James Allen

Partner
  • Experience

James joined Birketts in August 2012 as a Partner in our Corporate Finance Team having previously spent 11 years as a Partner at a leading Cambridge firm. He also has City experience. James qualified as Solicitor in November 1993.

James specialises in corporate finance, banking and insolvency. He has considerable experience in a variety of corporate finance transactions, including sales and purchases, venture capital, restructurings, and advising family-owned businesses.

James has passed the Californian Bar Exams and regularly advises on transactions with a cross-border element. James also delivers lectures to other lawyers and professionals on corporate finance and banking issues.

James is recognised as a leader in his field by leading legal directories, Chambers and Legal 500 in the specialisms of corporate finance, banking and finance, and insolvency and restructuring.

James is ranked by Chambers [UK 2024].

James is recommended and named as a ‘Hall of Fame’ member in Corporate and Commercial and Banking and Finance by Legal 500 [UK 2024]. A client in this edition says “James Allen is a standout lawyer for his measured, pragmatic and commercial advice. He quickly cuts through the legal issues to meet client needs without the need for over-complication.” Another adds “James Allen is an excellent lawyer – clever, commercial and he has unrivalled experience in the Cambridge market.” A source also notes “James Allen is robust in his position and knows when to stick to his case and when to be more pragmatic.”

James is based at our Cambridge office.

James is recognised as a leader in his field by leading legal directories, Chambers and Legal 500 in the specialisms of corporate finance, banking and finance, and insolvency and restructuring.

James is ranked by Chambers [UK 2024]. Clients in the previous edition said: “James Allen really knows his stuff on corporate work.” Another added “He is a very practical, strong lawyer.”

In an earlier edition, clients said “He is unflappable and measured when confronted with difficult situations.” Another noted “He presents information in a way that I am able to make decisions while not getting caught up in unnecessary detail.”

James is recommended and named as a ‘Hall of Fame’ member in Corporate and Commercial and Banking and Finance by Legal 500 [UK 2024]. A client in this edition says “James Allen is a standout lawyer for his measured, pragmatic and commercial advice. He quickly cuts through the legal issues to meet client needs without the need for over-complication.” Another adds “James Allen is an excellent lawyer – clever, commercial and he has unrivalled experience in the Cambridge market.” A source also notes “James Allen is robust in his position and knows when to stick to his case and when to be more pragmatic.”

In the previous edition, a client described James as “experienced, commercial and bright.” Another added “James Allen and Simona Gruodyte work well as a team and both are excellent. The advice they give clients is very direct and straight forward makes it easy for clients to understand the consider commercially. They fight hard on key issues but are willing to be more pragmatic on items that have less of a commercial downside.”

In an earlier edition, James was recognised as “a sound commercial lawyer with a loyal client following”. Another source noted that “James Allen leads the practice and is well prepared, pragmatic and straightforward; he remembers discussions and detail from the past.”

     

Awards and Memberships

Legal 500 Hall of Fame logo
James Allen Chambers logo 2024

James Allen is a standout lawyer for his measured, pragmatic and commercial advice. He quickly cuts through the legal issues to meet client needs without the need for over-complication.

Legal 500 [UK 2024]

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