James Shaw

James specialises in commercial disputes with a particular focus on commercial litigation, civil fraud, company/shareholder, construction, and insurance coverage disputes. He is frequently instructed in high-value and hard-fought commercial disputes both as sole counsel and with a leader.

James is a contributor to Construction All Risks Insurance (Sweet & Maxwell), Construction Professional Indemnity Insurance (Sweet & Maxwell) and Insurance Broking Practice and the Law (Informa).

James is recognised in the directories as a ‘Rising Star’ in both Commercial Litigation and Company, where he is recommended as a “fantastic junior” who is “exceptionally bright and quick to grasp the heart of a problem, with an understanding of the practical and legal realities that a company may face in the course of litigation” (L500, 2025).

He is also praised for his advocacy, which “finds the perfect way to strongly assert his clients' rights while retaining a balanced manner that is convincing to the court” (L500, 2025).

Before coming to the Bar, James read Jurisprudence at the University of Oxford and gained experience at a leading litigation firm in the City, advising and representing clients in high-stakes commercial litigation.