Bolt Burdon Kemp acquires Hugh James’ abuse team
Leading national serious injury law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp (BBK) has acquired the abuse team at Hugh James. As of today, 1 October 2025, BBK welcomes Partner Alan Collins and Senior Associate Danielle Vincent into its abuse team.
Hugh James will no longer be providing legal services for abuse claims. These specialist services will now be delivered by BBK and clients of Hugh James who are bringing abuse claims will be supported by BBK. BBK has been advocating for survivors of abuse for decades and all clients impacted by this transition will continue to receive exceptional support from leading experts in the field.
Alan Collins is one of the best known and most experienced solicitors in the field of child abuse litigation, with over 25 years’ experience. Alan has acted in many high-profile cases, including the Jimmy Savile and Haut de la Garenne abuse scandals.
Alan has represented interested parties before public inquiries including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry. Internationally, Alan has worked in Australia, Southeast Asia, Uganda, Kenya, and California representing survivors in high profile sexual abuse cases.
Danielle Vincent has experience in bringing claims against sporting institutions, schools, religious institutions, scout organisations, County Councils, medical professionals and therapists. She acts in a number of compensation redress schemes including the Manchester City Scheme, Lambeth Children’s Home Redress Scheme and the Northern Ireland Redress Scheme. Danielle previously worked at Bolt Burdon Kemp as a Senior Solicitor, joining Hugh James in 2020.
David McClenaghan, Partner and Head of Abuse Claims at Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: “We are very excited to welcome Alan and Danielle to our team. Alan is a trailblazer in the field of abuse law, having acted in many high-profile cases. His contributions have shaped the law for the better. Alan also has a wealth of international experience, which we’re excited to harness and further expand our offering to support victims and survivors of abuse both in the UK and further afield.
“We know Danielle well already, as she worked at BBK previously and so it’s great to welcome her back – we know how deeply Danielle cares for her clients, and she is dedicated to securing the very best outcomes for them.”
Jonathan Wheeler, Managing Partner at Bolt Burdon Kemp added: “The opportunity to acquire Hugh James’ abuse team was too good to miss. It dovetails perfectly with our growth strategy, whilst allowing us to learn new things from the expertise both Alan and Danielle will bring. With the support of our existing team, I know Alan and Danielle’s clients will continue to be well served, whilst joining the largest and most experienced group of claimant abuse lawyers in the country.”
Head of Specialist Claims at Hugh James, Mark Harvey, commented: “Transferring our abuse practice to Bolt Burdon Kemp was a strategic decision to ensure survivors are supported by a team focused entirely on this complex area of law. We wish Alan and Danielle well for the future as they continue their important work at BBK.”
Bolt Burdon Kemp has the country’s largest dedicated team of solicitors who specialise in representing survivors of abuse in civil claims for compensation. The team supports survivors in relation to claims against individual abusers and employer organisations including, but not limited to, the Scout Association, the Ministry of Defence, private and local authority schools and sporting organisations. The acquisition of the abuse team at Hugh James serves to bolster the work the firm does and ensure that survivors continue to have access to justice with the best legal representation.
