James Sleightholme – Partner

Head of Shipping & Transport (UK)

James Sleightholme is a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and specialises in arbitration and litigation relating to international trade, shipping and commodities. He is experienced in arbitrations under the auspices of the LMAA, LCIA, ICC and the various London commodity associations, including GAFTA, FOSFA, Refined Sugar Association, Sugar Association of London, Federation of Cocoa Commerce, and has particular expertise in handling multi-jurisdictional litigation. He has acted in public inquiries, representing the Marchioness Contact Group in the Thames Safety Inquiry and the Marchioness/Bowbelle Formal Investigation.

James was educated at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, where he studied law and theology. After leaving university he worked in industry before joining Middleton Potts, qualifying as a solicitor in 1981. He joined Taylor Wessing (then Taylor Garrett) in 1986, becoming a partner in 1988.

Taylor Wessing Practices

• Litigation & Dispute Resolution
• Shipping & Transport

Taylor Wessing Industries

• China
• Insurance

Areas of Expertise

• Cruise ships
• Energy
• Insurance disputes
• International arbitration
• International trade and commodities
• Marine contracts
• Multi-jurisdictional litigation
• Shipping claims
• Transport and logistics
• Transport, maritime and shipping in China

Topical Issues

• Anti-suit injunctions in arbitration cases
• The Companies Act 2006 - Forewarned is forearmed