Biography
I am the head of the Ministry of Defence team in our Cambridge office. I’ve acted exclusively for service personnel since qualifying as a solicitor in 2004. I’m also ranked as a 'Leading Individual' by Legal 500 and in 2021 I was appointed as a Deputy District Judge.
What inspired you to get into law?
My father qualified as a Solicitor after leaving the Army in 1979. Growing up I saw first-hand the difference he made to lives of injured service personnel and was inspired to follow in his footsteps. I was lucky enough to work alongside him until he retired in 2018.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is having the chance to give something back to a group of people who have given so much themselves service of Queen and country. Our service and veterans community are an uniquely group of men and women who never fail to humble and inspire me with their attitude to life in the face of adversity and injury.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
There are many aspects of Irwin Mitchell that I value but the stand out one is the Firm’s ability to make a difference by virtue of its size and resources, be that through pro bono work or the wealth of services were are able to offer in support of our clients over and above market leading advice and representation in their PI claim
What do you do away from the office?
Away from the office I play hockey to a level which decreases each year with age, and cricket and golf to a level which could not decrease further even with age.
Testimonials
Simon Harrington is head of the Ministry of Defence team at Irwin Mitchell's Cambridge office. He is well reputed for his work undertaking personal injury claims against the MoD. "Simon provides excellent service that keeps me at ease." "Simon is a knowledgeable solicitor providing quality advice relating to military personal injury." "Simon is very impressive and always on top of the brief." "He is excellent and thorough with good communication." - Chambers & Partners 2024 (Leading Individual - Band 2)
"Simon Harrington is an incredible lawyer who really has your best interests at heart. After what has been a very stressful and emotional couple of years Simon, Alex and the team have all made it that bit easier with all of their continuous hard work and support. I couldn't be more thankful for the time and effort they all put into helping me. Simon was always at the end of the phone if I ever had any questions and queries, and they all took me and my case seriously so for that I will be forever grateful." - 5* Trustpilot reviews
"Simon has focused on the niche area of representing injured service personnel and he is an acknowledged expert, with vast experience. He regularly handles high value and complex cases of service personnel injured in the UK and overseas and is second to none in his tactical ability and legal knowledge. He is one of the main “go to” solicitors in the UK for claimant military personal injury cases." - Legal 500, 2023
"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
"I have been working with Simon Harrington for several years. He and his team provided outstanding service and advice at the right time. Irwin Mitchell is resolutely excellent. I would even consider other services that are provided based on my relationship with Simon. All in all, Simon and the team were professional, and they knew their stuff which led to absolute confidence on my part." - 5* Trustpilot review
"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
"The support I received from Simon and his team was nothing short of outstanding. He has extensive knowledge and understanding of not only the injury I had sustained, but also of the UK armed forces in general and was able to fully grasp the situation, how it unfolded and was able to paint an accurate picture of events that he would then use to form my defence. Throughout the process Simon and his team would keep me updated every step of the way and any decisions that I would have to make were explained in great detail and in a way that I could understand so that I could make an informed decision. Thanks to his tireless efforts my case was successful and the outcome exceeded any and all expectations that I had. I would not hesitate to recommend Simon to any of my former oppos and friends should they ever require legal assistance." – 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
