Ropewalk Chambers

Commercial dispute resolution, data protection & information, planning & environmental, property & real estate, professional negligence, public sector & not for profit, wills, probate & inheritance.

James read Law at the University of Bristol before being awarded a Blackstone scholarship by the Middle Temple. He practised at KCH Garden Square in Nottingham for many years, before moving to Ropewalk Chambers in 2014. He is highly experienced in the fields of property-related litigation and commercial disputes of all types, and also has a specialised practice in CMR (carriage of goods by road). James’ approach is to understand the client’s position, advise in clear, non-technical language what the options are, and guide the client to a practical and commercially sensible outcome. He regularly acts for and against local authorities and is familiar with the work and culture of local government. He accepts instructions from professionals other than solicitors, as well as direct access instructions, and is a qualified arbitrator and mediator. Notable cases include: Fitzhugh v Fitzhugh [2012] EWCA Civ 694 (property law; licence to occupy land).

Called 1980. Recorder on the South Eastern Circuit; FCIArb; Accredited Mediator; Direct Access.

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; United Kingdom Environmental Law Association.

University of Bristol (LLB).