinion

personal-injury
rehabilitation

Claiming Care And Assistance After An Accident: What You Need To Know

When you’ve been injured in an accident, the impact often goes beyond medical treatment and lost earnings. Many people also need help with day-to-day activities – whether that’s washing, cooking,…

September 24, 2025

Asli Polat

Opinion

dispute-resolution
legal-advice

Don’t Let a Bot Be Your Lawyer

“Everything is AI and AI is everything” But is it? Today, the advent of AI is transforming almost every profession and while it has become indispensable in our daily lives,…

September 17, 2025

Simran Gupta

Blog

asbestos
asbestos-related-disease
military

Asbestos Exposure in the Armed Forces: Hidden Risks and Compensation Gaps

For years, military personnel have been exposed to asbestos dust. It is only recently that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has acknowledged that British military equipment may contain asbestos materials.…

September 11, 2025

Opinion

amputation
personal-injury
road-traffic-accident
serious-injury

The Role of Rehabilitation in Personal Injury Claims

What is the purpose of rehabilitation? If you have been injured in an accident, you will initially be treated on the NHS, but there could be delays or lack of…

September 10, 2025

Ruchi Fowle

Opinion

dispute-resolution

Responding to a Lark v Nugus request – Addison & Anor v Niaz [2024]

A Larke v Nugus request is usually made if there are concerns surrounding the circumstances in which a will was made and executed. It can be a useful pre-action tool…

September 8, 2025

Chun Wong

Opinion

amputation
personal-injury

The Limbless Association: Lunch and Learn, Stevenage, Sponsored by Hodge Jones & Allen at The Lamex, Stevenage FC

Educate, Empower and Connect I have recently written about the difficulties in finding a suitable venue in Hertfordshire to host a Limbless Association Lunch & Learn event. I am pleased…

September 4, 2025

Anne Sanders

Blog

crime
criminal-defence
representation

‘Voluntary’ Interviews With The Police – What To Expect

If you are contacted by the police to attend the police station for a voluntary interview, it can be very unsettling. The police may only provide you with very limited,...

September 3, 2025

Sarah Moulange

Opinion

amputation
personal-injury

Osseointegration: The Future of Artificial Limb Implants for Amputees

What is amputation? Amputation is defined as surgical removal or loss of a body part such as arms or limbs in part or full. There are over 1 million limb…

September 2, 2025

Ruchi Fowle

Opinion

Alternative Dispute Resolution
family-law
mediation-and-arbitration

How To Resolve A Family Law Dispute Without Court

A recent news story revealed an IT bug in the HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which caused evidence to go missing. As a result, it is likely cases were…

September 1, 2025

Vanessa Friend

Charlotte Stephen

Blog

criminal-defence
representation

How Can I Challenge Conditions Imposed As Part Of Pre-Charge Bail?

Legal framework After arrest, a person who is being released from custody but who remains under investigation will be either released under investigation (RUI) or released on pre-charge bail and…

September 1, 2025

Kit Gamble

Francesca Cociani

Opinion

property-disputes

The Renters Reform Bill and Court Delays

The Renters (Reform) Bill aims to introduce new safeguards for tenants by providing more security and empowering them to challenge poor practice and unfair rent increases without fear of eviction.…

August 29, 2025

Ruhul Ameen

Opinion

crime
criminal-defence

Cuckooing in Law: Understanding the New Offence in the Crime and Policing Bill 2025

The new criminal offence targeting “cuckooing” is set to enter the statute books under the Crime and Policing Bill 20251. Framed as a move to protect vulnerable people from exploitation,…

August 20, 2025

Louisa Reddin

Sean Caulfield

Opinion

appeals
crime
miscarriages-of-justice

Unanswered Appeals: Reform of the Criminal Cases Review Commission

Miscarriages of Justice Dame Vera Baird DBE KC was appointed interim chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) in June 2025, stepping into a role fraught by years of…

August 15, 2025

Sean Caulfield

Tabea Wilkes