Biography
I am 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 weather injury claims, assisting several hundred clients and recovering over £10 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.
In addition to my personal injury work 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.
Testimonials
"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
"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
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
"Widely recognised for his extensive experience and ability in military claims and, in particular, non freezing cold weather injury claims" Sources note he "understands the jargon and technicalities involved in cases against the MoD, and can cut through to the heart of the case." He is "very pragmatic and commercial in his negotiation" and clients describe him as "easy to talk to - he understands exactly where you're coming from" - Chambers & Partners 2014
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?
Away from the office I enjoy playing hockey and going fishing with my two sons.
