James is a specialist in construction and engineering law, covering both contentious and non-contentious areas of work.
James has extensive experience advising public bodies, property developers, contractors, and construction professionals on all areas of construction and engineering, including payment disputes, project set-up, terms of appointment, delay claims, and defective works.
In addition, James is a trained advocate and mediator, and he sits as a panel adjudicator for the Construction Plant Hire Association.
Career Highlights
Acted for claimant in a substantial defective cladding dispute in the Technology and Construction Court, engaging BS 8414 testing and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Negotiated a favourable settlement for a defendant contractor client in a defective works claim relating to the conversion of a historic priory into care accommodation.
Set up contractual framework for substantial solar farm in Ghana, managing the impact of Ghanaian law in the context of the standard FIDIC form of contract.
Represented a hotel developer client in defending a significant adjudication claim brought by a contractor for alleged non-payment, paving the way for a global settlement.
Obtained a favourable arbitration decision for a high net worth homeowner against a contractor found liable for extensive defective works on a prominent new-build luxury home.
Negotiated a contractor client through a project dispute involving multiple parties (employer, consultant, mechanical subcontractor) over mechanical and fire-stopping works to new-build care accommodation.
Assisted a local authority entity to obtain a favourable final account outcome in relation to the construction of a public amenity, including the defeat of a substantial loss and expense claim.
Obtained a favourable settlement for a high net worth client in a claim in the Technology and Construction Court against a specialist mechanical engineering consultant and project architect acting as contract administrator.
Interests
In his free time, when not managing two young children, James enjoys long-distance cycling and woodworking. He is also an active member of his local Round Table charity.