James Maxey
Chief Executive Officer
James Maxey founded Express Solicitors in September 2000, and as Chief Executive Officer has overseen the steady growth of the business. In 2025, HNK became part of Express Solicitors.
Now one of the UK’s leading independent specialist personal injury law firms, James has established the firm’s reputation as tough litigators providing an unrivalled level of customer service. His inclusion in The Lawyer Hot 100 for 2025 recognises the firm’s substantial growth over nearly 25 years, its award-winning training scheme and the multiple acquisitions he has led.
James’ vision for Express Solicitors has involved placing a huge emphasis on training new solicitors, enabling Express Solicitors to attract some of the brightest legal talent in the UK. James concurs with wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill who believed that “to improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often”.
A qualified solicitor with over twenty years experience, James was a Law Society Personal Injury Panel member for over ten years.
James is well known in the industry for having a superb success rate with uncertain and non-standard claims. These include a substantial settlement for five children who tragically lost both parents in an air crash.
Notable media appearances include appearing on BBC Breakfast TV, BBC Radio 4′s You and Yours programme as well as at an ABS seminar where he was invited to speak as an industry expert.
Our Reviews
I was totally unlawfully arrested and detained by the police. I had done nothing wrong. They locked me for a day and released me without charge. I was fuming and luckily got in touch with these solicitors. Everything was done over the phone and via email. It was very easy. Took about half an hour. 4 months later I get a call saying I had been offered £1000 by the police. I accepted the offer and minus the win fee for the solicitors, they transferred 725 quid into my account. If anyone is ever in a similar situation then get in touch with these guys. They do all the work with zero costs.
Helpful, Prompt with communication.Assisted me in holding local police force accountable for the unnecessary actions and getting compensation.Managed to settle out of court, managed to haggle for additional funds than originally agreed
Very good solicitors would recommend to anyone who needs them thank you so much !
Peace and Respect goes Forth between you all,These Police are not Police any more,Again I'm glad ur Respect for us people,I'm taking ur Numbers for futures referencesMark Connolly
Can not fault HNK professional, helpful, always reply when I message them, I honestly was so grateful for the way they helped me, would definitely recommend to a friend.
Very happy with the service Iv received, staff are friendly attentive and knowledgeable, information is explained clearly in a way that is easily understood without jargon.Definitely use again should I need a specialist in this field
I had a terrible experience with false allegations made against me and poor behaviour and misconduct from the police. Higgs Newton made me feel protected and supported. They were very professional and gave me the support that I needed and did a good job. I would recommend calling them. In my situation I was guilty in the eyes of the police until proven innocent. It was a nighmare and I am glad HNKS managed to push back against the Police.
I used HNK solicitors for a work related criminal injury claim and they were absolutely first class from start to finish,they kept me updated throughout the claim,5 star service and would recommend to family and friends..Thanks again for everything you done during my claim..
I spoke to HNK about my case and they immediately agreed to take it on against the police for what they did to me. They were confident of winning from the start and had the time to speak to me at length explaining the process, what was involved, how long it would take and what they predicted.I was kept updated about the communication between themselves and the police. They quickly settled the case and within a week of the police conceding and agreeing an amount of compensation, the money was paid into my account.Becky was the person I mostly spoke to. She explained everything to me and answered any questions I had. She was professional as well as friendly and understanding.Thank you to Becky and HNK I can't recommend them enough
I have a couple of cases. Still waiting on one case. On the case that has settled, I got a professional service and a good result. Therefore currently a 5 star review.Friendly to work with at all times.
I found Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors online.They had very good reviews so I decided to give them a try.They were very professional from the start in dealing with my case, everything was explained to me in lamens terms, communication was excellent and they kept to there time lines.This ended in a win claim for me, my compensation was deposited into my account promptly less there fees which had been discussed at the beginning of the process.In all a very professional and prompt serviceFrom Higgs Newton Kenyan Solicitors
Very satisfied with the level of service I got. Higgs Newton kept me informed and updated with the progress of the case and maintained a friendly persona throughout. They explained everything to me thoroughly and got me back some good compo.A big thanks to the team and a special thanks to Rebecca Swetnam
Very professional firm and had a great experience with them. I did not feel pressured from the first call to the last one and the solicitor did a heck of amount of work in the background to get me a positive outcome. At every stage I did receive an update on the progress and next steps so I was very pleased with how it was handled. Thank you!
I had never been arrested in my life,, a very malicious man that was trying to steal my property, claimed three times I had made racist comments at him, no evidence on three occasions and detained. Well its cost them, and hopefully they will not arresting people that have got a court Injuction against the accuser with out any evidence. Good service, takes forever, but that's the Enlish way. Thanks 😊
Deepa Chand was tenacious and very professional. My case was settled out of court for Police misconduct and trespass to property.
I reached out to several ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors about my wrongful arrest claim, but most either ignored me or weren’t interested in taking it on. HNK Solicitors, on the other hand, took my case seriously from the start. They acted swiftly, kept me informed throughout, and provided solid legal advice at every stage.When I received an initial compensation offer, they immediately pointed out that I was being lowballed and pushed for a better settlement. Thanks to their expertise and persistence, I ended up with a significantly improved outcome.If you're struggling to find representation for a wrongful arrest claim, I highly recommend them. They get things done and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Excellent service from Vivien Lee, always efficient and prompt with responses. Great service and a good job done. Thanks
This firm is truly amazing at what they do. This is now the second time I’ve used there services. I have been represented by Vivian Lee who does an amazing job highly recommended.
I’ve had HNK solicitors assist me in drafting multiple claims. They handle all cases to perfection and they are my first option.
Mr Wharton has been very helpful with supporting me with my case. He has been professional, knowledgeable, and very understanding. I would recommend Higgs Newton Kenton Solicitors.
Avoid HNK SOLICITORS They work with the POLICE.The most unprofessional firm, don’t believe there good reviews.They work alongside police, delay your case with the pretense they’re still investigating your case whilst liasing with the police especially on serious cases eventually telling you haven’t got a case, whilst they get payed.I’ve transferred my case to another solicitors firm if you are already entangled with this mess of a firm do this before they waste 12 months or more of your time then you’ll be given an excuse.My case was clear as day raided/attacked by 12 riot police officers, property then searched nothing found left with no apology no care for my care concern or injuries just left however that metropolitan police for you.Michelle Mcman wasted 12 months with my case lack of communication one day I called in 12 times and couldn’t get through to her continuously told by the receptionist no nones available.Avoid this company at all cost there Co-owner Craig Newton, doesn’t even apologise even when he’s solicitors are in the wrong but make excuses for them.This solicitors firm is based around gaining as much money as possible, no form professionalism or empathy.I doubt there even actual solicitors within this firm with experience and knowledge with decent customer service .Michelle Mcman contacted me twice verbally within the whole twelve months and handful of times via email.I can’t put forward across how unprofessional it is to give the police extensions without notifying the client.After numerous extensions by Michelle the police eventually gave her the body cam footage not all of it, they held back the worst parts as they do.However after numerous calls and arguments with the reception and also Michelle as she was holding back the footage saying, I need to give consent and she needs to speak to her supervisor.I was eventually emailed me the body cam footage 5 days after me being given consent same day via email, bearing in mind I’ve waited 5-6 months for footage.The receptionists are trained to say your solicitors are unavailable can we request they call you back .I heard this for a good few months.If you’re looking for a firm who deals with actions against police avoid this one with all costs.I will you going the SRA and the legal ombudsmen as this is truly unjust.My case had been transferred as of yesterdayworst firm ever……. Avoid all costs
Awhile ago I was wrongfully arrests and for a number of reasons this completely destroyed my life. Several firms refused to take my case seriously. But HNK and Vivien Lee in particular listened to me every step of the way and did everything they could to try and make this case happen. Even though it didn't work out in the end, due to barristers not wanting to take the case, I think this is a testament to this forms character and committment to doing everything they can to help people who've been wronged by the police.
Very helpful and understanding, done a good job in getting me a damages settlement by the police, thank you HNK.
HNK are an amazing solicitors firm from the first moment you make contact throughout your case they always keep you in the loop and more importantly get you the results you need. I can't see myself using any other solicitors except HNK.
So far they have helped me with 2 claims against the police & I couldn't be more happy with the service they provided. They took me through step by step & kept me updated on how things were going. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND HNK Solicitors.
The team are excellent and so helpful. If I ever need help again I will be calling this brilliant team again.
I would give five stars but it took a tiny bit longer than expected And I have to keep their feet grounded. However, Alexandra exceeded my expectations in every possible way and went above and beyond settling my case. Very happy with the service I received would definitely use them again.
I received a good service from Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors. Although it took a little longer than expected to get a result.
They’ve done an excellent job for me, I can’t speak highly enough of them and I wouldn’t hesitate to use their services again.
Excellent service throughout kept me informed and advised and got me the justice I feel I deserved would definitely use again and recommend to family and friends thanks again HNK
Excellent firm, they took my case when 5 other firms said no. very professional with great communication throughout.I would highly recommend them to anyone, they care and absolutely do their best for the best outcome possible.I cannot thank them enough for helping to bring me some closure from a horrible experience.If I could give them 6 stars I would.Thank you very much to all the people at this firm for helping and for all your hard work and also staying patient with me when I didn't understand the what when and why's.
Michelle and Leigha have been absolutely wonderful. They kept me updated, advised and notified me during the whole process of my claim. Michelle fought for more compensation than was originally offered resulting in me being awarded a substantial amount. The justification for me was priceless as in essence it proved an admission of guilt from the Police Force in question. I would highly recommend this company and would definitely use thier expert services again if needed. Thank you for everything ❤️
Brilliant staff, brilliant service will be using them again very professional and helpful and a successful claim against the police for misconduct can't thank them enough
Michael from HNK Solicitors provided an excellent, straightforward, and professional service, with the outcome being very positive. Would recommend.
I have had really good communication from start to finish. I would highly recommend them
I received clear information and updates on the case, though I was disappointed after being advised I could expect a higher level of compensation than I actually received.Nonetheless, I was happy with the friendly and helpful communication I enjoyed, and the work done on my behalf.
Excellent service from HNK with a special mention to Lauren and Leigha. HNK managed to settle my claim to a satisfactory outcome. I was consulted along the way and was fully informed before making any decisions and before any action was taken. Definitely recommend
Fantastic service throughout. Professional and knowledgeable solicitors who hold corrupt and dishonest police officers to account. Settled my case within 3 months. Made an awful situation somewhat better. Highly recommended.
They kept me informed all the way through the process it did take time but they got me a result I will use then again and again and a special thanks to Michelle McMahon
100% recommended, I was kept in the loop from the start and the team answered any questions I had.We had a fast resolution and should I be unfortunate enough to need solicitors in the future I won't hesitate calling HNK
Vivien was brilliant, I won my claim for damages received settling at 5k for a false arrest. She kept me in the loop and followed any instructions I gave her but at the same time she made sure I was informed enough to make certain decisions. Over all would highly recommend and definitely use these guys again if needed.
Stuck with me all the way through the start and got exactly the result I wanted and even more, didn't think I could be compensated as much due to the circumstances, thanks a lot and would recommend anyone to these services, always professional, keep up the good work.
Exceptional Advocacy by HNK SolicitorsI am thrilled to share my outstanding experience with HNK Solicitors, who played an instrumental role in bringing action against the police on my behalf. From the outset, their professionalism and dedication were evident. HNK's expertise and strategic approach ensured a positive outcome, instilling confidence in me throughout the process. Their clear communication and genuine concern for my well-being set them apart. I highly recommend HNK Solicitors to anyone seeking expert legal representation. Thank you, HNK, for your exceptional support in securing justice.
Very good service throughout, they constantly kept me in the loop and managed a very satisfactory result. I would gladly recommend their service,s to any experiencing the same sort of problems.Many thanksSimon
Very good Solicitor firm, very deligent with their approach. Was an absolute pleasure to work with as they took on my claims against the police and saw to it that a compensation was reached. However this is just one out of many potential cases so am looking forward to working with you guys again.
I want to say that the experience I had with this solicitors has been very positive. As through no fault of theirs this case took alot of time.I was impressed with the end results.
Michael Wharton kept me informed throughout my criminal injures claim and was always available for advice and reassurance. Just waiting for my claim to be paid out and that will be a satisfactory end to a traumatic event. Again a big thank you to HNK solicitors.
I highly recommend HNK Solicitors for their outstanding work on my case against the police. Vivian was fantastic, providing constant support and making the process much more comfortable. Thanks to the excellent teamwork between her and Alex, we won the case. If you've been wronged by the police, HNK Solicitors are the ones to call.
Being the first time having to fight a case against the police I was a bit apprehensive with what the outcome may of been but my solicitor demi was kind and professional and always made me feel at ease every time i spoke to her. I can't thank her enough for the work she put into fighting my case and having Alex as my barrister who I was extremely impress with how he handled my case was a true blessing. So grateful for them both and I have and would forever recommend anyone to work with the firm. Thanks again 😊
Amazing service. prompt, successful and professional throughout. Would highly recommend.
I thank all involved in processing my claim successfuly. Everyone was professional,helpful and polite.
I took legal action against the police who had falsified evidence against me. I have no criminal record or history of wrong doing. Unlawful arrest, Imprisonment and use of force. With help from this legal firm I was awarded £££££££ in damages. Very Professional and they assured, and informed me throughout the full process.
Have sought the help of Higgs Newton Kenyon Solicitors on a number of cases now, and they've been nothing but attentive and helpful at getting me the best outcome. Would highly recommend
Very satisfied with service provided to me! Would highly recommend this company to all ! Robert w Marchant.
They are lawyers, so $$$ is their only agenda and, thus, when we refused the offer of compensation in favour of a public apology, they ended up defending the perpetrators out of spite. Unethical is an understatement.
I am extremely satisfied with the exceptional service provided by Higgs Newton Kenyon solicitors. Their dedicated work and professionalism in handling my case led to a successful settlement that brought great relief. The team's commitment to excellence is truly impressive, and I appreciate their efforts. I highly recommend their services and am grateful for their support. Thank you, HNK solicitors!- Courtney LV
Steer clear of Vivien Lee unless you are motivated purely and exclusively by undiluted greed and amorality.
I must have drawn the short straw if all these positive reviews are authentic.My own case was handled mainly by para legals. Who displayed very little skill, or real knowledge of the law, and definitely lacked any kind of commitment. I received only one phone call in the three years it took them to 'resolve ' my case.The treatment I received from this firm was barely adequate. If you are thinking of using HNK my advice is find someone else. Unless you don't mind wasting three years of your life for very little in the way of compensation.
Such a wonderful experience with them.Excellent services got such a friendly people thanks HNK .. 🙏🙏
I've learned a lot from life. Even if you are decent, humble, and honest to guys, it doesn't guarantee that they will treat you similarly. I've been married to my spouse for about six years and didn't know he was cheating. I chose to confide in a friend after noticing some changes in his behavior, and they connected me with a hacker by the name of DAVID WILFRED. By remotely hacking and gaining access to his phone call log, Facebook, Messenger messages, phone texts, WhatsApp, Skype, database, and other items, this guy did an amazing and excellent work for me. You can get in touch with this active hacker at (digitaltechhacker @ gmail com).
My solicitors name was Micheal Wharton, he done an amazing job in helping me with my case. He treated me with empathy, respect, and compassion. He is very understanding and kept me up to date with any updates/changes every step of the way. His communication skills are amazing, and he made me feel at ease when talking about my case and reassured me when I was worried.I would highly recommend Micheal Wharton as your solicitor he is very good at what he does and is very professional at all times whilst providing excellent support and advice.I can't thank Micheal enough for everything he has done for me.
Positive service. Treated me with kindness and respect. Didn't make me uncomfortable whilst doing their enquiries.Kept me in the loop at all times and helped me come to a decision that best suited me.Thank you to Michael Wharton for making the effort to help me :)
Very good service, couldn’t be happier with how they handled my claim and we also got justice and compensated rightly! 5 stars 10/10 does what it says on the tin thank you to the team at Hicks Newton Kenyon
Absolutely brilliant. They kept me in the loop throughout the process. I am very happy with the result. Very professional team. I would 100 percent recommend them. Thank you Michael.
Highly recommend using higgs Newton Kenyon solicitors I most definitely got my justice I deserved could not of done it with out Michael support I got the support and help the very first day Michael got in contact with me and all the support carried on all the way to the last day
I contacted Higgs Newton Kenyon over a distressing experience with the police and feeling very vulnerable. Lynne Hughes helped me with my case and was really understanding and empathetic. It meant a lot to have someone speak for me and the outcome of the case was better than I expected. Thanks to their service I have been able to put this experience behind me and move on.Would recommend.
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