Hugh joined Bird & Bird as a consultant in 2009, where he continues to act for a variety of parties involved in the aviation and aerospace industry.

Hugh has specialised in aviation law since 1975 when he was a solicitor in the shipping and aviation group of an international law firm. From 1979-1987 he was in-house counsel at British Caledonian Airways, ultimately as Director of Legal Services. Following the acquisition of BCAL by British Airways in 1987 Hugh assisted with the integration of BCAL into British Airways.

In 1988 Hugh returned to private practice in London and since then has acted for a number of airlines, manufacturers, leasing companies, banks and others in the aviation sector.

Hugh is listed as an expert in aviation law by the 2009 Legal Business Report and is also listed as one of the World’s Leading Aviation lawyers in the IFLR Guide 2008.