One Essex Court is 'at the top of the market for commercial disputes work'. Laurence Rabinowitz KC is 'a true litigation heavyweight who combines a calm demeanour with an ability to find solutions in the most complex of cases'. Sonia Tolaney KC and James MacDonald KC are acting for the defendants in BM Brazil & Ors v Sibanye, a $1.2bn claim concerning the alleged wrongful termination of share purchase agreements for the acquisition of two Brazilian mines from a private equity firm; the defendants had invoked an MAE clause to terminate the agreements following a geological event at one of the mines. In a boost to chambers, Michelle Menashy KC and Niranjan Venkatesan KC were both elevated to silk in March 2025.
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Profile
Position
James is a leading commercial silk practising in all aspects of commercial law. Particularly well-known for his high-profile general commercial and banking and finance practice, James’s practice encompasses all major areas of commercial law, including fraud, technology, energy, aviation, professional negligence, injunctions, jurisdiction, enforcement and international arbitration (under ICC, ICSID and LCIA rules).
James is has been ranked in the leading directories for commercial law and banking and finance for many years and regularly appears in the largest and most valuable Commercial Court cases (current or recent cases include Mozambique ‘tuna bonds’, ENRC v Dechert; PIFSS v Pictet; Vestia v DB; Tchenguiz v Grant Thornton; DB v Sebastian, Vik).
Career
Inner Temple (called 2005)
Education
Oxon (BA Hons (double 1st)); King’s College London (MA); Law School (CPE; BPP distinction).
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