James is a leading junior in the field of commercial Chancery work, with particular expertise in contentious insolvency, company law and civil fraud. He is regularly instructed in high value and complex litigation, often involving a cross-border element.
James’ current and recent caseload include:
- Representing a defendant in an ongoing Commercial Court claim involving conspiracy and a transaction defrauding creditors worth around €100m. James previously acted as sole counsel but is now led by Hugo Page KC.
- Representing liquidators in a claim against a director for misfeasance worth over £2m. James was successful at a three-day High Court trial in 2022 ([2022] EWHC 197 (Ch)) and has recently secured the dismissal of the director’s appeal together with an application by the director to adduce new evidence.
- Representing a claimant on a contractual claim in the Commercial Court for damages in the sum of €37m based on the non-performance of an agreement to supply bicycles and related products.
- Representing a claimant on a claim for fraudulent breach of duty (against a bankrupt), unlawful means conspiracy and knowing receipt based upon the disposal of a property portfolio.
The directories describe James as “an excellent all-rounder”, “a great team player, who is great with clients and manages expectations appropriately”. “He is calm and measured on his feet, which gives him credibility, but his written work is also excellent”. “You want James on your side”. “The quality of his advice, written and oral, is excellent.”
James is an experienced trial advocate; his cross examination has been described by a Judge as “courteously hostile” [2019] EWHC 1657 (Ch).
