Biography
I'm a Partner in the military injury claims team, acting exclusively for injured service personnel claims against the MoD for the last 15 years. I have a particular interest in non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) claims, assisting several hundred clients and recovering over £35 million in compensation.
Through my cold injury work I have gained considerable experience in assisting Commonwealth soldiers in claims for compensation and, specifically, recovering losses which stem from their deprivation of British residency following medical discharge. I also regularly assist with claims being brought under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
I received the Law Society prize for outstanding academic performance in my LPC and was a finalist in the Young Lawyer of the Year category at the Eclipse Proclaim Awards in 2009.
What inspired you to get into law?
I followed in the footsteps of my father, a former Ammunitions Technical Officer who retrained to become a solicitor. He has acted exclusively for service personnel since the abolition of Crown Immunity.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Facilitating the rebuilding of lives, particularly in cases where the injury has resulted in the loss of a promising service career.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell are a hugely supportive and well-resourced firm, which allows me to provide the very best service across all aspects of a client’s legal claim.
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy playing hockey and going fishing with my three sons.
Testimonials
"Simon has excellent judgement and is a specialist in military claims." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Leading Individual - Band 2)
"For military personal injury, Simon Harrington and Alex Davenport. The experience and knowledge of this area of work held by these individuals is second to none in my view." - Legal 500, 2022 (Leading Individual)
Simon is a 'Leading Individual' (Band 2) – Chambers & Partners, 2021
Simon "is extremely knowledgeable, very impressive and great tactically. Clients love him." – Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)
"He speaks plainly and he's absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Simon Harrington is by far one of the most helpful professionals I have ever had the pleasure to meet and work with." – Legal 500, 2020
"He was very personable right from the start, he spoke to me very frankly, he wasn't patronising and he made me feel at ease. It's almost as if he's a friend." - Chambers & Partners, 2019
A client notes Simon is "very intelligent and knowledgeable. He is very good at explaining all the options we could take." - Chambers & Partners 2018
Simon Harrington "knows military personal injury work inside out." - Chambers & Partners 2017
Simon is "impressive and has an abundance of experience". Clients note Harrington's "vast experience litigating against the Ministry of Defence" - Legal 500, 2017
Simon is "enormously experienced in military personal injury claims" - Legal 500 2016
He has been described as "phenomenal - he explains things to you in a way you understand. It's like he's given you a SatNav - he drives you to the point where you understand." - Chambers & Partners 2016
Simon Harrington is "second-to-none for military claims, and tactically excellent" - Legal 500 2015
Client Testimonials
"Simon and his team from the get go had been amazing. The support and advice giving is second to none. They understand the terms and phrases used within the forces and as for JSPs they knew them even better than I did. Simon and his team won my case, they have changed my life, and that of my family for the better. Simon and his team are champions, not just because they win cases, but they also put you first at every stage of the process. I couldn't recommend this team highly enough, words can't describe how helpful and supportive Simon Harrington is. Top bloke and an even better lawyer." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Each and everyone of the team at Irwin Mitchell has been absolutely faultless. I have been always kept upto date with my case and any questions I had were answered right away. At no time in my case have I been unsure of what was going on and what was next. No hidden fees or lies given, nothing but honesty and brilliant advice and support.
For me one of the highlights of dealing with Irwin Mitchell and Simon is they treat you so well and don’t lose you with Legal/Law jargon and keep everything simple for the likes of myself who has very little law background knowledge etc. Also another key quality in using Irwin Mitchell especially if you are a serving or soon to be ex serviceman/woman is that Simon and his team understand the Army jargon and everything to do with the way we talk and explain things.
I could keep on writing how amazing my experience has been with Simon H and his team. However if you are reading these reviews, then look no further for a solicitor. I guarantee you will not find a better more determined/friendly/honest and upfront law firm!!! Difficult to put into words what this company has done for me!
I will never forget the name Simon and the name Irwin Mitchell. Thank you and I will forevermore be grateful for your hard work!!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Simon Harrington and his team went above and beyond while taking on my entire case. They kept me in the loop at all times and explained everything on a level I would understand rather than just sending over legal documents and leaving me scratch my head. Overall I couldn't fault them, have already recommended these guys to close friends of mine that are in a similar situation." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I have been working with Simon and the team from Irwin Mitchell for four years. I have found everyone to have always been honest, upfront and reliable. Communication has never been an issue, any questions I have asked have been answered straight away.
From start to finish I have had 100% confidence in Simon and the team. This has come from the confidence and general attitude Simon gave me from day one of our very first meeting. I would thoroughly recommend using Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I cannot recommend Simon Harrington highly enough. Simon and his team were professional, effective and kept me well informed throughout. They turned what could have been a stressful and complicated process into a very clear and straightforward one. Simon was realistic with his expectations for my case and I was left feeling completely satisfied with the result. Thank you!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"...I can't fault them one bit. They have been the most professional, emphatic and understanding team I have ever worked with. Throughout my dealings with them, they listened to me, heard me and acted surely in my interest. I cannot recommend them enough. However, one thing is for sure, choosing them is equal to a guaranteed excellent service incomparable to any other out there." – 5* Trustpilot review
"Please thank the team on my behalf because without them I would be writing a very different email. I do hope you keep on changing people’s lives like you have mine. I simply cannot put in words how grateful I am, thank you Simon." - Client
