Weightmans LLP

James has specialised in regulatory law since 2012, covering all aspects of:

-Health and safety

-Corporate manslaughter/gross negligence manslaughter

-Inquests

-Fire/building safety

-Careless/dangerous driving

-Food hygiene/safety

-Environmental law.

He has a national practice and represents clients throughout England and Wales.

James provides advice and representation for companies and individuals throughout the entire duration of regulatory investigations, often being instructed in the immediate aftermath of serious and fatal accidents, and carrying matters through to their conclusion. He has extensive experience of court litigation and trial preparation, and has particular skill in dealing with complex areas of expert evidence.

James is passionate about getting to know his clients’ businesses in detail, ensuring that his advice always takes into account the wider impact the matter might have on the business as a whole. He works for all manner of businesses, ranging from multi-nationals to sole traders and individuals, with particular experience in manufacturing, construction, health and social care, leisure, agriculture, food and hospitality, local government, education, emergency services, haulage, waste and recycling, and mining.

At the outset of his career, James gained significant experience in the prosecution of health and safety and fire safety cases. Having experience of how such cases are prosecuted gives James a significant tactical edge when defending.

James regularly advises clients in relation to fire safety matters and defends companies prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  He also advises clients, contractors, designers and those occupying buildings (as accountable persons) in relation to the new regulatory regime under the Building Safety Act.

James also carries out non-contentious advisory work for his clients, including advising on health and safety and fire safety requirements and providing training to senior management. He also carries out specialist health and safety and fire safety due diligence in relation to both the firm’s own corporate deals, and the corporate deals of other law firms. He recently advised private equity investors in relation to the health and safety and fire safety implications of its acquisition of a company group operating over 150 care homes.

James is currently instructed in relation to numerous complex health and safety cases, including: defending multiple managers in relation to a manufacturing fatality in Shropshire (the company being charged with Corporate Manslaughter); defending a company and director in relation to a life-changing injury in Berkshire; and defending an engineering consultancy in relation to a complex fire safety prosecution. He recently represented a company director in the West Midlands who was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter in relation to a fatal accident at a recycling facility.