At 2TG our people are hard-working, forward-thinking and approachable. We believe our supportive culture is one of our greatest strengths.
With the set comprising around 60 barristers, we know each other well and work effectively together. We often operate in large teams with clients. Our practice management team is modern and commercial, matching barrister experience thoughtfully to clients’ requirements.
At 2TG our barristers are expert in a broad range of complementary practice areas and we enjoy repeat instructions from a variety of loyal clients.
Practised advocates from the start, all our Silks and the vast majority of our Junior barristers are recognised as leaders in their chosen fields. Many of us are at the forefront of shaping the law in our specialist areas and we pride ourselves in having excellent industry knowledge.
At 2TG our barristers have excellent experience acting across a range of industry sectors and we are able to offer advice in an informed and commercial context.
Our combination of practice area excellence and industry expertise means we possess real insight into the commercial realities facing our clients operating in these areas. Secondment plays an important part of our commitment to developing our skills and understanding.
2TG is home to award-winning accredited mediators, arbitrators, adjudicators and experts with considerable experience of alternative dispute resolution.
Our barristers are also skilled as advocates in different alternative dispute resolution procedures and work strategically with clients to understand their commercial objectives, and then to resolve litigation as cost-effectively and expeditiously as possible.
Work with an international dimension forms a significant part of many barristers’ work at 2TG.
We appear in international courts and arbitral tribunals all over the world, frequently acting on complex multi-jurisdictional disputes. We are particularly well-known for managing cross border litigation on matters of jurisdiction and applicable law and appear regularly in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
At 2TG, in addition to our professional advice, we are recognised for our excellent contribution to education and development. We provide regular high-quality training.
Our reputation among the legal profession and other clients for our first-rate webinars and in-person conferences is very important to us. We also contribute frequently at industry events and as editors of leading texts and authors on topics of legal interest.
James practices in commercial dispute resolution, insurance, professional negligence, civil fraud and employment claims.
He is listed in the directories for Commercial Dispute Resolution (Chambers UK, Legal 500), Insurance & Reinsurance (Legal 500) and Professional Negligence (Legal 500), and is described as “unbelievably bright”, “exceptional on the detail” and “determined to find the best answer for the client.”
James is often instructed in complex cross-border disputes and he is also listed as a “Rising Star” for Commercial Dispute Resolution in the Legal 500 EMEA Guide.
Prior to law, James was a professional jazz saxophonist and member of the Grammy winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.
James’ work includes disputes concerning Art, Cultural Property & Luxury Assets. His strong commercial practice and prior career in the arts gives rise to a keen interest in this niche field.
James is instructed as junior counsel (led by Charles Dougherty KC) in Ashti Fine Art Limited v Art Lending Inc [2025], acting on behalf of a US Art lending company in its $50m + claims concerning the ownership of works by Bacon, Picasso and Fontana, amongst others.
As sole counsel, James is instructed in Wilson Trade v McLaren Automotive Limited [2025], acting on behalf of a BVI Company in a dispute arising out of the unsuccessful purchase of a McLaren Speedtail sportscar, following the termination of a sponsorship agreement with the the McLaren F1 Racing Team.
James is experienced in a broad range of commercial disputes and acts as sole and junior counsel in high-value claims, often with complex international elements.
He is described in the Directories as “absolutely brilliant” and a “real star in the making” for commercial disputes.
Tyson International Company Limited v GIC Re India Corporate Member Limited [2025] (Court of Appeal)
Acting (led by Timothy Killen) for the Bermudan subsidiary of a major US food company seeking a permanent anti-suit injunction to restrain the continuation of a New York Arbitration.
Diesel Emissions Litigation [2025]
Acting (led by Charles Dougherty KC) for the Suzuki company group in one of the largest group action proceedings in the English Court concerning multi-billion claims against various car manufacturers in relation to their vehicles’ compliance with emission regulations.
Wilson Trade Inc v McLaren Automotive Limited [2025]
Acting as sole counsel for a BVI company in its claim for breach of a purchase agreement for a McLaren Speedtail, following the termination of a third-party sponsorship agreement with the McLaren F1 Racing team.
HDI Global Specialty SE v Legal Protection Group & Ors [2025]
Acting (led Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC) for a German insurance company in its multi-million pound claims against three UK companies for breach of an agency agreement and under s. 39 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Flow 48 Limited v Toggle Market LLC FZE [2025] (DIFC)
Acting as sole counsel for a UK venture capital firm in its claim for breach of contract, deceit and unlawful means conspiracy in relation to a credit agreement entered into with a UAE based medical supplies distributor.
Amazon Europe Core SarL & Ors v Xia Qingquan [2024]
Acting as sole counsel for the Amazon company group in its claims for procurement of breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy relating to an alleged Chinese based scheme for providing fake product reviews.
X v Y [2024] (DIFC)
Acting as sole counsel for a UAE energy commodities trading platform in its multi-million dollar DIFC Court claim against its financial advisors and private bank for financial mis-selling and breach of DFSA Rules.
Davies v Cadnay Private Fund Limited [2022] (Gibraltar)
Acting as sole counsel for an investment company in its application to the Gibraltar Supreme Court to set aside a Statutory Demand in a dispute arising out of the enforceability of a high value loan agreement with a Jersey investor.
Khalifa v SWIFT (Dubai) Ltd [2022] (DIFC)
Instructed as sole counsel for the claimant in the first ever whistleblowing claim brought in the DIFC Court. Issues included the jurisdiction of the DIFC Court in respect of a potential claim against the foreign parent company of a DIFC Establishment.
Childescu v Gheorghiu & Ors [2020] CFI 032 (DIFC)
Instructed as part of the counsel team for the claimant (led by Patrick Dillon-Malone SC and Timothy Killen) in a US$40m dispute concerning alleged theft of trust property and involving consideration of the rule against reflective loss.
James has particular expertise in claims concerning allegations of fraud. He has been instructed on behalf of both claimants and defendants in complex fraud actions concerning claims in deceit, unlawful means conspiracy, breach of confidence and inducing a breach of contract.
In addition to acting in the substantive proceedings, James has experience in freezing and proprietary injunctions and other ancillary applications such as for Bankers Trust and Norwich Pharmacal orders.
Ashti Fine Art Limited v Art Lending Inc [2025]
Acting (led by Charles Dougherty KC) for a US based lending company in its multi-million dollar claims against various entities and individuals allegedly connected to a massive fraudulent conspiracy concerning the purported purchase of Picasso, Fontana and Bacon masterworks by a Milanese art museum.
Flow 48 Limited v Toggle Market LLC FZE [2025] (DIFC)
Acting as sole counsel for a UK venture capital firm in its claim for breach of contract, deceit and unlawful means conspiracy in relation to a credit agreement entered into with a UAE based medical supplies distributor.
Wilson Trade Inc v McLaren Automotive Limited [2025]
Acting as sole counsel for a BVI company in a dispute concerning the option to purchase a McLaren Speedtail where McLaren’s allegations include that the company’s Director misrepresented the identity of his principal when negotiating its purchase.
Diesel Emissions Litigation [2025]
Acting (led by Charles Dougherty KC) for the Suzuki company group in multi-billion pound proceedings against various car manufacturers in relation to the alleged use of “defeat devices” in their vehicles’ emission control systems.
Amazon Europe Core SarL & Ors v Xia Qingquan [2024]
Acting as sole counsel for a major multi-national company group in its claims for procurement of breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy arising out of an alleged Chinese based scheme for the provision of fake product reviews.
Davies v Caddick & Anor [2022]
Acting (led by Stuart Benzie) for the defendants in a claim for the alleged misappropriation of a Gibraltar based investment company’s assets by its Directors. James also acted as sole counsel in the freezing injunction first brought against the Director defendants.
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber & Ors v Salfiti & Ors [2021]
Acted (led by Olivier Kalfon and Zac Sammour) for the first defendant in complex multi-million-pound civil fraud proceedings concerning allegations of identity theft, bribery and secret commissions.
Childescu v Gheorghiu & Ors [2020] CFI 032 (DIFC)
Instructed as part of the counsel team for the claimant (led by Patrick Dillon-Malone SC and Timothy Killen) in a US$40m dispute concerning alleged theft of trust property and involving consideration of the rule against reflective loss.
James’ employment practice covers the full range of employment law matters including unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, whistleblowing and discrimination claims.
He has particular experience in whistleblowing disputes and was instructed in the first whistleblowing claim ever brought in the DIFC Court in Dubai, UAE.
Cox v Adecco UK Limited & Anor [2025]
Acting for a local authority in a whistleblowing claim concerning alleged protected disclosures said to concern misuse of personal data.
Freeman v Essex County Council [2024]
Acting for the local authority in a constructive dismissal claim concerning the adequacy of management supervision and risk assessments upon a return to work.
Goldhill v Al Jaber & Anor [2023]
Acting as sole counsel in a high value whistleblowing claim listed for a twelve-day trial concerning allegations of fraud against the respondents’ former in-house legal team.
Isometrix Lighting and Design Ltd v Sillitoe & Ors [2022]
Acting as sole counsel in a High Court claim brought by an electric lighting manufacturer against its former employees for breach of restrictive covenants, breach of confidence and inducing breaches of contract.
Khalifa v SWIFT (Dubai) Ltd [2022] (DIFC)
Instructed as sole counsel for the claimant in the first ever whistleblowing claim brought in the DIFC Court.
Ranson v Diocese of Chelmsford [2022]
Acting as sole counsel for the respondent in a detriment claim arising out of COVID-19 pandemic policies.
Ward v Stringfellow Restaurants Ltd [2021]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in a ten-day trial of an unfair dismissal claim concerning the alleged redundancy procedure carried out in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hebron v Stringfellow Restaurants Ltd [2021]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in an unfair dismissal and sexual harassment claim.
Oakley v EE Ltd [2021]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in her claims for constructive dismissal, unfair dismissal, disability discrimination and harassment against a major telephone network provider.
James is ranked as a “Rising Star” for Insurance & Reinsurance in Legal 500, where he has been described as a “real star of the future” in the field, “exceptional on the detail” with an “excellent recollection for difficult points”, and “determined to find the best answer for the client”.
James is regularly instructed both in Court and in Arbitration and has experience in a wide variety of insurance matters including coverage, jurisdiction, agency, aggregation and business interruption disputes.
Tyson International Company Limited v GIC Re India Corporate Member Limited [2025] (Court of Appeal)
Acting (led by Timothy Killen) for the captive insurer of a major US food company seeking an anti-suit injunction restraining a London market reinsurer from continuing a New York Arbitration.
X v Y [2025] (Arbitration)
Acting as sole counsel for the insurer in its £1m+ claim against its underwriting agent for incepting ATE cover outside the scope of its authority and/or in breach of the terms of the agency agreement.
X v Y [2025] (Arbitration)
Acting (led by Timothy Killen) in a multi-million dollar reinsurance coverage dispute concerning an alleged breach of the duty of fair presentation under the Insurance Act 2015 by reason of a commercial property portfolio undervaluation.
HDI v Legal Protection Group Limited & Ors [2025]
Acting (led by Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC) in a multi-million pound cross-border insurance dispute between a major German insurance company and its UK underwriting agents concerning allegations of breaches of contract and fiduciary duties.
TICL v Partner Re [2024] EWCA Civ 363
Acting for the Bermudan captive insurer of a major US food company in its application for a permanent anti-suit injunction and opposition to a stay application under s.9 of the Arbitration Act. James appeared in this significant Court of Appeal case led by Timothy Killen.
Weston v Aspen Insurance UK Limited [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant insurer of an insolvent construction company in a claim concerning flooding to a home following construction works carried out by a sub-contractor to that company.
X v Y [2023]
Assisting in a multi-party Arbitration concerning coverage issues relating to the costs of litigation across multiple jurisdictions and the question of aggregation of claims under the potentially applicable D&O policies.
X v Y [2023]
Advising on the question of whether business interruption losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were covered under a whole account reinsurance treaty for the purposes of a German Arbitration.
Providing a general advice to a UK business and property insurer as to the correct allocation of subrogated recoveries in the context of underinsurance and/or the absence of allocation.
Advising on the scope of coverage afforded by “at the premises” disease clauses for the purpose of business interruption claims arising out of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Advising on whether litigation costs incurred defending multiple concurrent claims fell within an exclusion clause of a professional indemnity insurance policy.
James has particular experience in cases which have an international element, often involving complex disputes over jurisdiction and choice of law in a commercial context. He has appeared twice in the Court of Appeal in anti-suit injunction applications seeking to restrain foreign seated arbitrations, and acts as sole and junior counsel in jurisdiction applications in the High Court.
In addition to his English Court practice, James has been instructed in foreign proceedings, including in the DIFC Court and Gibraltar Supreme Court. He is listed in the Legal 500 EMEA Guide, where he is described as an “exceptionally hard-working and reliable junior with real experience of commercial disputes in the Middle East.”
Tyson International Company Limited v GIC Re India Corporate Member Limited [2025] (Court of Appeal)
Acting (led by Timothy Killen) for the Bermudan subsidiary of a major US food company in its claim for a permanent anti-suit injunction restraining a London market reinsurer from continuing a New York Arbitration.
Flow 48 Limited v Toggle Market LLC FZE [2025] (DIFC)
Acting as sole counsel for a UK venture capital firm in its claim for breach of contract, deceit and unlawful means conspiracy in relation to a credit agreement entered into with a UAE based medical supplies distributor.
Diesel Emissions Litigation [2025]
Acting (led by Charles Dougherty KC) for a leading foreign car manufacturer in a group action arising out of allegations of ‘defeat devices’ affecting vehicle performance.
TICL v Partner Re [2024] EWCA Civ 363
Acting for the Bermudan captive insurer of a major US food company in its application for a permanent anti-suit injunction and opposition to a stay application under s.9 of the Arbitration Act. James appeared in this significant Court of Appeal case led by Timothy Killen.
Amazon Europe Core SarL & Ors v Xia Qingquan [2024]
Acting as sole counsel for a major multi-national company group, seeking to establish jurisdiction for its claims against a Chinese based defendant for procurement of breach of contract and unlawful means conspiracy.
X v Y [2023]
Advising on the merits of a stay application on the basis of lis pendens in a £1m+ multi-party High Court claim where the damage was suffered in Jersey and the primary relevant company was incorporated in Gibraltar.
X v Y [2023] (DIFC)
Acted as sole counsel for a UAE energy commodities trading platform in its DIFC Court claim against its financial advisors and private bank for financial mis-selling and breach of DFSA Rules.
X v Y [2023] (DIFC)
Advising on the prospects of establishing jurisdiction against a foreign parent company of a DIFC Establishment and the applicable law in respect of a multi-million pound whistleblowing claim.
O’Toole v Demarca Gaming Limited [2020]
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant in a successful jurisdiction challenge to a breach of contract claim against a Maltese casino.
James has gained experience in a range of product liability matters. His previous experience includes advising on a potential claim against the manufacturer of an inflatable tennis dome; drafting pleadings in a vaginal mesh claim; drafting pleadings in a property damage claim arising out of a defective flue design; and advising on a potential claim concerning a combustible dehumidifier.
James is junior counsel (led by Charles Dougherty KC) for a leading car manufacturer in the Emissions Litigation [2025], one of the largest group action proceedings in the High Court, arising out of allegations of “defeat devices” affecting vehicle performance.
James acts as sole and junior counsel in a wide array of high value professional negligence disputes, including those concerning claims against solicitor firms, financial advisors, construction professionals, insurance underwriters and chartered surveyors.
He is ranked in Legal 500 as a “Rising Star” for Professional Negligence where he has been described as “fantastic to work with”, “practical and commercially focused” and “user-friendly”.
X v Y [2025] (Arbitration)
Acting as sole counsel in a £1m+ claim by a major insurance company against a firm of solicitors for failing adequately to assess the prospects of success of litigation for which ATE cover was being provided.
Nest Performance Ltd v Lumi Therapy Ltd [2025]
Acting as sole counsel in a High Court dispute concerning, amongst other things, the adequacy of marketing consultancy services provided to a UK company specializing in the provision of ice baths.
HDI Global Specialty SE v Legal Protection Group & Ors [2025]
Acting (led Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC) in a multi-million pound claim against three UK underwriting companies for, amongst other things, failing to assess the merits of litigation prior to confirming ATE insurance cover on the claimant’s behalf.
Perris v Moses Survey Limited & Ors [2025]
Acting as sole counsel for the third defendant surveying company in a professional negligence claim in the High Court (TCC), concerning the alleged negligent design of renovation building works.
Reid v MCN Construction Limited [2024]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant in a claim against a developer for failing properly to design and construct a drainage system for a new build.
Rowe & Ors v Angermann Goddard & Lloyd [2023]
Acting (led by Timothy Killen) for a defendant surveying company in a multi-million-pound professional negligence and breach of trust claim concerning the valuation and sale of land held by a family trust.
Khan v Carter Devile [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant in a High Court professional negligence claim against a conveyancing solicitor’s firm.
X v Y [2023] (DIFC)
Acting as sole counsel for a UAE energy commodities trading platform in its claim against its financial advisors for negligent financial advice and breach of the DFSA Rules.
X v Y [2023]
Advising on a potential claim in negligence and under the Financial Services Markets Act 2000 arising out of a sale of shares in a foreign real estate company and advice given in respect of the sale.
Screen & Anor v Pyle Consulting Ltd [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimants in their professional negligence claim in the High Court (TCC) against an engineering company, concerning allegedly defective underpinning works to the claimants’ property.
Lorne Stewart Plc v Moore Insulation Ltd [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant in a professional negligence claim concerning allegedly defective insulation works and/or design carried out in the course of a school refurbishment.
Fitzpatrick Referrals Ltd v Fernandes [2022]
Acting as sole counsel in a professional negligence claim against a veterinary clinic.
Davies v Caddick & Anor [2022]
Acting (led by Stuart Benzie) in a high value High Court claim against the operators of a Gibraltar hedge fund.
James acts as sole and junior counsel in a range of property damage disputes both in the High Court and County Court. He has particular expertise in claims which give rise to insurance issues.
Perris v Moses Survey Limited & Ors [2025]
Acting as sole counsel for the third defendant surveying company in a professional negligence claim in the High Court (TCC), concerning the alleged negligent design and build of a home renovation.
Reid v MCN Construction Limited [2024]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimant homeowners in their claim against a developer and sewerage undertaker following a flood at their property arising out of an inadequate drainage connection.
Lorne Stewart Plc v Moore Insulation Ltd [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the defendant in a professional negligence claim concerning allegedly defective insulation works and/or design carried out in the course of a school refurbishment.
Screen & Anor v Pyle Consulting Ltd [2023]
Acting as sole counsel for the claimants in their professional negligence claim in the High Court (TCC) against an engineering company, concerning allegedly defective underpinning works to the claimants’ property.
Advising in a multi-million pound flood damage dispute concerning the viability of contribution claims brought by the relevant water undertaker.
My contact details:
ICO Reg No: ZA781018
Address: 2 Temple Gardens, London, EC4Y 9AY
Email: clerks@2tg.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)20 7822 1200
The type of personal information I collect
To enable me to provide you with legal advice and representation in courts, tribunals, arbitrations and mediations, I currently collect and process the following personal information:
Personal identifiers, contacts and characteristics (for example, name, date of birth and contact details), bank and financial details, your background and circumstance and education.
Other personal data relevant to, or included in instructions to provide legal services, including data specific to the instructions in question and data included in documents provided to me as part of instructions or otherwise.
Such information may include personal information relating to family members, associates, agents, employees, shareholders or beneficial owners. By providing such personal information to me, you automatically confirm that you are authorised to do so. It is not reasonably practicable for me to provide the information set out in this Privacy Notice to those individuals. Accordingly, where appropriate, you are responsible for providing this information to any such individuals.
Where necessary, I may also need to process Special Category data about you including
How I get the personal information and why I have it
Most of the personal information that I process is provided to me directly by you or via the professional you have instructed such as a solicitor or consultant or other professional adviser who instructs me on your behalf to provide legal services.
I use the information that you have given me in order to
I may share this information with
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the lawful basis I rely on for processing this information is
How I store your personal information
Your information is securely stored in Chambers or at my home. I use reasonable technical and organisational security measures such as password protection and encryption of computer generated data and keeping paper data secure to prevent personal information from being accidentally lost or destroyed, or used or accessed in an unauthorised way.
In this connection, Chambers, as data processor, acting on my behalf, will only process your personal data on my instructions and is subject to a duty of confidentiality.
The data will be held in line with any regulatory obligations and generally be kept for 6 years but may be 12 years, or longer where, for example, the case includes information relating to a minor, from the date of completion of instructions. At this point any further retention will be reviewed and the data will be marked for deletion or marked for retention for a further period.
All data will be securely deleted or securely shredded after this time without reference to you. I will store some of your information which I need to carry out conflict checks for the rest of my career. However, this is likely to be limited only to your name and contact details and the name of the case. It will not include any information that is “sensitive information” for GDPR purposes.
Your data protection rights
Under data protection law, you have rights including:
Transfer of your information outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
This privacy notice is of general application and as such it is not possible to state whether it will be necessary to transfer your information out of the EEA. If I do transfer your personal data I will use safeguards to ensure the data is fully protected as required by the UK Data Protection Regulations.
Changes to my Privacy Policy
From time to time, I may need to make chances to my privacy policy. If so, the changes will appear on my entry on the 2TG website.
Marketing
As above, I may share your personal data with Chambers who may in turn use that data to notify you by email, or post about an invitation to seminars and similar events. You may opt out of receiving any such marketing communications at any time by using the “unsubscribe” link in any emails. In relation to how Chambers uses such data, please see Chambers’ privacy policy. Other than sharing personal data with Chambers as described above, I will not share your information with any other third party for marketing purposes.
How to complain
If you have any concerns about my use of your personal information, you can make a complaint to me or to my Senior Clerk, Lee Tyler at 2 Temple Gardens, London, EC4Y 9AY or clerks@2tg.co.uk. You can also complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how we have used your data.
The ICO’s address:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Helpline number: 0303 123 1113
ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk
© Briefed Ltd 2021. All Rights Reserved.
“James Partridge is a proper workhorse and unbelievably bright. He is a man who can see the wood from the trees.”
“James is accessible, very capable and always extremely helpful. Clever and sensible with it, he is someone whose case strategies make sense.”
“James Partridge is very thorough and very considered in his advice. He is extremely detailed and turns things around very quickly.”
Commercial Dispute Resolution – Chambers UK 2026
“James is absolutely brilliant. He is a real star in the making. He is super smart and extremely eloquent.”
Commercial Dispute Resolution – Legal 500 2026
“James is exceptional on the detail. He has excellent recollection for difficult points and he has a way of breaking them down that assists everyone on the team. He is determined to find the best answer for the client.”
Insurance & Reinsurance – Legal 500 2026
“James is detailed, practical and commercially focussed.”
Professional Negligence – Legal 500 2026
“An exceptionally hard-working and reliable junior with real experience of commercial disputes in the Middle East.”
Middle East: The English Bar – Commercial – Legal 500 2026
“Really top class brain and writes incredibly well. A real star of the future.”
Insurance & Reinsurance – Legal 500 2025
“He is fantastic to work with. He responds quickly. Clients also find him very user-friendly. He is calm, collected, and well prepared.”
Professional Negligence – Legal 500 2025