James Bryden

James is a senior counsel in the Disputes & Investigations group. He advises on a broad range of commercial and corporate disputes and regulatory investigations. As well as maintaining a broad commercial disputes practice (acting for claimants and defendants), James has a particular specialism in matters involving the accountancy profession, and regularly advises firms in relation to high profile civil claims and investigations. He has distinct expertise from working on secondment at two of the Big 4 accountancy firms, and delivers advice that reflects his extensive knowledge of his clients' industry, operations and priorities.

James has been recognised by Legal 500 as a "Rising Star" for Professional Negligence.

James is dual qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and Scotland.

Expertise

Services and Groups

Disputes & investigations

Corporate litigation & post-M&A disputes

Professional services disputes

Sectors

Technology, media & communications

Business & professional services

The Track Record

Helping our clients achieve the best commercial outcomes in complex conflict resolution.

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CV

Since 2022 Senior counsel, Taylor Wessing

2015 - 2022 Senior associate, Taylor Wessing

2014 - 2015 Associate, Taylor Wessing

Career

Since 2022 Senior counsel, Taylor Wessing

2015 - 2022 Senior associate, Taylor Wessing

2014 - 2015 Associate, Taylor Wessing

Education

2013 Admitted as a lawyer, England & Wales

2012 Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme

2009 Admitted as a lawyer, Scotland

Memberships & Associations

Notary Public

Additional languages

Awards

Legal 500 UK 2026

Featured

Legal 500 UK 2025

Legal 500 UK 2022

Experience

FCR investigation into Carillion PLC.

We act for the former CFO of Carillion plc in relation to an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) into the affairs of Carillion plc.

Press release

James Bryden

Helen Robinson

First law firm appointment of an independent review process for a major retail bank

Advising Professor Griggs, the Independent Reviewer appointed by Lloyds in relation to the HBOS Redress Programme. This is a substantial investigation into over 50 former HBoS corporate customers, analysis of their claims for compensation and independent assessment of the bank's redress proposals. We are the first firm to handle an independent review process for a major retail bank on this scale. Our mandate continues, with us now advising Professor Griggs on the Quality Assurance Review by Sir Ross Cranston of the HBOS Reading Compensation Scheme itself.

James Bryden

Lorna Bramich

Defence of a claim for GBP1.6 billion

PwC in defending a claim for GBP1.6 billion arising out of the collapse of the sub-prime lender, Cattles plc and its trading subsidiary, Welcome Financial Services Ltd, following the discovery of a shortfall in its bad debt provision.

James Bryden

Gemma Broughall