James Watson
UK Guide 2025
Band 5 : Restructuring/Insolvency
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44-(0)20-7275-6419Share profile
Band 5
About
Provided by James Watson
Practice Areas
James is a Partner in the Firm’s global restructuring group, based in the London team. He has extensive experience in domestic and cross-border restructurings and formal insolvency situations, advising the full spectrum of stakeholders, frequently representing debtors and creditors as well as sponsors and insolvency practitioners. James also advises clients on investments in special situations involving stressed or distressed companies.
Career
James joined Simpson Thacher in 2021. Previous firms: 2017– 2021 Kirkland & Ellis International LLP; 2015 – 2017 Stephenson Harwood LLP; 2005 – 2015 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP.
Personal
LPC from Oxford Institute of Legal Practice in 2004; B.A. from Magdalen College, University of Oxford in 2003.
Chambers Review
UK
James Watson is a partner at Simpson Thacher who is highlighted for his expertise in complex restructurings and formal insolvencies. His experience includes both domestic and cross-border mandates.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"James is expert at English law restructuring matters. He is both into the nitty-gritty and all over the strategic, wider commercial issues."
"James is a very experienced restructuring lawyer with a strong level of commercial awareness."
"James is an extremely strong and creative lawyer who is always available, with excellent execution skills."
"James is expert at English law restructuring matters. He is both into the nitty-gritty and all over the strategic, wider commercial issues."
"James is a very experienced restructuring lawyer with a strong level of commercial awareness."
"James is an extremely strong and creative lawyer who is always available, with excellent execution skills."