SILK PROFILE

James Willan KC

Global 2026

 Essex Court Chambers

Ranked in 5 practice areas

Dispute Resolution: Commercial

UK

Offshore (Bar)

UK

International Arbitration - The English Bar

Global Market Leaders

Dispute Resolution: Commercial Chancery

UK

Energy & Natural Resources

UK

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Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

Dispute Resolution: Commercial - UK

Band 1
Strengths

James is among the very best of the best. He has an outstanding knowledge of the facts and legal issues involved, and provides invaluable strategic input and exceptional client service.

James Willan is without a doubt the most intelligent person I've ever met. He is remarkable and also very accessible.

James is an exceptional lawyer who is very happy to work with everyone in the firm, from partner down to junior associate. He is exceptionally hard-working and produces things on time.

James is incredibly bright, very hard-working and nice to deal with.

His advocacy is irresistible. Judges find it hard to argue with anything he says because he presents everything in a logical and compelling way.

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Offshore (Bar) - UK

Band 2
Individual Editorial

James Willan KC has been called to the Bar of the BVI, and is also admitted in the DIFC, the Isle of Man and the Cayman Islands. Willan is particularly adept at unfair prejudice claims. He is frequently involved in other commercial disputes such as fraud matters and regularly acts for financial institutions.

Strengths

James is extremely cerebral and strategic.

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Dispute Resolution: Commercial Chancery - UK

Band 3
Strengths

James is so impressive in written and oral submissions. He is exceptional.

Give James any legal problem and he will help you out.

James is a very cerebral barrister who is all over the detail.

James is both remarkable and very accessible.

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International Arbitration - The English Bar - Global Market Leaders

Band 3
Individual Editorial

James Willan KC provides robust representation when handling international arbitrations governed by LCIA and SIAC rules. He is also well versed in oil rig disputes under SCMA and LMAA rules. He is also experienced in arbitration-related Commercial Court proceedings for interim relief including freezing orders.

Strengths

He is a very established international arbitration practitioner.

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Energy & Natural Resources - UK

Band 4
Individual Editorial

James Willan KC has notable skills representing some of the largest names in the energy market in disputes, typically related to oil and gas. He has significant experience in disputes involving the production of energy and the trading of energy too. He is adept at handling disputes in international arbitrations as well as the Commercial Court.

Strengths

James's intellectual capabilities are really exceptional. His level of engagement and strategic thinking is second to none.

James is incredibly clever and willing to get into the detail. His drafting is superb.

James is absolutely amazing, probably the cleverest person I have dealt with - only a few people can match his intellect or service in this market.

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Ranked Barristers at Essex Court Chambers (121)

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