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 Disputes Resolution

James qualified as a mediator in January 2018.  He is very experienced in representing parties at mediations, especially involving commercial disputes and claims for professional negligence, and is now able to use this experience to assist parties as a mediator.

James’ qualities make him ideally suited to be a mediator.  He is calm, pragmatic, empathetic and personable, a problem-solver with a sharp legal mind and considerable experience across a broad range of commercial and chancery matters.

James is also happy to act as mediator in disputes outside his normal practice areas.

Directory Quotes

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

The Legal 500 2024, Commercial Litigation

James is well known for representing banks in professional negligence lender claims. He is particularly adept at handling claims against solicitors, valuers, architects and surveyors.”

Chambers UK 2024, Professional Negligence

James gives very clear advice and this is mirrored in his polite but effective advocacy. He always has a strong grasp of the facts and applicable law.”

The Legal 500 2024, Agriculture

James is a fantastic advocate. His approach to cross-examination is particularly impressive in that he comes across at first as extremely polite and courteous, which lulls witnesses into a false sense of security, and he then sets about pulling their testimony methodically apart.”

The Legal 500 2024, Professional Negligence

James is a very effective advocate. He has a thorough grasp of details and presents the issues in a comprehensive but extremely clear order.”

The Legal 500 2023, Commercial Litigation

James is a very good commercial barrister who was a very experienced solicitor. He is very good at handling an expert witness.”

Chambers UK 2021, Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • 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.