Hill Dickinson LLP

Corporate

Partner.

James completed his LPC at BPP Law School and joined Pinsent Masons as a Trainee Solicitor in 2006, qualifying as a Solicitor in 2008.

Whilst an Associate at Pinsent Masons, James was sent on two secondments:

Initially he was sent to RBS Insurance where he worked for brands owned by RBS such as Churchill and Direct Line for a period of around 7 months; In 2012 he was sent on secondment to N.M. Rothschild & Co, to join their in-house legal team. The initial period was extended twice meaning that the secondment ended up being for a period of around 7 months.

In 2014 he joined Thomas Eggar as a Senior Associate, which was then acquired by Irwin Mitchell in 2016.  The following year, James was promoted to the partnership at Irwin Mitchell.

In 2021, he joined Hill Dickinson as a partner in the Corporate team in London, advising both private and public listed companies on a wide range of domestic and international transactions.

He has a particular focus on the technology (particularly the IT services sector), financial services, life sciences, medicinal cannabis/hemp and leisure sectors, advising clients across the full breadth of their lifecycle, from start-up to exit.

The capital markets side of James’ practice is represented by issuers (particularly those admitted to AIM and AQSE (previously NEX)) and by banks. He has acted on a variety of flotations, reverse takeovers, placings and open offers.

James regularly advises on M&A transactions (both for vendors and for purchasers), as well as on joint ventures, share buybacks and other corporate reorganisations, focussing on the SME market.  The M&A transactions often have a private equity element to them so he is also experienced on the nuances involved when dealing with development / private equity capital.

He also has a niche in the venture capital space, advising fast growth companies and investors on the intricacies of investment transactions.

His practice is therefore broad, which enables him to provide clients with rounded advice and from their early stage onwards.

English, Spanish (Fluent), German (Basic), French (Basic)

Law Society of England & Wales

Member of the Board of Trustees of the Schools & Universities Polo Association (2020 – 2022)

BPP Law School – LPC (Distinction)

University of Sheffield – BA Law with Spanish 2004

Universidad de Barcelona – Spanish law (Erasmus year) – 2022/23

James is noted in industry commentary as being “responsive, accessible and client-focussed” as well as being “noted for his expertise in the technology sector”.

James is a keen player of Padel, squash and tennis, though rarely finds the time to play.

He also coaches both of his daughters’ football teams (and hopefully also soon his son’s team).