Chambers of Howard Stevens KC

Senior Clerk

James Donovan oversees the development of all members’ practices and ensures the efficient operation of the practice management team.

He also has primary responsibility for all aspects of Chambers’ international and offshore work, with a particular focus on international arbitration and appeals to the Privy Council.

He travels regularly to visit clients and contacts around the world and is known for his considerable knowledge of the international and Caribbean market.

Since joining Chambers as a clerk in 1985 and becoming Senior Clerk in 1995, James has developed a unique understanding of the complexities of international and offshore work. He is exceptionally well-qualified to recommend the most suitable members with expertise in:

• appeals to the Privy Council
• international arbitration
• international/offshore matters

Since joining in 1985, James has worked with several heads of Chambers including Mervyn Heald QC, Sir Stuart McKinnon, Sir George Newman, Mark Strachan KC SC, James Guthrie KC, James Dingemans QC (now Lord Justice Dingemans), Peter Knox KC, Jeffrey Golden KC (Hon) and with our present Head of Chambers Howard Stevens KC.

James is also involved in all aspects of Chambers’ management and attends Management Committee meetings. He is a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, FREEBAR, and the International Bar Association (IBA) where he is the Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the LGBTQI+ Law Committee. He has a BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration from Westminster Kingsway College, London.

James enjoys all things food, wine, and travel related.