Biography
James is a Partner in the International Arbitration group. His practice centres on high-stakes commercial disputes across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on the energy and natural resources industries.
James has represented clients in arbitrations conducted under most of the principal arbitral rules and on an ad hoc basis. He frequently undertakes oral advocacy and has developed particular expertise in cases that raise complex English law issues. In recent years, James has helped clients to secure more than US$ 2 billion in damages awards, as well as to successfully defeat claims and counterclaims valued at several hundred million dollars.
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 has been listed as a "key lawyer" in the Firm's International Arbitration team by Legal 500.
Experience
Representing buyers of natural gas in multiple price review arbitrations under long term import contracts worth several billion euros.
Representing Iraq Telecom Ltd. in its successful ICC arbitration against Korek Telecom Company and Sirwan Barzani involving direct and derivative claims for fraud, corruption, self-dealing, and other contractual breaches of a shareholders' agreement governed by English law. In an award issued in March 2023, the tribunal unanimously found in favour of Iraq Telecom Ltd. and assessed damages in the amount of US$ 1.65 billion.
Representing a consortium of East Asian contractors in a SIAC arbitration, seated in Singapore and governed by English law, relating to the construction of an oil and petrochemical refinery in Southeast Asia, involving claims of over US$1.5 billion.
Representing a contractor in a US$ 500 million ICC arbitration relating to the design and construction of a hydro-electric power plant in Asia.
Representing an oil supermajor in an ICC arbitration concerning its acquisition of an interest in an exploration block offshore West Africa.
Representing a state- owned oil and gas corporation in ad hoc arbitration proceedings arising out of the termination of a production sharing contract.
Representing a leading technology company in multiple ICC arbitrations relating to the sale of a business and licensing of intellectual property.
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 governed by English law.
Advising a state- owned oil and gas corporation in connection with disputes arising out of a sale and purchase agreement governed by English law, 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 an English law governed drilling contract.