James has a busy and successful traditional and commercial chancery, property and private client practice. Both in and out of Court, he is often commended for his attention to detail, focused legal analysis, and his persuasive written and oral advocacy. He takes a calm and considered view to all cases, combining his legal knowledge with practical, commercial advice.
Whilst James is regularly instructed in cases of all sizes and complexity, his expertise has led him to be instructed by a number of leading firms often in high value and/or complex reported cases including Re A Company [2022] EWHC 943 (Ch); Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (also known as Sightsavers International, registered charity number 207544) v John Wayland Beasant (in his personal capacity and as Personal Representative of the estate of Audrey Thelma Arkell deceased) & Ors [2021] EWHC 351 (Ch); and Harbour Fund III LP v Kazakhstan Kagazy PLC & Ors [2021] EWHC 1128.
James is also frequently instructed in cases brought by or against children and/or protected parties, and he is very familiar with acting on behalf of, or litigating against, ‘litigation friends’ for children and protected parties whether in civil and/or insolvency proceedings. James is adept at adapting his approach sensitively to ensure the best and most appropriate handling of such cases.
Arbitration, Mediation & ADR
James is regularly instructed to represent parties at mediation, as well as drafting correspondence and offers to assist in alternative dispute resolution. James’s practical and commercial approach to mediation and alternative dispute resolution has led to a strong track record of successful mediation with the overwhelming majority of his mediation cases to date settling either at the mediation itself or shortly thereafter (having substantially narrowed the issues at mediation itself).
By virtue of his experience in this area, James is comfortable taking the lead in identifying and drafting potential settlement offers/counter-offers, and reviewing offers made. In addition, once agreement has been reached, James is regularly instructed to prepare and review Deeds of Settlement and/or Deeds of Variation.
As many trusts and estate claims can involve minors and/or protected parties, James is further experienced in making approval applications for the compromise of such claims under CPR 21.10, and providing the relevant Opinion on Merits for the Court.
Qualifications
- MA, Downing College, University of Cambridge (2018)
- Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding), BPP University (2015)
- BA Law (Double First Class), Downing College, University of Cambridge (2014)
Associations & Memberships
- Contentious Trusts Association (‘ConTrA’)
- Chancery Bar Association
Awards
James has been awarded several academic prizes for academic performance including:
- Hubert Greenland Pupillage Award, 2015 – Lincoln’s Inn
- Buchanan Prize, 2015 – Lincoln’s Inn
- Graduating Scholar, 2014 – Downing College, University of Cambridge
- Senior Harris Scholarship, 2014 – Downing College, University of Cambridge
- Platt Prize for Especial Distinction in University & College Examinations, 2014 – Downing College, University of Cambridge
- Clifford Chance CJ Hampson Prize 20 June 2014
- Lord Denning Scholarship, 2014 – Lincoln’s Inn
- Excellence Award, 2014 – BPP Law School
- James William Squire Scholarship, 2013 – Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge
- Hardwicke Entrance Award, 2013 – Lincoln’s Inn
- Harris Scholarship, 2013 – Downing College, University of Cambridge
- Seton-Cavendish Award – Downing College, University of Cambridge
James Egan is a self-employed, independent barrister whose practice is regulated by the Bar Standards Board [Bar Ref 66449] and governed by the Conduct Rules of the Bar of England and Wales. He is fully insured with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund [BMIF Ref 2360/078] to provide legal services, please refer to the BMIF website for full details of the cover provided. He is registered for VAT under the reference 256487860.
