James Howells KC

James has experience of both domestic and international disputes regarding oil and gas exploration and exploitation, and regarding power projects (conventional, nuclear and renewable).

Recent case examples include:

DOMESTIC

Advisory and advocacy work in respect of various claims in arbitration under Power Purchase Agreements relating to generation including gas-fired power stations, CHP Plant and Biomass power stations and commercial boilers, including:

• Acting for renewable energy company in relation to a dispute arising out of the termination of a lease agreement relating to a development of a biomass power plant in the north of England.
• Acting for the UK developer/operator of a biomass plant in a dispute relating to Energy Act liabilities for defects in grid cabling affecting commissioning and back-energising of plant in London TCC.
• Acting for UK distillery conglomerate in claims against designer of CHP boiler and plant for installation at a UK chemicals/distillery site.

Offshore installation related disputes experience includes:

• Instructed for Scottish division of Scandinavian offshore driller in delay and defects claims in London TCC relating to refurbishment of accommodation blocks and new heli-pad for semi-submersible drilling rig in Dutch yard.
• Acting for BP Amoco in claims and counterclaims relating to design and quality/service issues in respect of Rowan Gorilla V in. UK Commercial Court (also assisting client’s US attorney’s in preparation of evidence in parallel anti-suit proceedings in Texas relating to termination of rig supply agreements.

Onshore, renewables disputes include:

• Advising and acting for design and build contractor of Waste to Energy plant for joint purchasing authority for a group of UK Midlands local authorities, disputes relating to alleged delay and cost overruns/variations relating to design of waste receiving hall, process hall plant installations, fire detection and suppression systems.
• Advising design and build contractor in claims by UK local authority regarding alleged defects in waste hall bunding and (substance and fume) containment structures in Waste to Energy plant in Southern England.
• Advising and acting for local authority in claims by design and build contractor for variations and delay and loss and expense in respect of changes to design to recycling and Waste to Energy process plant.

INTERNATIONAL

• Acting for government-owned network power grid company in claims relating to a power purchase agreement in respect of a new combined cycle gas power station following failure of HV network electrical interconnection facility. (MENA)
• Acting for Singapore headquartered energy firm in respect of claims for breach of contract against major European oil company in respect of failing to drill committed oil and gas exploration wells in the Philippines under a farm out agreement for ultra-deep water exploratory gas drilling (GAR reported) Mitra v Total. (Philippines)
• Acting for petrochemical design and build contract JV in LCIA (London seat) disputes under Kuwait Law regarding design and construction of oil pipeline in Kuwait. (Kuwait)
• Acting for LNG purchaser in anti-suit injunction proceedings in Commercial Court in London relating to claims c.US$14m disputed charges for the delivery of LNG in Pakistan and in ensuing LCIA arbitration. (Pakistan)
• Acting for consortium re: dispute with Thai-based joint venture re: the design and construction of an energy-from-waste plant and wrongful termination by the employer following injunction proceedings in Administrative Court of Thailand by environmental groups to prevent operation of plant. Claims and counterclaims in arbitration in Singapore in relation to termination. (Thailand)
• Acting for a South-East Asian renewables developer active in Thailand, India and S E Asia in wind farm development in claims for termination loss on repudiation of a manufacturing/supply reservation agreement for onshore wind turbines. Issues relating to Vietnamese development licences and PPAs. Contracts under English law with arbitration in Singapore. (Vietnam)
• Acting for Scandinavian offshore driller in delay and termination case in 10-week LMAA arbitration in London re: a dynamically positioned harsh environment semi-submersible drilling unit ordered from Korean yard. The reported value at the time of the order was $727 million. Matter value – c.$400 million in pre-delivery instalments, plus accrued interest and claims for compensation re: costs of project. (Korea)
• Co-Counsel with one of India’s leading advocates acting on quantum stage arbitration in hearings in Singapore and Paris in respect of shareholder claims relating to operation of petrochemical plant in India and management of expansion projects. (India)
• Advising European/African consortium re: bond calls in respect of alleged delay claims and liquidated damages claims in relation to design and construction of a 200kn gas pipeline in North Africa forming part of a major gas development project. Bonds under UK law, advising and providing KC opinion for use in European courts on English law on injunctive powers to restrain encashment of on-demand bond. (Tunisia)
• Acting for South-East Asian Government Ministry of Energy in two arbitrations commenced by oil majors challenging new regulations on decommissioning costs.
• Advising Singapore headquartered energy firm on claims arising from breach of a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) for a participating interest in offshore Vietnam gas block from Japanese oil major. (Vietnam)
• Acting on a dispute relating to the termination of design and construction contracts for what was at the time the world’s largest biomass power plant, located in South-East Asia. ICC arbitration seated in Singapore. (Thailand)
• Acting on an ICC arbitration in Singapore (English law, Singapore procedural law) for Thai manufacturing and power production conglomerate in respect of claims arising on termination of design and build contracts for the construction of a biomass power station in Thailand (at the time of procurement the largest plant in the world). (Thailand)
• Acting on an LCIA arbitration for Oman oil company regarding disputes with a US drilling services company arising from exploratory land prospects in Oman. (Oman)
• Acting on an ICC arbitration regarding offshore dredging contracts for an Iranian contractor constructing offshore oil and gas facilities under English law and (in relation to bonds) Iranian law in respect of claims and counterclaims valued at US$2.1million. (India)
• Acting on an ICC Arbitration regarding onshore drilling contracts for UAE employer in Oman against claims for contract fees including demobilisation fee by US drilling contractor and counterclaiming for costs incurred as a result of poor performance and downtime. Claims and counterclaims valued at c.US$2.5million. (Oman)
• Acting on an ICC arbitration concerning computer-controlled longwall coal mining equipment in Siberia for Russian owners against US/UK equipment manufacturers in respect of claims and counterclaims valued at c.US$20 million under English and Russian law. (Russian Federation)
• Advising and acting on an LCIA arbitration concerning the manufacture and supply of process equipment and a plant for the manufacture of polypropylene and derived products in Russia under Russian substantive law for US-based, Russian controlled corporation in respect of claims and counterclaims valued at c. US$150 million. (Russian Federation)

James has carried out preparatory, advisory and advocacy work for numerous large-scale domestic construction and engineering project disputes. Recent examples include:

DOMESTIC

• Acting for airport operator against contractor claiming in respect of disputed preliminaries and/or thickening in respect of the NEC3 contract for the civils works for the new aircraft hangar at major international airport (UK) and in related claims between contractor and sub-contractor in adjudication and enforcement proceedings, Prater Ltd v John Sisk [2021] EWHC 1113 (TCC).
• Acting for project company in relation to the construction of major central London redevelopment project comprising a new build, mixed-use development of apartments, retail and commercial units. Dispute related to design and construction of the external walling and cladding works, including semi-external balconies with concerns arising re: effective fire stopping.
• Acting for fire consultancy in claims by aerospace company (BAE) against multiple defendants in Birmingham TCC in respect of damage to buildings and MOD Typhoon fighter jet as a result of release of fire suppression foam in test facility. Claims in contract and negligence against designers and installers/commissioners of system. Claims currently valued in excess of £7m. BAE v Edward Dewhurst & others
• Acting for developer in dispute relating to design and construction of new London Premier League football club stadium.
• Acting for Premier League Football club in disputes relating to refurbishment and development of new stand and associated hotel, apartments and hospitality/events spaces at London ground.
• Acting for brick cladding contractor in dispute relating to alleged defective design and construction of feature brickwork facades of three buildings at a UK university.
• Post-Grenfell cladding dispute acting for developer in claims by hotel chain (intended to be test case) against developer, contractor and designer in respect of specification and design of external cladding and the alleged defects in required fire resistance of cladding. Premier Inn v AP14 and others
• Acting for UK Borough Council in respect of disputes arising in respect of the design and construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge crossing. Initial claims by joint venture relating to alleged entitlements to extension of time and loss and expense.
• Acting in claims against architect in respect of design and inspection/supervision of construction of passive fire stopping in a new UK hospital.
• Acting for NHS Trust relating to the design and construction of the new major city hospital with recent claims relating to ultra clean brain surgery and paediatric operating theatres.
• Acting for Amey Birmingham Highways in claims by Birmingham City Council in respect of long-running dispute over c.£300m PFI contract for refurbishment and maintenance of roads in Birmingham. One of the UK’s largest PFI contracts.
• Acting for Aggregate Industries in claims by Amey to declarations to prevent ongoing adjudications of payment disputes relating to a contract valued at c.£200m for works relating to the maintenance and refurbishment of roads in Sheffield. Amey LG Ltd v Aggregate Industries UK Ltd [2019] EWHC 3488 (TCC)
• Acting for Austrian specialist cladding design and build contractor in claims currently in two related actions in the TCC relating to the iconic Beetham Tower, Manchester (Manchester’s tallest building). Claims from owner of Hilton Hotel for loss of business due to alleged safety issues arising from failed fenestration and cladding and claims from landlord/building owner for rectification costs. Blue Manchester v BUG Alu-Technic & others
• Acting for property management company in respect of a dispute arising from a PFI contract relating to the construction and operation of custodial centres in the south of England.
• Acting in relation to the new set for ITV’s flagship television programme Coronation Street re: defective steelwork resulting in large parts of the newly constructed set having to be demolished and rebuilt leading to increased construction costs and delay.
• Acting for global consultancy, and construction company and its professional indemnity insurers in relation to a dispute regarding the construction and refurbishment of an 11-storey data centre in London.

INTERNATIONAL

• Advising contracting JV in claims relating to COVID-19 and variations in relation to design and construction of seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant. (UAE)
• Acting for government owned developer in claims relating to the design and construction of subsurface and road infrastructure in new development in Dubai. Claims and counterclaims valued at c.AED700million. Ad hoc arbitration seated in Dubai. (Dubai)
• Acting for contractor in DIFC Arbitration (DIFC-LCIA arbitration, DIFC law) in respect of the major project to provide pedestrian mall, leisure facilities and Mosque in central Dubai site. Claims and counterclaims exceeding AED250million relating to delays to completion, liquidated damages and claims to additional works and variations. (Dubai)
• Acting for European joint venture in DIAC arbitration in Dubai in respect of claims arising in relation to the design and construction of ship lifts in Middle Eastern city port area. Claims valued at c.US$30 million arising after the insolvency of the developer. (Dubai)
• Acting for Dubai government owned developer in ad hoc arbitration in respect of claims relating to infrastructure and roads construction in respect of development of new maritime structures and area. Claims and counterclaims exceeding AED600million. (Dubai)
• Advising owner/operator on claims under power purchase and water supply agreements in relation to the design, construction and take-over of a combined power and desalination plant. Qatar law. LCIA Arbitration. (Qatar)
• Acting for major Indian contractor in ad hoc arbitration seated in the Middle East relating to claims in respect of the specialist cladding and fenestration for the new passenger terminal and related buildings at major international airport. (Oman)

Other cases include:

• Acting for the design and construction joint ventures in claims relating to design of airport pavements at major South-East Asian hub airport in arbitrations in Bangkok. Claims valued at c.US$70Million.
• Acting in dispute in relation to a power and water purchase agreement to finance, develop, construct, operate and maintain a power and water desalination facility in the Middle East. (Abu Dhabi)
• Acting on US$50m claims for damages on termination of exclusive supply agreement for food product canning. UNCITRAL arbitration (Thai law).
• Advising and acting on an arbitration application in UK Commercial Court, Court of Appeal and House of Lords. House of Lords Judgment remains a leading authority on meaning of UK Arbitration Act 1996, (Lesotho) Lesotho Highlands Development Authority v Impregilo. [2006] 1 AC 221.
• Acting for UK supplier of machinery for the can-making industry in respect of a dispute arising from a contract for the design, installation and commissioning of plant for can production in Austria.
• Acting in DIAC arbitration heard in Dubai regarding disputes in respect of commercial/residential development on Palm Jumeirah. Disputes (claims and counterclaims) valued at in excess of US$80 million. (Dubai)
• Advising and acting on an ICC arbitration regarding the geotechnical design of underground LPG storage caverns under New South Wales substantive and procedural law. (Australia)
• Advising and acting on an ICC arbitration regarding dredging and land reclamation for an Indonesian employer under Indonesian substantive and procedural law in claims valued at US$40 million. (Indonesia)
• Advising and acting on a UNCITRAL rules arbitration concerning a contract to build and operate a process plant and supply products to the Thai subsidiary of a Swiss food company for a Thai contractor under Thai substantive law in claims valued at c.US$300million. (Thailand)

James has wide experience in the IT and Telecommunications’ field acting for suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, and users, including central and local government, in relation to telecommunication systems and computer software and hardware systems.

Examples of his recent work include:

• Acting for PTT (Thai oil and petrochemicals major) in claims and counterclaims relating to the termination of a contract to design and an implement integrated commodities trading and vessel charter party management system across Asia and Gulf businesses. Represented PTT at first instance and through each appeal including successful hearing before the Supreme Court in 2020 whose outcome was the subject of considerable interest and speculation in the wider construction, IT, and ship-building industries, in particular regarding the proper interpretation and application of liquidated damages clauses where a contract is terminated after works are delayed but before they are completed and in respect of limitation clauses. Triple Point Technology, Inc (respondent) v PTT Public Company Ltd (appellant) [2021] UKSC 29.
• Leading counsel in TCC claims for supplier of electronic products in claims (c.£70m) by BT alleging defective design and supply of network components said to have caused widespread faulting on ADSL broadband services. British Telecommunications v Tii Technologies.
• Advising specialist IT design/development house regarding disputes arising as a result of allegations of defects in specialist pharmaceutical testing software used for regulatory approvals of cancer drug.
• Advising data communications company in respect of a series of contractual disputes with electricity companies and multinational telecommunications company regarding lifecycle technology issues in respect of second-generation Smart Electricity Meters.
• Advising European multinational information technology company in a dispute with major media and telecoms group in relation to the transformation of the latter’s European accounts systems with a new common end-to-end solution across several markets in replacement of existing country-specific legacy ERP systems.
• Acting for major IT outsourcing group in relation to delays to a software system for adult and social care in a London Borough. Complex technical issues relating to design and implementation of system to meet statutory requirements for social care and child protection.
• Acting in LCIA arbitration in claims valued at c.$800m for termination payments on termination of contract to design, build and operate the mobile and online banking system for implementation in a West African state bank.
• Leading counsel in TCC claim in respect of a long-term agreement for the provision of equipment, telecoms and internet services, and other support services to one of the world’s largest temping services provider and recruitment consultants.
• Joint leading counsel for UK-based subsidiary of a major global software and systems contractor in respect of claims valued at c.£700m relating to design, supply, integration and operation of IT system procured under the PFI forming part of new nationwide IT solution for UK government claimed to be the largest global civilian ICT software project attempted. Claims against the UK government and against the sub-contracted software supplier.
• Acting for major outsourcing group in respect of claims relating to a project to replace electronic tagging and monitoring tagging service for criminal justice and anti-terrorism services.
• Acting on claims relating to the termination of a consultancy contract for the development and implementation of an ERP system for a supplier to major UK, US, and Canadian supermarket chains.

Other cases include:

• Acting in UK TCC proceedings for UK ERP software supplier in claims arising from termination of a contract to implement supply chain management software for use in retail fresh produce business, MM(UK) v Linkfresh Software.
• Acting in UK Commercial Court proceedings for major US-based global IT systems and software supplier in respect of commercial claims made by specialist software house and counterclaims relating to international IP protection for network internet security software solution, Grupo S21 Sec Gestion SA v Internet Security Systems.
• Acting in UK Commercial Court proceedings for US/UK software supplier in respect of commercial claims made by regional sales agent in respect of commercial disputes relating to onward sales to African government, Cosin SA v Autonomy Systems.
• Acting in UK Commercial Court proceedings for a UK based global financial information and enterprise systems supplier in respect of claim by software house relating to software for live financial data acquisition, management and manipulation, RCP Consultants v Reuters.
• Acting in an LCIA arbitration concerning the design and implementation of a bespoke airline ticketing and hotel booking system for a global travel agent including web-based functionality for a US software house and Danish subsidiary under English and Danish law.
• Acting for Unisys in respect of claims in TCC relating to a UK private finance initiative project for the development and installation of national system for UK Courts Service, Unisys Ltd v Fujitsu Services Ltd.
• Representing Compass, a specialist IT benchmarking consultancy, in Part 20 claim by IBM for breach of contract and professional negligence in benchmarking exercises of leading to the termination of Cable & Wireless contract with IBM for outsourced IT services, Cable & Wireless PLC v IBM UK Ltd and IBM UK Ltd v Compass America Inc & Compass Management Consulting Ltd.
• Acting for LIFFE trading house in Commercial Court regarding claim against software designer relating to fitness for purpose of LIFFE trading software, Trafalgar Financial Futures Ltd v Easyscreen Ltd.

James has advised contractors on disputes arising from rail projects and infrastructures. Cases include:

DOMESTIC

• Acting on a series of eight linked ICC arbitrations relating to contracts to provide underground railway control, security and communications equipment relating to sub-contracts and sub-sub-contracts related to UK PFI/PPP railway refurbishment and renewal contracts for UK telecommunications and electronic control specialist contractor in claims and counterclaims valued at c.£10million.
• Acting on an ICC arbitration relating to railway network communications system linking trains, control centres and stations, relating to technical radio and communications system design for railway employer in linked arbitrations between employer/contractor and contractor/sub-contractors in respect of claims to declarations as to meaning and effect of terms under PFI contract and related sub-contracts.

INTERNATIONAL

• Acting on an ad hoc arbitration relating to the construction of highway from Muscat into interior on behalf of Government of Oman. Contract and arbitration governed by Oman law, (Oman).
• Leading junior counsel advising and preparation for arbitration of multi-billion dollar disputes relating to the design and construction of the new Dubai metro system, (Dubai).
• Advisory work relating to disputes arising in respect of construction of new light railway system.

DOMESTIC

• Acting in TCC claims in respect of disputes relating to delays in completion and sail away for the refurbishment of a semi-submersible drilling rig arising from structural design errors relating to new accommodation quarters and helideck. Stena Drilling –v- Hertel Services Ltd
• Acting for UK defence contractor with respect to disputes with sub-contractor relating to design and construction of next generation UK naval vessels.

INTERNATIONAL

• Instructed for Scandinavian offshore driller in delay and termination case in LMAA arbitration in London re: a dynamically positioned harsh environment semi-submersible drilling unit ordered from Korean yard. The reported value at the time of the order was $727 million. Matter value – c.$400 million in pre-delivery instalments, plus accrued interest and claims for compensation re: costs of project.
• Acting on an LCIA arbitration for Russian-owned oil company regarding disputes arising from refurbishment and operation of drill ship in respect of offshore wells to be drilled in Gulf of Guinea, (Ghana).
• Advising European defence contractor in respect of potential international arbitration proceedings arising from design and supply of defence related ship-based systems for naval vessels of South-Asian navy.

University and College Scholar and Prizewinner at University of Cambridge and University of Oxford

1993–1994: BCL Oxon (1^st Class) Brasenose College, Oxford

1989–1992: MA Cantab, BA (Hons) (1^st Class) Magdalene College, Cambridge

James is a contributing editor to Hudson’s Building and Engineering Contracts (12^th and 13^th Eds)

James was editor of Building Law Reports from 1998 -2000 and from 2005 – 2015

He was editor of Technology and Construction Reports from 2000-2002

“James is a highly intelligent and hard-working KC who is always a pleasure to deal with. His legal and strategic analysis is excellent, and his advocacy is considered and persuasive.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2024

“James is very thorough and methodical on large technical disputes, and he explores the evidence in depth before cross-examining witnesses.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2024

“A go-to silk – a brain the size of a planet, always knows the detail and the documents better than anyone else in the room, incisive cross-examination of expert witnesses, whether factual or technical, and a pleasure to work with to boot. James is extremely user-friendly, attentive, responsive and accessible.”
International Arbitration, The Legal 500 2024

“Very bright, strategically astute and provides clear advice. A brilliant tech sector barrister who is user-friendly and top of his game.”
IT and Telecoms, The Legal 500 2024

“A strategist who provides clear, focussed advice.”
Professional Negligence, The Legal 500 2024

“James is extremely hard-working.”
“He has an incredible eye for detail and can see the bigger picture as well.”
International Arbitration: Construction/Engineering, Chambers UK Bar 2024

“James Howells has a wealth of expertise and great client skills coupled with strong commerciality.”
“James is outstanding – ferociously hard-working with an unbelievable eye for detail while also having an excellent sense of the view from 30,000 feet as well.”
“He’s a super brain. Someone you’d go to if you absolutely want to know the right answer.”
“Clearly a bright guy and a very impressive barrister; he’s very strong in writing.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2024

“James Howells is an extremely talented and hard-working silk.”
“He’s an excellent lawyer.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar 2024

“James is phenomenally intelligent. He is also extremely impressive and very commercial.”
“Incredibly focused and dedicated, he never lets you down.”
“He is a very persuasive advocate both written and orally.”
“James has a very calm and measured approach.”
Information Technology, Chambers UK Bar 2024

“James is a superb technical lawyer, with excellent knowledge of the relevant case law. James’ pleadings are always drafted with great care, and at a very high standard. In terms of advocacy, James is amongst the best and is extremely well prepared, and able and willing to answer and deal with any issues that arise throughout a hearing. Further, what really sets James apart is his client care, and willingness to spend time with clients.”
Construction, Energy & Infrastructure, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023

“He’s enormously intelligent, and very friendly and dedicated.”
“His written submissions are consistently impressive and he’s excellent on his feet.”
Construction, Chambers UK Bar 2023

“He is charming to work with, keenly intelligent and very effective.”
Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers UK Bar 2023

“He’s incredibly responsive and razor-sharp – and he really ‘gets’ the client.”
“His service delivery, knowledge and expertise are second to none. He’s enormously intelligent, very friendly and dedicated.”
Professional Negligence: Chambers UK Bar 2023

“James Howells is charming to work with, keenly intelligent and very effective.”
“James is a new breed of silk who really get their hands dirty. He has enormous client and project management skills and is perfect for leading a big team.”
International Arbitration, Chambers UK Bar 2023

“Excellent both in court and at conference, he’s extremely clever and yet straightforward and user-friendly in his approach.”
Information Technology, Chambers UK Bar 2023

“James is part of a new breed of KC who really get their hands dirty. He is a go-to for any complex construction matter and has enormous client and project management skills.”
International Arbitration, Chambers Asia Pacific 2023

“James is an excellent technical barrister, with a deep knowledge of construction issues. As well as being an excellent advocate, what sets James apart is the time and effort he puts into client care.”
Construction, The Legal 500 2023

“James is a go to leading counsel. He is commercial and turns matters round quickly and effectively.”
IT & Telecoms, The Legal 500 2023

“He is particularly good on the technical detail of complex disputes and carries out effective cross-examination.”
Energy, The Legal 500 2023

“James is first and foremost an excellent technical barrister, with a deep knowledge of construction issues from experience and from keeping up to date with latest developments. As well as being an excellent advocate, what sets James apart is the time and effort he puts into client care, taking the time to explain issues to clients, addressing their concerns and working to ensure key issues are understood.”
International Arbitration: Counsel, The Legal 500 2023

“Amongst his great strengths are his intellect, balanced judgments and straight talking.”
Professional Negligence: The Legal 500 2023

The above are a selection of recent client endorsements from the leading legal directories, both UK and internationally. For a complete list of endorsements, please contact the practice management team at Atkin Chambers.