SILK PROFILE
James Willan KC

James Willan KC

UK Bar 2026

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Ranked in 7 practice areas

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Fraud: Civil - London (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

James Willan KC is a go-to barrister who has participated in a number of landmark fraud cases and is particularly knowledgeable about freezing orders. His cases concern incidents that have taken place both in the UK and in overseas jurisdictions.

Banking & Finance - London (Bar)

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

James Willan KC is an extremely capable and intelligent barrister with the ability to handle the most complex and intricate of issues. Besides banking disputes, he is accomplished in representing clients in civil fraud, offshore and arbitration proceedings. He acts primarily for banks and financial institutions, and consistently garners praise for the power of his analysis and his work ethic.

Offshore - All Circuits

Band 2
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.

International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance - London (Bar)

Band 3
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.

Energy & Natural Resources - London (Bar)

Band 4
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

Provided by Chambers

  • He makes really complex ideas sound incredibly simple, which is such an art.

    Fraud: CivilUK Bar
  • When cases get tough, he is the answer.

    Fraud: CivilUK Bar
  • It is the strategy, intellect and the court craft that you go to James for.

    Fraud: CivilUK Bar
  • James is one of the best young silks in country.

    Fraud: CivilUK Bar
  • James is incredibly bright, very hard-working and nice to deal with.

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

    Commercial Dispute ResolutionUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Essex Court Chambers (190)

All Circuits

London (Bar)

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