James Banda

Practice Areas

Managing Partner of the law firm AMW & Company Practitioners and both a dispute and transactional lawyer offering high level strategic advice to the firm’s blue-chip clients across all sectors of the Zambian economy. James’ legal career spans over a period of 25 years covering a comprehensive range of expertise in all areas of Zambian law include energy, commercial, construction, real estate, competition, banking and finance law, bringing an in-depth understanding of legislative, judicial, procedural and practical implications to each case. James has specialized in construction law and has become the go to lawyer in Zambia for FIDIC, JBCC and other internationally recognized standard construction contracts matters advising clients both at the front and back end of projects. James authored the Zambia Chapter in the 2023 book entitled “FIDIC Contracts in Middle East and Africa” which was edited by Dr. Donald Charrett. James has also been the lead on several M & A deals and has advised on Public Private Partnerships. In the last 3 years James was lead advisor on the acquisition of 2 local banks by an international bank in separate transactions. James is currently involved advising two separate Energy entities on acquisition of land ownership and passage rights through traditional chiefdoms to allow for construction of power transmission lines. As an International and Domestic Arbitrator and Mediator, James has vast knowledge of Zambian Public Procurement laws having been appointed as third party neutral to resolve disputes around these matters. James has in addition advised international investors on public procurement laws and procedures in Zambia including PPPS’ in the road and tourism sectors. James previously served both as President of the Law Association of Zambia and Southern African Development Community Lawyers Association (SADC-LA). These experiences were critical in James’ establishments as a leading and respected industry leader and as well as to his creation of a vast network in the sub-region.

These experiences in SADC LA also led to James’ general understanding of various protocols affecting the SADC countries. James enjoys close collaborations with top-class professionals in all SADC Countries both in the private and public sectors allowing for ease of providing complete service to clients. In Zambia, James sits on several boards including the Energy Regulation Board where he is Vice Charman.

Professional Memberships

Advocate of Supreme Court of Zambia and Commissioner of Oaths

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)

FIDIC Modules 1 (Practical Approach to FIDIC Contracts) and 4 (Management and Administration of FIDIC Contracts)

World Bank Approved Public Private Partnerships Certification

Education