He advises on a wide range of derivatives transactions in all the major asset classes, repos, securities lending, structured notes and SRT deals. He also advises on a broad range of regulatory and strategic issues across the derivatives and structured finance markets.

James advises clearinghouses on various matters, including the launch of new services and products, in the US and UK. In addition to James’ transactional experience, a substantial part of his practice focuses on the regulatory aspects of the derivatives market, and he has extensive experience advising market infrastructure, banks and buy-side firms on Dodd-Frank, EMIR and other regulations.

James is widely recognized as a leading derivatives lawyer, having been recognized in Chambers USA 2023 under “Associates to Watch” and Legal 500 2023 as a “Rising Star.” A client shared with Chambers USA that “James is a very strong associate.” Another client enthused “He has excellent derivatives knowledge and is very responsive.”

James has spoken at industry events on a variety of derivatives regulatory issues. He also advises on contentious derivatives issues, close-outs and valuations disputes, both in the US and UK.

James is based in A&O Shearman’s New York office, and has previously been on secondment to a major US investment bank. James graduated with first class honors from the University of Bristol. He is a solicitor of England and Wales.