James is known for his attention to detail.”

The Legal 500 2024, Company and Insolvency

James has over 20 years’ experience as a commercial litigator, including 8 years as a commercial litigation solicitor prior to his transfer to the Bar in 2002. He regularly acts and advises in insolvency matters.  He has acted for both companies and individuals in applications to set aside statutory demands and to obtain injunctions to prevent presentation or advertisement of petitions, and has appeared at the final hearings of petitions. He advises on issues arising in insolvencies, such as claims by liquidators or trustees to set aside prior transactions.  In addition he has acted for shareholders bringing winding-up petitions in conjunction with unfair prejudice petitions.

Directory Quotes

James is a strong junior handling partnership dissolutions and disputes, often within the agricultural and healthcare sectors. ‘He was able to grasp all the issues very quickly and built up a rapport with the clients. He ran rings around counsel on the other side.’ ‘He is very good, very softly spoken, but very thorough and comes across well to the client. He is also a very effective advocate.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Partnership

James Pearce-Smith has a strong commercial practice. ‘He has a very attractive advocacy style and combines excellent legal and factual analysis forcefully.’ James is always good at providing clear, commercial advice and analysis in complex cases.’ ‘He provides excellent service and is very user-friendly.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Commercial Dispute Resolution

James is very user-friendly, knowledgeable, calm, flexible and overall a pleasure to work with.”

The Legal 500 2024, Commercial Litigation

James is a really good lawyer who specialises in commercial law.”

Chambers UK 2024, Company

James always considers the wider commercial implications of an action for the client. His advice is always balanced and measured, and he has a keen eye for detail.”

The Legal 500 2023, Company and Insolvency

Very capable and able to dig out of the mire the true issues to address. Instils confidence in the clients that he knows what he is talking about and is very much on their side.”

Legal 500 2021, Company and Insolvency

James is experienced in company law matters and can deal with a wide range of disputes.” “He has a strong reputation and is a sensible and good advocate.”

Chambers UK 2021, Company
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • MA (Cantab)
    • Admitted as a Solicitor 1994
  • Professional memberships:

    • Chancery Bar Association
  • James Pearce-Smith is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.