James Morris

James is ranked for Construction by Chambers UK and by Legal 500 as a "Next Generation Partner" for Construction and Professional Negligence (Legal 500).  He is also "highly regarded" for Construction: International Arbitration. 

James has advised on disputes regarding a wide variety of projects, including jetties, high-rise residential apartments, defence facilities, waste management facilities, mines, railways, utilities, office facilities, desalination plants and hospitals. He has represented clients in disputes regarding projects in a number of different jurisdictions including, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

James also has experience of dealing with complex insurance issues and regularly advises insurers on professional indemnity claims. He has a wealth of experience advising various industry participants on cladding related disputes, including claims involving manufacturers.

In 2014 James was seconded to the Firm’s Hong Kong office where he advised clients on a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters.

James is a member of the Technology and Construction Solicitor's Association (TeCSA) and the Society of Construction Law (SCL) and sits on the TeCSA_10s committee. He regularly speaks at conferences and delivers presentations on a wide range of topics.

James is also a solicitor-advocate with rights of audience in all the English higher courts.

• a Hong Kong company regarding a development in Mainland China and its claim for professional negligence against a firm of consulting engineers.
• a firm of surveyors in multi-party TCC proceedings regarding a fire at a Grade I listed property.  The damages claimed were in excess of £100m.  
• a subcontractor regarding its claims in respect of an air cargo centre at Hong Kong Airport.
• a mining company on a dispute with its engineering consultant arising out of the construction of a gold mine in West Africa.
• a large housing association in relation to a series of structural and fire-stopping defects in a series of residential and student accommodation buildings in London.
• a groundworks contractor concerning a final account and wrongful termination claim.
• a theme park owner in Hong Kong on the procurement of a new hotel and assisting with the negotiation of the relevant terms with the Developer/Contractor and Hotel Operator.
• a residential developer on disputes arising from a number of large housing projects throughout London, including many adjudications and mediations.
• a firm of surveyors against a claim brought against it for damages and injunctive relief in the TCC.  As part of the proceedings we made a successful application to strike out the vast majority of the Claimant's case. The Leicester Bakery (Holdings) Limited v Ridge and Partners LLP [2020] EWHC 2430 (TCC)
• a consultant in relation to negligent ratings advice received from a large firm of surveyors and a failure to comply with its expert witness duties.
• a large, international contractor and its insurers in relation to allegedly defective design of the mechanical and electrical systems of a large hospital in relation to a wider PFI project in the UK.
• a design and build contractor and its professional indemnity insurers on disputes relating to the design of a number of waste to energy facilities - part of the Manchester Waste PFI project.
• a number of firms of Quantity Surveyors in adjudication and contemplated litigation or arbitration proceedings.
• a residential developer on the successful recovery of sums due under a performance bond, without recourse to litigation.
• an Irish subcontractor and its insurer on claims against it regarding alleged defective works at leisure facilities in Ireland.
• a major framework contractor in relation to a multi-million pound dispute with a water utility company covering a high volume of work orders undertaken over a 5 year period. Dealing with numerous adjudications on various different issues that arose during the framework.
• a subcontractor in numerous sets of complex multi-party proceedings concerning defects at a high end residential development in Central London.
• a major UK contractor on its claim against a subcontractor and consultant engineer regarding settlement of a leisure centre in the North West of England.
• a consultant engineer in TCC proceedings regarding settlement of a car park and part 20 proceedings against a subcontractor.
• a contractor on its defence to an adjudication concerning alleged defects in the construction of a Household Waste Recycling Centre and a Materials Recycling Facility.
• an aggregates contractor on a dispute concerning an explosion of a piece of plant and the merits of bringing a claim against the subcontractor.
• an investor in TCC proceedings against a major UK contractor relating to a multi-million pound claim concerning defects in a major office development.

• Listed as a Next Generation Partner for Construction and Professional Negligence and as a key lawyer for Construction, Insurance and Professional Negligence, he is praised for "identifying risks and opportunities well in advance". "Sally Davies is outstanding in her knowledge and tactical nous. James Morris is cut from the same stone." "James Morris is pro-active – and does not just wait to respond to requests for advice. He and his team keep their eyes on the horizon and identify risks and opportunities well in advance." "massive capacity for detail, hard work and focusing on what’s important." Legal 500
• Up and coming, James Morris is noted for his growing reputation within the construction industry due to his adept representation of contractors, developers and consultants in litigation and adjudication proceedings. He frequently handles disputes involving mixed-use developments as well as energy and infrastructure projects. "James is a star partner of the future who is already a considered and pragmatic lawyer." "His advice is always spot on and objective." Chambers UK
• "James Morris is a very astute and hard working partner. Phenomenal capacity to absorb facts and identify what’s important." Legal 500
• Ranked as “Up and Coming” for Construction: Contentious (Chambers UK 2021), James is noted for his growing reputation within the construction industry due to his adept representation of contractors, developers and consultants in litigation and adjudication proceedings. He frequently handles disputes involving mixed-use developments as well as energy and infrastructure projects. "He provides sound advice and has an amazing work ethic." "He is a thorough and pragmatic lawyer." "His advice is immediate yet considered, articulate and sensible, due to his instinctive judgement."
• Listed as a Next Generation Partner (in the separate categories of Construction and Professional Negligence), the "highly regarded" James Morris is also listed as a key lawyer in four areas: International Arbitration, Construction, Professional Negligence and Product Liability. "Sally Davies and James Morris are extremely knowledgeable, engaging and give very practical advice";  James is "very strong and exceedingly organised." "Very good and very knowledgeable". Legal 500