New Park Court Chambers

Crime, Regulatory

Acknowledged as an accomplished and polished advocate, James Bourne-Arton KC has a national reputation for defending and prosecuting serious and financial corporate crimes, including complex fraud, professional disciplinary, and regulatory work.

James has developed a legal practice defending finance professionals and company directors accused of fraud and offences under the Financial Services & Markets Act. He has experience in all areas of financial crime, including missing trader cases, cash detention and forfeiture, copyright, money laundering, and confiscation.

A fearless and persuasive advocate, James is known for giving clear and commercially astute legal advice in cases that involve a large amount of evidence, and he has the ability to make complex legal and financial issues easily digestible. James has a sharp grasp of tax regimes, financial procedures and business regulations, which aids in his preparation, presentation and delivery. His confident and pragmatic style is beneficial when preparing or cross-examining witnesses and explaining pivotal legal points to lay clients and juries.

James's corporate and financial crime work naturally overlaps with his professional disciplinary and regulatory cases. James has developed a reputation as fearlessly representing individuals brought before their regulatory bodies. He has been instructed by a broad range of professionals at disciplinary and conduct hearings, including those practising in medicine, finance, insurance and the police, both at first instance and on appeal in the High Court.

He provides legal advice and representation to Doctors at the General Medical Council on cases brought before the Interim Orders Panel and the Fitness to Practise tribunal. James also advises nurses and midwives on all matters before the Nursing and Midwifery Council, including fitness to practise, impairments, competence and physical or mental ill health. He is renowned for giving sound legal advice clearly and concisely.

James is experienced in conducting advocacy in connection with the legislative provisions enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA). As a junior barrister, he was appointed to List B of the Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law, used by the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency and Office of Rail Regulation to conduct their higher court prosecution work and other regulatory advocacy.

James’s multi-disciplinary practice means he can bring expertise from one area to another. He is in demand to act for individuals charged with serious criminal offences, including murder, terrorism and organised crime.

James is described in the Legal 500 as

“A very personable and accomplished advocate.”

"A calm performer who is unfazed in court, and has a good manner with both court and juries alike”

"Charismatic and persuasive in court. He has a meticulous eye. “