An English lawyer who concentrated on complex and cross-border insolvency, restructurings and disputes.
Achieved consistent rankings in the top tier of practitioners by Chambers UK, Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, The Legal 500, IFLR1000, Who’s Who Legal and Best Lawyers, among others.

James retired from the partnership in 2022. He advised on numerous restructurings of distressed bonds, notes and loans in Europe. With a wealth of experience spanning more than 40 years, James acted for investors on some of the largest and most high-profile U.K. and cross-border restructurings, as well as litigation and a wide range of debt and equity investments.

Much-lauded in lawyer rankings, James earned praise from clients for his commercial approach and calm demeanor in challenging restructuring situations. One client in Chambers called him “the doyen of the industry.”

Representative Work

Led the team acting as independent international legal counsel in connection with the negotiation, agreement and implementation of the settlement plan in relation to Agrokor d.d. and its subsidiaries, under the Law on the Procedure of Extraordinary Administration in Companies of Systemic Importance for the Republic of Croatia. This process was a first for Croatia and involved a company of significant importance to Croatia and the Balkans.
Represented the mezzanine lenders on the $2.5-billion debt restructuring of Expro Holdings, an oil-and-gas well services provider.
Represented an ad hoc group of subordinated debtholders on the settlement of €1.2-billion Tier 1 securities of DEPFA Bank.
Represented the mezzanine lenders of Vivacom, a Bulgarian telecoms company, on a €1.6-billion financial restructuring.
Represented the noteholders of Wind Hellas, a Greek telecommunications operator, on a €3.2-billion debt restructuring via a prepackaged administration sale and on a €1.8-billion mezzanine debt-equity swap.

Education
L.P.C., Lancaster Gate College of Law, 1982
LL.B., University of Southampton, 1981

Bar Admissions
Solicitor, England and Wales
Solicitor, Hong Kong

Recognitions

Financial News, 20 Most Influential in Legal Services, 2021.
Chambers UK, Leaders in Their Field, Restructuring and Insolvency, Band 1.
Chambers Global, Restructuring and Insolvency, U.K. Band 1.
Chambers Europe, Restructuring/Insolvency, U.K. Band 1.
The Legal 500, Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency, Hall of Fame.
IFLR1000, Restructuring and Insolvency, Market Leader.
Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leader, Restructuring & Insolvency.
Best Lawyers UK, Insolvency & Restructuring Law.
Best Lawyers UK, London “Lawyer of the Year” for Insolvency & Restructuring Law.