Keating Chambers

Keating Chambers

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Arbitrators

James Frampton

James Frampton

Keating Chambers, London

Position

James Frampton specialises in construction, engineering, energy and procurement disputes. He is ranked for Construction, Professional Negligence and Public Procurement by Chambers and Partners and for Construction, Professional Negligence, International Arbitration (both at the London Bar and in the Middle East) by Legal 500: “Very bright, focuses on the key issues, always prepares comprehensively, very good advocate, great manner. He is a star junior.”

James’ recent instructions have included a particular focus on:

Building Safety Act 2022 and fire safety/cladding matters.

  • James acted as Junior Counsel for Mulalley in the first fire-safety cladding case to be tried in the TCC since the Grenfell Tower (Martlet Homes Limited v Mulalley & Co Limited [2022] EWHC 1813 (TCC).
  • James is currently instructed as Junior Counsel on TCC claims involving applications for Building Liability Orders and liability under section 149 of the Building Safety Act 2022 for cladding products.
  • James is currently instructed on several claims for Remediation Orders and Remediation Contribution Orders in the First Tier Tribunal, as well as an application to challenge service charges demanded for remedial works.
  • James is one of the editors of the Keating Chambers BSA Update.

Professional negligence claims against architects and other professionals.

  • James’ current professional negligence cases also involve the added complexity of issues under the Civil Liability (Contribution) Act 1978 and insolvency of the parties.

Adjudication enforcement.

  • James regularly appears in the TCC bringing and resisting adjudication enforcement claims and related matters.
  • James appeared unled in the Court of Appeal in 2023 in A&V Building Solutions v J & B Hopkins [2023] EWCA Civ 54 which is now the leading case on how Part 8 claims can be used in response to adjudicator’s decisions.

James has been appointed to the London B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown, effective from 1 September 2025 for a five-year term. This appointment reflects James’ legal and advocacy expertise in construction and procurement matters. James was previously  appointed to the Attorney General’s C Panel from September 2022. James is currently instructed as Junior Counsel for the Cabinet Office on Module 5 (Procurement) of the Covid Inquiry.

International work

James is also regularly instructed as Junior Counsel on substantial international disputes, including projects in South Africa, Australia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ukraine and Qatar. James’ international arbitration practice has seen him recommended for construction by Who’s Who Legal and ranked as a Rising Star by the Legal 500 in the Middle East.

Career

Pupil, Keating Chambers 2016; Tenant, Keating Chambers 2017

Languages

French (working knowledge)

Education

BA in History, Durham University (First, 2011-2014); GDL, University of Law (Distinction; Contract, Tort, Criminal and Public Law prizes, 2014-2015); BPTC, University of Law (Outstanding; Written Advocacy Prize, 2015-2016).

Mentions

London Bar

Construction

Leading junior3
I was impressed by James's ability to quickly absorb information, understand the situation, and focus on the issues that mattered most. He was extremely knowledgeable, with a strong grasp of both the facts and the wider strategy. His advocacy was clear, persuasive, and well-judged throughout. What particularly stood out was his ability to think on his feet. He was receptive to last-minute instructions and new ideas and was able to adapt his approach seamlessly without losing focus on the key objectives. No viewpoint was dismissed; all contributions were considered thoughtfully. James communicated clearly throughout, explaining complex matters in an accessible way and ensuring we were fully prepared for the hearing. He was also a genuine pleasure to work with: approachable, collaborative, and responsive at every stage. His professionalism, flexibility, and expertise gave us confidence that the case was being presented as strongly as possible.
London Bar

International arbitration: counsel

Leading junior3
James is an exceptionally capable junior with a strong grasp of both the technical and legal dimensions of complex construction disputes. He is particularly adept at analyzing large-scale projects involving competing issues and navigating the interaction between contractual claims and expert evidence. He is able to assimilate detailed factual and technical material quickly while maintaining focus on the key strategic and commercial issues. He is also very knowledgeable about the nuances of adjudication and arbitration and provides clear, personable, and pragmatic advice throughout the lifecycle of a dispute.
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