James focuses his practice on minority investments, joint ventures, and cross-border mergers and acquisitions. He regularly advises development finance institutions and other institutional investors on investments and disposals across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. He also counsels private companies as they seek to raise equity capital from investors, assisting clients as they negotiate governance and exit rights.

James has been practicing as an English Law qualified solicitor since 1997.

Formerly based in Abu Dhabi, James has extensive experience in advising government-owned entities in the Middle East on transactions with foreign partners and foreign partners investing in the countries of the Arabian Gulf, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Notably, James advised ADNOC on the renewal of its principal onshore oil concession and Abu Dhabi Global Market on its establishment as a financial free zone and on the drafting of certain of its regulations, including the Adoption of English Law, Companies, and Commercial Licensing regulations.

James also regularly advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, and general corporate matters.

Bar Admissions

Education
LLB, The London School of Economics and Political Science, 1994

BA, Université Laval, including one year at the Université de Paris, 1991