James Davies

James has acted in some of the most complex civil fraud matters, many involving multiple jurisdictions and claims for hundreds of millions of pounds.  Recent examples include:

• Acting for the Claimants in the 11-week trial of a claim in the Chancery Division for $1.2 billion arising from a major international fraud. The claim was listed as one of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2026”. James was led by Christopher Parker KC, alongside Zachary Kell: Harrington & Charles Trading Co Ltd and others v Mehta and others (judgment awaited)
• Representing a defendant in a Commercial Court claim involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy and a transaction defrauding creditors in relation to the transfer of shares worth in the region of €80 million in the parent company of several prestigious French fashion houses including Sandro, Claudie Pierlot and De Fursac. James previously acted as sole counsel but was subsequently led by Hugo Page KC: GLAS SAS (London Branch) v European Topsoho Sarl and others [2024] EWHC 83 (Comm)
• Obtaining summary judgment for the rescission of a settlement agreement for fraudulent misrepresentation: Thames Water Utilities Limited v Imber [2026] EWHC 2720 (KB).
• Advising liquidators on a claim for fraudulent trading and breach of fiduciary arising from a payroll fraud.

James has a vast experience of all areas of contentious insolvency both in the corporate sphere (including matters relating to partnerships and LLPs) and the personal sphere.  He is instructed by office holders and others both as sole counsel and as part of a wider team.

James is regularly instructed on applications to set aside statutory demands, applications to restrain the presentation and advertisement of winding up petitions, on the hearing of bankruptcy and winding up petitions, on applications for administration orders and on the full range of claims under the Insolvency Act 1986.  James also has extensive experience of applications to remove office holders and other challenges to office holders’ decision making.

James has particular experience of cross border insolvency including acting for officeholders of foreign companies bringing claims in England and Wales and seeking assistance from the English courts pursuant to section 426 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

Recent cases include:

• Representing two directors in two Commercial Court claims for around £100m involving allegations of misrepresentation and misstatement arising out of the purchase of a company listed on the Alternative Investment Market and allegations that James’ clients breached their directors’ duties in the way they prepared the company’s accounts.  The trial is listed for 14-weeks in 2027 and James is led by James Pickering KC, alongside Mathew Moriarty.
• Acting for the Claimant liquidators in the 11-week trial of a claim in the Chancery Division for $1.2 billion arising from a major international fraud. The claim was listed as one of The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases of 2026”. James was led by Christopher Parker KC, alongside Zachary Kell.  The claims included claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraudulent trading and pursuant to section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986: Harrington & Charles Trading Co Ltd and others v Mehta and others (judgment awaited).
• Acting for liquidators in a compulsory liquidation in an application to court for permission to make a distribution of capital to shareholders and for the court’s directions in making such a distribution: [2025] EWHC 2068 (Ch).

James is regularly instructed in commercial cases, often with a civil fraud and cross-border element.  He is often asked to advise on contractual disputes, including sale of goods claims, and matters relating to debt recovery and enforcement.

Recent cases include:

• Acting for the claimant in a fraud claim relating to a settlement reached to compromise previous proceedings.
• Acting for defendants in two Commercial Court claims for around £100m involving allegations of misrepresentation and misstatement arising out of the purchase of a company listed on the Alternative Investment Market and allegations that James’ clients breached their directors’ duties in the way they accounted for financial matters.  James is led by James Pickering KC together with Matthew Moriarty.
• Representing a defendant in an ongoing Commercial Court claim involving allegations of unlawful means conspiracy and a transaction defrauding creditors in relation to the transfer of shares worth in the region of €80 million in the parent company of several prestigious French fashion houses including Sandro, Claudie Pierlot and De Fursac. James previously acted as sole counsel but is now led by Hugo Page KC.
• Acting for the Commercial Bank of Dubai in respect of enforcement proceedings arising out of a judgment granted by the Sharjah Court of First Instance for approximately $118m.
• Advising on the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.

James’ company practice overlaps substantially with his insolvency practice.  He is experienced in all forms of shareholder disputes, unfair prejudice petitions and derivative claims as well as claims for breach of directors’ duties and unlawful distributions.

Recent cases include:

• Acting for the petitioners in an unfair prejudice petition presented in the High Court in respect of a substantial company, which had attracted a great deal of publicity amongst celebrity and life-style magazines
• Acting for the successful claimant shareholders of a company incorporated to produce a “retro” version of the celebrated Sinclair ZX Vega Plus. James obtained an injunction to prevent the directors wrongfully forfeiting the claimants’ shares in the company
• Advising a high-profile founder of a start-up company on how to negotiate a dispute with a major shareholder

Historically, James’ practice spanned all aspects of real property and landlord and tenant matters.  However, James’ recent work has focused on the interaction between property law and insolvency and is regularly instructed to advise on issues such as forfeiture, receivership, disclaimer and the validity and enforceability of security.

Recent cases include:

• Acting for the administrators of Tuttons Brasserie and Dirty Martini in resolving various property related matters.

• Acting for a trustee in bankruptcy in challenging the validity of various security interests.