James Hart
Biography
Overview
James is an associate in the Dispute Resolution group in London. His practice includes international arbitration and commercial litigation across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on complex, cross-border disputes in the energy and natural resources industries.
James has advised and acted for clients in arbitrations conducted under many of the principal arbitral rules (including the LCIA, ICC, DIFC-LCIA and UNCITRAL rules). In addition, he has experience of representing clients in arbitration conducted on an ad hoc basis. James' arbitration experience encompasses several appointments as tribunal secretary and a six-month secondment to the Firm's International Arbitration team in Paris.
James also has experience of representing clients in litigation before the English courts and regularly advises on English law disputes before foreign courts (including, most recently, in the US and Cayman Islands).
In addition to practising law, James has taught both contract law and international arbitration. He is currently engaged in doctoral research in the field of English contract law and is listed as a "key lawyer" in the Firm’s dispute resolution team by Legal 500.
Experience
Representing a buyer in an ICC price reopener arbitration under an import contract worth several billion euros.
Representing an HKSE and ASX listed mining company in the English Commercial Court and Court of Appeal in relation to alleged breaches of a tax indemnity and tax warranties contained in a sale and purchase agreement.
Representing a buyer in an ad hoc price review arbitration concerning one of the highest value import contracts in Europe.
Advising a state owned oil and gas corporation in connection with disputes arising out of a sale and purchase agreement, including a challenge to the jurisdiction of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands.
Representing an international oil and gas company in DIFC-LCIA proceedings concerning the performance of a drilling contract.
Representing an oil supermajor in an ICC arbitration concerning its acquisition of an interest in an exploration block offshore West Africa.
Acting as tribunal secretary in an ICC arbitration concerning a works and costs dispute in the oil and gas sector.
Representing a major European energy provider in a dispute over the construction and installation by contractors of a nuclear power plant.
