LAWYER PROFILE
James Baily

James Baily

Global 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 1 practice area

Energy & Natural Resources: Disputes

UK

10 years ranked

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Global

Practice Areas

- Commercial Litigation

- Class Actions

- Litigation and Dispute Resolution

- International Arbitration

- Africa dispute resolution

Career

James is a partner based in our London office. James is solicitor advocate in the firm's dispute resolution division. James has been advising clients on a wide range of commercial disputes for over 20 years. He is best known for his work in the energy sector but his experience also covers IT, cryptocurrency, consumer, logistics and defence. Within the energy sector, James has worked on some of the most high profile cases to come before the English courts in recent years. His experience covers cross-border disputes in the context of major upstream projects, drilling contracts, joint ventures and gas sales agreements, including challenges to the jurisdiction of the English courts and parallel proceedings in foreign courts. He has advised on claims arising out of projects in the UK, Norway, West Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. James has particularly strong experience of gas and LNG price reviews under long-term sale and purchase agreements, and is a contributor to "Liquefied Natural Gas: The Law and Business of LNG". He has also helped clients with substantial claims concerning fraud, negligence and breach of contract in relation to large IT projects, consumer products and logistics and communications technology. His recent experience includes advising in relation to the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, as well as on issues arising out of COVID, allegations of directors' conflicts of interest and the energy transition.

For additional information on James's professional background, please visit: https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/our-people/j/james-baily

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Energy & Natural Resources: Disputes - UK

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
James Baily is a solicitor advocate with a wealth of experience representing oil and gas companies in cross-border disputes. He regularly advises on claims relating to both upstream and midstream assets.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • James Baily is one of the best lawyers I have ever met.

    Energy & Natural Resources: DisputesChambers Global Guide
  • James is tactically astute. He has a very firm grasp of the subject matter and facts of a dispute. He's very user-friendly.

    Energy & Natural Resources: DisputesChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (252)

Africa-wide

Australia

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