James Ageros KC practises exclusively in health & safety and environmental law. For many years he has been recognised as one of the most accomplished and versatile barristers in the field. When a junior he was consistently rated in the top category for juniors in health and safety and has been nominated as leading silk within the field on a number of occasions.
He is the co-author of Matthews & Ageros, ‘Health & Safety Enforcement, Practice & Procedure’, OUP, now in its fourth edition.
James’s health & safety practice has involved a mixture of defence and prosecution, court and advisory work. Over the past decade he has represented a number of companies, public authorities and individuals in cases involving fatalities in the workplace. His clients include, construction companies, local and county councils, hotel chains, hospitals, rail infrastructure providers, care homes and a variety of other businesses in different sectors. He also does a large amount of inquest work and enforcement notice appeals. On the prosecution side, he has appeared in many cases of the upmost complexity and seriousness.
He has represented one of the main core-participants, KCTMO, in the long running Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
In recent years he has developed a specialism in defending in marine cases, normally prosecutions brought by the MCA.
His environmental work includes prosecutions in respect of the large-scale disposal of controlled waste.
A greatly experienced, jury savvy and technically astute health and safety and regulatory silk. Consistently rated in the top tier of practitioners in the field. Author of most widely used practitioners’ textbook.
Areas of expertise include: construction, demolition, fire safety, work at height, traffic management, asbestos, railways, medical devices, clinical failings, recreational and professional diving, machine guarding, gas appliances, electrical contracting, swimming pool and water course accidents
View full profile »Recommendations
‘Just seems to get stronger and stronger. Possibly the calmest lawyer on the circuit, perfect for difficult clients and difficult tribunals. Brings a logical approach and defuses situations with charm.‘
Legal 500, 2024
“His drafting skills are fantastic, but his key strength is his advocacy – he is a very strong barrister.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Excellent with clients from individuals to large corporates with empathy and understanding of the case and wider issues..”
Legal 500, 2022
“An unassuming, modest silk. Very relaxed but confident with complex cases and clients. Gets a quick grip on the issues and impresses clients. Jurors like him.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He’s a go-to barrister for the heavyweight work; he’s excellent in terms of how he deals with clients and has a great presence in court.”; “He is a superb jury advocate and an excellent barrister.”; “His technical grasp of detail is very, very strong.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Highly experienced, awesome with the jury and really fights for his clients.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“Jim Ageros KC is very user-friendly, good with clients and good in court” ; “he’s a very decent, straightforward prosecutor. He’s always very impressive.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
“It’s spectacular to watch the legal arguments he puts together” ; “he is a very smooth, charming and effective advocate.
Chambers & Partners, 2015
“He has an in-depth knowledge of the law.”
Legal 500, 2014
“James Ageros successfully splits his time between prosecuting and defending. A well-known expert in the area, he has co-authored a leading book on health and safety. Sources praise his technical brilliance and “supreme understanding of the law – he cuts straight through to the crux of the matter, however complex the facts.” Recently, he acted for Norfolk County Council in defending a prosecution brought against it by the HSE following the drowning of a teenager in a Norfolk broad.
Chambers & Partners, 2013
