James Griffiths
James is an experienced litigator across the broad spectrum of commercial claims. James is also part of the firm’s construction sector and heads up our cryptocurrency disputes offering.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
Biography
James qualified as a solicitor in 2023 and is now an Associate in the Commercial Litigation team.
James has a particular specialism and interest in shareholder disputes, frequently acting in matters involving multi-million-pound companies and complex issues such as director misconduct, forensic accounting exercises and unfair prejudice petitions. Alongside this, James is regularly instructed to advise on contractual disputes, professional negligence claims and claims brought under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.
In addition to his commercial litigation expertise, James has experience acting in construction disputes and in Insolvency matters (having litigated a claim under s423 of the Insolvency Act through to trial with leading Counsel).
More recently, James has established the firm’s cryptocurrency litigation sector and has started taking instructions in this area.
Clients consistently trust James for his personable manner, responsive working style and straightforward, commercially-focused advice. He is recognised for building strong working relationships and for his commitment to understanding clients’ objectives, enabling him to deliver practical dispute resolution strategies tailored to their individual needs.
Recent Experience
- Acted for a shareholder of cybersecurity company worth c.£1.5m in a dispute with his business partner relating to financial mismanagement in which a buyout was achieved.
- Acted for a shareholder in the logistics sector in a long running dispute concerning two companies. Matter was settled at mediation.
- Acted for a shareholder of a London based law firm in relation to allegations made by a former shareholder that shares had been transferred without their knowledge.
- Advised a shareholder of a multi-million-pound game development company in relation to potential claims for unfair prejudice.
- Acted for a court appointed administrator in a claim for professional negligence against the estate’s former solicitor.
- Acted for the executrix of an estate in proceedings under section 423 of the Insolvency Act to set aside the defendant’s transfer of beneficial interests in twelve properties to his son while awaiting trial for his wife’s murder. Settled prior to a 7-day trial.
- Acting for an individual in a claim of circa £850k for the recovery of costs by his former solicitors. Proceeded to a 3-day trial.
- Acting for a multi-million-pound manufacturer in the defence sector in relation to claims of c.£10m intimated by a former consultant.
- Acting for a UK and European commercial agent in a cross border agency dispute against a Taiwanese manufacturer, pursuing damages under the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993.
Insights & Media
The Hague Judgments Convention: What the UK’s 2025 Accession Means for Cross-Border Enforcement
On 1 July 2025, the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters (“the Hague Judgments Convention”) came into force in the United Kingdom. Below, our Dispute Resolution Lawyers take a closer look at what the Hague Judgments Convention provides for and its impact.
Read Blog
Enforcing a Cross-Company Guarantee Under s479C: Pentacle Disputes Limited v MoneyPlus Holdings Limited
Whether you are an SME or a multinational corporation, it is a bitter pill to swallow when you enter into a commercial agreement, comply with your obligations and then payment is not forthcoming from the counterparty. The issue is compounded when the debtor entity in question becomes insolvent before payment is made. Whilst an appointed...
Read Blog
What to Do if You've Suffered from Professional Negligence
As a private individual, it’s almost certain that at some point you will need the advice and expertise of a professional to manage personal matters. These could include significant life events such as purchasing or renovating a home, investing your savings, or preparing a will. Given the importance and financial implications of such matters, it's...
Read Blog
Sky v SkyKick: A Landmark Trademark Dispute and the Supreme Court's Judgment
Trademark disputes can have wide-reaching consequences for businesses of all sizes. In this article, our specialist Dispute Resolution Solicitors examine the landmark Supreme Court decision in Sky v SkyKick, exploring its impact on trademark law, bad faith registrations, and its implications for brand protection moving forward. The long-running...
Read Blog
Umbro Counter-Attack: Court of Appeal Reverses High Court Decision in Umbro Trade Mark Infringement Case
The legal saga surrounding Umbro's iconic "double diamond" logo took a decisive turn recently. The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's ruling and found that the Umbro brand was in favour, holding that Dream Pairs' logo infringed upon the Umbro trademark. This case serves as a valuable reminder for businesses of the importance of...
Read Blog
Succession Planning and Shareholders Disputes
Succession planning is a crucial aspect of managing a limited company. It involves carefully considering the future of the business and the ownership structure in case of unforeseen events, such as the death or departure of a shareholder. In this blog, we will explore what succession planning means for shareholders in a limited company, what to...
Read Blog
Unfair Prejudice Petitions and the Importance of Making a "Fair" Offer
Operating a business can be stressful, and it is not uncommon for shareholder disagreements to arise. This can often lead to situations where shareholders feel the company is not being operated in a fair way, such that it has an adverse impact on them or the shareholders generally. In such instances, shareholders of a company have the right to...
Read Blog
What are the Changes to the Fixed Recoverable Costs Regime from 1st October 2023?
Most civil claims valued up to £100,000 issued on or after 1st October 2023 will be subject to a new fixed recoverable costs (FRC) system. Under the new rules, cases valued up to £25,000 will be allocated to the fast track, and less complex cases under £100,000 will be allocated to a newly created, separate intermediate track. However, the...
Read Blog
My Debtor Has Defended Debt Recovery Court Proceedings: What’s Next?
If Court proceedings are issued to recover a business debt owed, the Defendant can defend the Court proceedings. The Defendant has 14 days from when the Court proceedings are served on it to notify the Court whether the Court proceedings will be defended. This is done by the Defendant filing with the Court what is known as an Acknowledgment of...
Read Blog
The Benefits of Mediation in Shareholder Disputes
Disputes between shareholders of a private company are a common occurrence. The interests of shareholders can typically change from the business inception to the point that they become unaligned, which can lead to irreconcilable differences...
Read Blog
Summary Judgment and Strike Out Applications
The notion of issuing a claim and going to court to recover a debt is often problematic for creditors. It is well established that legal costs in litigation and other dispute resolution processes can be significant. Legal costs can be a real cause...
Read Blog