James Plant is a Partner in our Dubai and Kuwait offices. He heads up the construction and engineering team in the Middle East. He has worked on construction projects in the Middle East throughout his career and has been based in the region full-time since 2015.

James acts for parties to international EPC contracts relating to oil and gas projects, process plant, infrastructure, renewable energy, tunnelling, sub-sea cables and airports. He works on projects throughout the region, but with a particular focus on Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He advises on the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts and appointments, and disputes, under Kuwaiti, Qatari and UAE law, as well as English law. James qualified as a lawyer in England in 2009.

James represents clients in arbitration, dispute adjudication boards, mediation and other forms of ADR. He works with HFW's own Arabic speaking litigators to represent clients in the region's local courts. James' work often involves complex delay and disruption claims, variations and defects disputes.

James also advises construction clients during the procurement and execution of their projects. Working in a Project Counsel role, James advises on contract drafting and negotiation, contractual entitlements and assists with correspondence, notices, variation procedures and claim submissions. He previously spent two years seconded to an international contractor in Qatar, performing this Project Counsel role whilst based on site with the client's contracts team.

What the market says about James

James is recommended by the independent directories that review the legal market. He is ranked as a 'Spotlight' lawyer in Construction Dispute Resolution by Chambers Global 2023 & 2024 who says he:

"stands out for his attention to detail and ability to grasp detailed technical issues" and

"has in-depth commercial understanding, which results in a very practical approach."

James has excellent relationships with his clients who say "he is very good at keeping me informed and guiding me through the process."

The current edition of Legal 500 EMEA 2024 praises James and his Dispute Resolution practice in Kuwait saying "the practice and James Plant have always provided key advice on disputes within challenging commercial situations."

Previous Chambers and Legal 500 directories noted that James:

"has a good reputation and good knowledge of construction-related projects in Kuwait" and

“is very helpful in the sense that he offers his advice while truly being in the position of the contractor… he offers advice that we did not specifically ask for, but that we truly need. He is also very quick and diligent”