James joined the firm in September 2021 as a Trainee Solicitor, and qualified into the Shipping and International Trade Team in June 2023.
James advises on a range of contentious dry shipping and internal trade matters, acting for ship-owners, charterers, cargo interests, insurers, P&I Clubs, and freight forwarders, and also provides advice on non-contentious matters, such as the drafting and negotiation of freight forwarding and other logistics agreements.
Immediately prior to joining Birketts, James spent two years in the in-house legal department of a Cambridge based cyber AI company, where he was engaged in the negotiation of a variety of commercial agreements, and also acted as the key legal resource assisting the General Counsel in the lead up to the company’s listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Recent work highlights
Advising claimant shipowners on a breach of warranty claim exceeding £10m against the sellers of a vessel.
Advising charterers on the defence of claims brought by owners for breach of various terms of the charterparty, including the safe port warranty.
Advising owners and charterers in relation to demurrage and detention.
Acting for cargo interests in relation to claims of various sizes, often concerning perishable goods.
Experience & education
Joined Birketts in September 2021.
Qualified as a Solicitor in June 2023
Areas of Expertise
Insights
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Clause paramount – the one year time limit and inconsistent provisionslegal updateClause paramount – the one year time limit and inconsistent provisions
Multiple Authors6 Mar 20254 min read198 -
Regulations governing use of mobile devices by drivers to be given a 21st century overhaullegal updateRegulations governing use of mobile devices by drivers to be given a 21st century overhaul
Multiple Authors4 Feb 20224 min read30
