Steven James
UK Guide 2025
Band 1 : Construction
Band 1
About
Provided by Steven James
Practice Areas
Partner in and Head of the Construction and Engineering group, and dual-qualified (chartered quantity surveyor). A broad practice encompassing energy, defence and transport infrastructure, real estate, outsourcing, and dispute resolution. Clients include Affinity Water, Abellio Group, Babcock Group, RBS, HSBC, The YTL Group and The National Trust. Notable projects include advising on the development of a new nuclear power plant, nuclear fuel dry store, legacy nuclear waste treatment facility, new rail depot, framework arrangements for water network and rail infrastructure, the development of a new luxury hotel and spa and associated developments for nuclear powered submarines.
Career
Trained Simmons & Simmons; qualified 2002; in-house lawyer, Rolls Royce plc 2006-08; partner Burges Salmon 2011.
Professional Memberships
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, Society of Construction Law and British Council for Offices
Publications
Burges Salmon Guide to Nuclear Law
Personal
University of London, King’s College (1998 MSc construction law and arbitration); College of Law (1999 PG Dip Law). Leisure activities include golf, hill walking, swimming and running.
Chambers Review
UK
Steven James has extensive experience advising on matters relating to nuclear and renewable energy sites, as well as utilities and transport infrastructure. He regularly acts for clients in various sectors on both transactions and disputes relating to major construction projects.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Steven has a great understanding of risk allocation and a practical, down-to-earth approach."
"Steven has an excellent level of specialist knowledge."
"Steven is unflappable in the face of public scrutiny and he's not afraid to challenge us when needed. He's embedded himself in our team."
"Steven has a great understanding of risk allocation and a practical, down-to-earth approach."
"Steven has an excellent level of specialist knowledge."
"Steven is unflappable in the face of public scrutiny and he's not afraid to challenge us when needed. He's embedded himself in our team."