One Essex Court

James has a broad practice which covers the whole range of commercial disputes, including (for example) disputes concerning debt or equity finance, telecoms, and utilities. James also has a particular interest in disputes concerning art; he is a board member (and chair of the legal committee) of DACS (a not-for-profit organisation which protects the rights of visual artists).

Approximately half of James’ practice is court litigation, in England and overseas. James is admitted as a member of the Bar of the British Virgin Islands, and has considerable experience of litigation in the Privy Council. He also has extensive experience of group litigation (both under formal GLOs and otherwise). The other half of James’ practice is international commercial arbitration. James has extensive experience of arbitration under various institutional rules (including ICC, LCIA and UNCITRAL), and of litigation concerning the enforcement of arbitral awards.

Current and recent cases include: (1) Magomedov v TPG ($10bn+ claim arising out of an alleged conspiracy with the Russian state to seize valuable ports in Russia); (2) Surrey Searches v Northumbrian Water (group litigation by property search companies seeking restitution of fees paid for environmental information) [2024] EWHC 1643 (Ch); (3) RF Corval v REINO Capital (claim arising out of investment in a real estate fund).

Called 2002, Lincoln’s Inn. Called to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands in 2007.

Clare College, Cambridge (2000 BA Law (First Class))

Brasenose College, Oxford (2001 BCL (Distinction)).