James’ practice focuses on advising companies in the Energy and Infrastructure sector with their international energy investments.
Widely recognised as a leading energy lawyer, James advises clients on transactions in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America. He has extensive experience advising on the structuring and development of large-scale oil and gas projects, LNG sale arrangements, and energy-related mergers and acquisitions. James also supports clients at the forefront of the energy transition, advising on the structuring of liquid hydrogen and green ammonia projects and product sale arrangements.
In Chambers UK (Commodities: Derivatives & Energy Trading, 2021), James has been described as “very down to earth and user-friendly. He understands relationship building and is willing to go the extra mile to help his clients.”“He's very knowledgeable of the industry, very easy to work with and very efficient.”
James is routinely ranked as a “leading individual” and “recommended individual” in the following directories:
- The Legal 500 UK, 2023, 2021, and 2019: Oil and Gas: Projects, Energy and Natural Resources
- The Legal 500 UK, 2019-2021: Derivatives (including commodities)
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Japan, Projects and Energy: International Firms and Joint Ventures (Leading Individual), 2019-2020 and 2016-2017
- Chambers Asia-Pacific: Projects & Energy: International (Japan), 2010-2020; Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific Region), 2017 and 2012-2015
- Chambers Global: Energy & Natural Resources (Asia Pacific Region), 2018 and 2012-2016; Projects and Energy: International (Japan), 2018-2019 and 2012-2016
James is also recognised in the following:
- Best Lawyers: Japan, Energy Law, 2019, 2018, and 2013-2015
- Legal Media Group’s (Euromoney’s) Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Energy & Natural Resource Lawyers: 2017, 2016, 2013, and 2011
- IFLR 1000: Corporate and M&A, Energy and Infrastructure, Project Development, and Oil & Gas (Japan), 2019-2020 and 2015-2016
- International Who’s Who: Legal (Law Business Research Ltd.) Energy & Natural Resources, 2016-2018
- International Who’s Who: Energy Lawyers (Law Business Research Ltd.), 2014 and 2013
