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Band 2
Band 4
About
Provided by James Bickford Smith
Practice Areas
Commercial, Employment, Partnership, Commercial Chancery.
In particular: 1) commercial litigation in England and Wales and in Middle East (registered practitioner in DIFC) 2) employment litigation in England and Wales and Middle East 3) director disputes or similar disputes arising out of fiduciary relationships 3) Partnership work.
James has obtained significant trial experience domestically and internationally in disputes across all his practice area. He has come to be regularly instructed in large-scale cases either to lead teams or as sole counsel. 2023/4 trial instructions have included a ten day trial in Dubai International Financial Centre (sole counsel), a five day trial in the Abu Dhabi Global Market Court (leading) and a multi-week trial in the London Central Employment Tribunal (sole counsel). Also instructed in significant team move litigation ultimately resolved without trial (leading a team of two).
Shortlisted as IEL International Employment Junior of the Year. International commercial litigation also forms a core component of James’ practice.
The author of the PLC practice note on Injunctions, James is familiar with Interim Applications of most descriptions across the commercial and employment field.
James is the Chair of Littleton’s Partnership Group and is regularly instructed in high value partnership disputes proceeding in ET or arbitration.
Career
Called to Bar in 2008 as mature entrant. Double First Class Honours (Balliol College, Oxford). Masters and Doctorate. Former Lecturer at Oxford University. Also studied at Ecole Normale Supérieure.
Professional Memberships
COMBAR, ELBA, APP.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
James Bickford Smith has strong expertise in partnership cases that intersect with employment law, such as those concerning gross misconduct.
James Bickford Smith is a good choice for employment cases at the commercial end of the spectrum, such as disputes over restrictive covenants. He has appeared in High Court trials relating to a range of matters including TUPE and bonus disputes.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"James Bickford Smith is a go-to for LLP issues."
"James Bickford Smith is a tenacious advocate with a 'never say die' attitude."
"James really gets on top of the details. He is very thoughtful about his work."
"James is an exceptional barrister. He goes above and beyond, and is unflappable in the most stressful situations. He is responsive, user-friendly, a good tactical thinker and quick on his feet."
"James Bickford Smith is a go-to for LLP issues."
"James Bickford Smith is a tenacious advocate with a 'never say die' attitude."
"James really gets on top of the details. He is very thoughtful about his work."
"James is an exceptional barrister. He goes above and beyond, and is unflappable in the most stressful situations. He is responsive, user-friendly, a good tactical thinker and quick on his feet."
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