James Glaysher is an experienced solicitor-advocate specialising in international commercial arbitration and commercial litigation. He represents clients from a broad range of jurisdictions in Court proceedings and in arbitrations administered by all of the major institutions. His cases principally concern the global energy and infrastructure industries, with this practice supplemented by extensive experience of arbitrations in both the construction and banking & finance sectors.

James also accepts appointments to act as arbitrator. He has acted as sole arbitrator in one case and as co-arbitrator in two cases – each administered by the Dubai International Arbitration Centre.

Prior to joining CANDEY as a Partner, James trained and practiced at two leading U.S. firms, Dechert and Akin Gump, in London and Dubai. He also undertook a secondment at the Royal Courts of Justice where he was a judicial assistant to Lord Justice Vos MR, the Master of the Rolls and Head of English Civil Justice and Proudman J.

Aside from representative matters, James regularly contributes thought-leadership articles related to international arbitration, most recently concerning the ‘Settlement Deficit in Arbitration’ and the latest version of the LCIA Rules (both published in the Global Arbitration Review).

James has been recognised in multiple editions of the Legal 500 UK for International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation, with commentators noting “James Glaysher is very bright, always on top of the detail and has very good drafting skills”; “James Glaysher – consistently strong team player, good nose for the key issues.” The 2023 edition notes that “James Glaysher thinks out of the box and is very meticulous.”

Education: Colchester Royal Grammar School (2006); Durham University (2009)

Leisure: Rugby (Hampstead RFC); theatre; tropical fish

Current and recent matters:

• Representing prominent UAE citizens in Commercial Court proceedings against one of the largest banking groups in the GCC.
• Acting for entities incorporated in Cyprus and the BVI in HKIAC arbitration proceedings, concerning the sale and purchase of a media and entertainment company incorporated in Cyprus.
• Representing a Scandinavian oil company in an UNCITRAL arbitration commenced by a Middle-East state owned oil company, defending claims of over US$ 300 million relating to the sale and marketing of base oil.
• Acting for a UAE-based mechanical and electrical subcontractor in a AED 200 million dispute against the main contractor, following termination of contract relating to a mixed-use development in Dubai.
• Representing a DIFC-incorporated financial services provider in an ICC arbitration concerning non-payment of success fees.
• Acting for Viktor Vekselberg and related corporate vehicles in BVI Court proceedings worth US$1 billion against Mikhail Abyzov.
• Representing a private equity owned South American independent oil and gas company in an ICC arbitration concerning a post-acquisition dispute worth US$ 500 million.