JUNIOR PROFILE

James McWilliams

UK Bar 2026

3 Verulam Buildings

Ranked in 5 practice areas

Gambling Disputes

All Circuits

4 years ranked

Commercial Dispute Resolution

London (Bar)

9 years ranked

Fraud: Civil

London (Bar)

5 years ranked

Offshore

All Circuits

1 year ranked

Restructuring/Insolvency

London (Bar)

1 year ranked

About

Provided by 3 Verulam Buildings

UK Bar

Career

James specialises in complex, high-value and international litigation and arbitration. His practice sees him instructed across a wide range of commercial disputes, often with a fraud, or insolvency aspect.

James is a confident advocate and has appeared unled in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and in the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, often against experienced Leading Counsel. Led or unled, James enjoys working as part of a team to secure the best result for his client.

Much of James’ work has an international element and he regularly acts in litigation and arbitration in the BVI, the Cayman Islands, the Isle of Man and Hong Kong, amongst other jurisdictions. He is called to the Bar of the BVI and is a Registered Practitioner of the AIFC in Kazakhstan.

Professional Memberships

COMBAR

Commercial Fraud Lawyers’ Association

Chancery Bar Association

Publications

James is a contributor to Paget’s Law of Banking, 16th ed. In addition, he is authoring chapters in the forthcoming new edition of Jack: Documentary Credits.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Gambling Disputes - All Circuits

Band 1

Individual Editorial

James McWilliams has a strong knowledge of gambling disputes, particularly those with a crossover with fraud or insolvency. He has extensive experience of being instructed in matters related to spread betting, and acts for several high-profile clients.

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Fraud: Civil - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

James McWiliams is a talented barrister with recognised expertise in high-value civil fraud and asset-tracing matters. He is regularly instructed to both obtain and resist applications for worldwide freezing orders, search orders and proprietary injunctions, and has experience appearing both led and unled in complex disputes.

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Offshore - All Circuits

Band 4

Individual Editorial

James McWilliams is an experienced junior called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the BVI. He is highly knowledgeable of banking and finance issues and corporate litigation as well as high stakes arbitrations.

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Restructuring/Insolvency - London (Bar)

Band 5

Individual Editorial

James McWilliams is a highly sought after junior, with a thriving commercial practice. He is routinely instructed in sophisticated restructuring and insolvency claims, concerning liquidated companies, bankruptcy and administration. In addition, James' work often has an international element and he has handled matters involving Germany and Israel.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

James is a guaranteed star of future who is very hard-working and super intelligent. He always goes the extra mile, and I love working with him.
Commercial Dispute ResolutionUK Bar
James is an excellent junior with great technical knowledge and the ability to communicate easily with clients.
Commercial Dispute ResolutionUK Bar
James McWilliams has very good judgement. He comes across as being much more experienced than he actually is as he speaks with such authority.
Commercial Dispute ResolutionUK Bar
James is an excellent all-rounder and good on the detail.
Commercial Dispute ResolutionUK Bar
He has the ability to deal with all complexities whilst keeping an eye on the heart of matter.
Fraud: CivilUK Bar
He is very hard-working, super intelligent and always goes the extra mile.
Fraud: CivilUK Bar