Consultant, OBE

James specialises in shipping, including collisions, salvage, fire and explosion, total loss, piracy, limitation of liability, wreck removal, both civil and criminal pollution liabilities. Also marine insurance and coverage and other shipping-related commercial and contractual disputes. He speaks French and Spanish.

More about James

The global marine piracy team were also awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Lloyd's List Global Awards 2015 ceremony. The award celebrates excellence in corporate, social, ethical and environmental activity, and seeks to identify the company or organisation that best exemplifies the social and community spirit which is at the core of the shipping industry, and was presented in recognition of the outstanding pro bono work the firm's global marine piracy team has undertaken over the last couple of years to secure the release of 22 "forgotten" seafarer hostages in Somalia.

In December 2014, James was recognised - for the fourth year - as one of the most influential lawyers in the Lloyd's List annual Top 100 Most Influential People in Shipping report, and in 2012 he won the Lloyd's List Global Award Maritime Lawyer of The Year for his work in piracy.

James has spoken at a number of high profile events and is regularly quoted in the press. He is consistently praised in Chambers and Legal 500 as being "an industry expert" who is "very knowledgeable, accessible and swift to respond to any demand". Sources say "his knowledge surpasses any other lawyer - he is perfect for putting in front of clients and always knows how to put his point across" (Chambers UK 2013).

James is qualified in England and Wales.