Serle Court

James Behrens' practice focuses on mediation and arbitration. He has conducted over 100 mediations, roughly two-thirds in the chancery and commercial fields, with the remainder covering a wide range of other subjects. Several cases have an international element or involve cultural or religious issues. He was a director of Mediation UK for three years, and for five years did pro bono community mediation for the Camden Mediation Service. He also completed a PhD on mediation in 2002. He has run a group mediation involving over 50 participants and lasting four days, but most cases are settled in one day or less. He is widely praised for the way he helps the parties find a solution to their disputes, his professionalism, and his success.

James has also been a chartered arbitrator since 2001, and is a fellow and former council member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He holds the Chartered Institute’s diploma in international commercial arbitration. He has had over 70 appointments as arbitrator, mainly in disputes concerning the computer and telecommunications business, partnerships, real property, sale of goods, and financial services. He also acts as barrister in commercial and property arbitrations. Most of his recent appointments have been in property matters.  He is a member of the  CIArb property panel.

Year of Call: 1979

The Chancery Bar Association

The Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

The Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS)

The Ecclesiatical Law Society (honorary life member)

The Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland

The Property Bar Association

The LCIA

Trinity College, Cambridge: MA

Cardiff University: LLM, PhD

St Mellitus College, Durham: BA