SILK PROFILE

James Howells KC

UK Bar 2026

Atkin Chambers

Ranked in 5 practice areas

International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering

London (Bar)

18 years ranked

Information Technology

London (Bar)

21 years ranked

Construction

London (Bar)

25 years ranked

Construction: Professional Negligence

All Circuits

2 years ranked

Energy & Natural Resources

London (Bar)

10 years ranked

About

Provided by Atkin Chambers

Practice Areas

James specialises in infrastructure, construction, energy and IT disputes both domestic and international. James regularly appears as an advocate in the English Courts and in international arbitration in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. He has extensive experience of arbitration under all major institutional rules and in ad hoc references. James is regularly instructed in other forms of dispute resolution. James’ experience of domestic and international infrastructure projects has included metro and heavy rail, roads, and airports across the globe. Experience of energy disputes has included numerous claims relating to the design, construction of oil and gas production platforms and rigs and their commercial operation including onshore and offshore (including UDW) drilling . Numerous ship building disputes have addressed some of the largest submersible/semi-submersible rigs in addition to the design and construction of drill ships and FPSOs. James has extensive experience of power-related disputes ranging from thermal and nuclear plants to waste-to-energy and renewable energy sources including wind, wave, hydro, solar and biomass production. IT experience includes commercial and technical disputes in respect of projects ranging from financial services/banking, commodities trading and commercial business systems to major government IT infrastructure and services outsourcing projects.

Career

MA (Cantab), BCL (Oxon). Silk 2014

Professional Memberships

TECBAR, LCLCBA, COMBAR, SCL, Society for Computers and Law.

Publications

Contributing Editor: 'Hudson's Building and Engineering Contracts' 12th to 14th editions.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering - London (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

James Howells KC is well regarded for his wide-ranging international arbitration practice with an emphasis on energy, construction and engineering. He has dealt with disputes in the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia, and has handled arbitrations under the auspices of the ICC, LCIA and SIAC.

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Information Technology - London (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

James Howells KC is especially recognised for his skill in handling energy and power disputes on an international scale, with attendant technological and technical complications. His practice also covers IT issues such as software licensing and data protection, and he is well versed in alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and mediation. He is an accomplished adviser to overseas companies.

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Construction - London (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

James Howells KC advises on claims relating to design and construction defects in domestic disputes. His well-regarded practice also includes a strong international arbitration element, predominantly focused in the Gulf and East Asia. He receives praise for his compelling advocacy and exceptional analytical skills. He is especially active in litigation involving transport and social infrastructure projects.

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Construction: Professional Negligence - All Circuits

Band 2

Individual Editorial

James Howells KC offers expertise in both technology and construction law, acting in major claims involving negligence in software design and implementation as well as those against architects and other construction professionals. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

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Energy & Natural Resources - London (Bar)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

James Howells KC is recommended for his impressive technical expertise and diligence in cases. He handles a range of disputes, including those relating to defect and damages and alleged wrongful terminations arising from power and oil and gas projects. He is equally at home representing his clients in the domestic courts or in claims seated in other jurisdictions.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

James is class personified. He has the unique ability to address difficult contractual positions with a tribunal in a way that cuts to the core of the matter while remaining unflappably charming.
International Arbitration: Construction/EngineeringUK Bar
James is incredible, so impressive. He has the ability to get on top of details really quickly and is really pleasant to work with and collaborative.
International Arbitration: Construction/EngineeringUK Bar
James is always easy to work with. He is very engaging, very sharp and academically brilliant. He is very calm and has an approachable demeanour.
Information TechnologyUK Bar
James Howells is very good.
ConstructionUK Bar
He's very good at cross-examination and cleverly judges the approach for different witnesses. He is brilliant at drafting.
ConstructionUK Bar
He always seems to be able to make time to advise.
Construction: Professional NegligenceUK Bar