James focuses on public law and regulatory disputes.
James is a Partner in our disputes division who focuses on public law and regulatory disputes. He is recognised as a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500 and is ranked in Chambers and Partners for Administrative and Public Law.
James' work covers the full range of public law issues, including judicial review and human rights, advisory and policy work, inquiries, investigations, professional discipline, and freedom of information. He act for those both bringing and defending claims, as well as those having (or considering) involvement in proceedings as a third party, and his experience encompasses a wide range of industries.
James is commended for being "excellent and seen as a leader in public and regulatory law issues." (Legal 500 UK, 2026), and is "really smart and savvy. He is very client-focused and realistic about what can be achieved." (Chambers UK, 2026).
Experience & capabilities
Selected matters
- British Sugar in a challenge to a decision of the UK Government in relation to import tariffs post-Brexit
- Church of England entities in connection with the defence of judicial review proceedings and proceedings brought before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
- KPMG LLP in its defence of judicial review proceedings brought in connection with the FCA's review into mis-sold interest rate hedging products and associated redress exercise
- Stagecoach in challenges to decisions of local authorities to introduce bus franchising
- Virgin Atlantic Airways in a statutory appeal to the Competition and Markets Authority relating to the price control for Heathrow Airport
Background
James trained and qualified at the firm having studied law at Queens' College, Cambridge.
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