Ten Old Square

Private Client: Trusts & Probate, Commercial Litigation, Property Litigation, Partnership

James Petts’s practice is in the fields of Chancery and commercial, with a particular focus on contentious matters involving especial forensic rigour, either in terms of the law or facts, including claims involving an element of fraud or where there are serious disputes of primary fact (e.g. relating to undue influence or disputed oral agreements).

James’s interest in claims involving a significant element of fraud or dishonesty come from the first three years of his practice at the Bar in which he practised in criminal law, before going on to develop a successful Chancery and commercial practice. James is the (civil) education secretary to the Fraud Lawyers’ Association and contributes to Westlaw Topics on fraud related subjects.

Publications:

• Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents – vol. 3(1) auctioneers, estate agents and valuers – co-contributor, 2018 and 2022 reissues
• Westlaw Topics – sole contributor to:
  • deceit and fraudulent misrepresentation;
  • dishonest assistance; and
  • knowing receipt
• The substance of the rule of law – International Bar Association Journal, September 2019
• Licences, death, wills and trespass [2023] P. C. B. 169

• Chancery Bar Association
• Fraud Lawyers’ Association
• COMBAR
• London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association
• Advocate
• Middle Temple

• LL. B. (hons. – first class) University of Reading
• B. C. L., St. Hugh’s College, Oxford