James advises on all aspects of commercial dispute resolution with a particular focus on insolvency matters. He regularly advises insolvency practitioners, creditors and directors alike on all aspect of insolvency matters from appointments to directions applications.
Additionally, James has experience in contentious trusts matters.
Experience
Recent highlights include:
Benjamin Rhodes and Alan Roberts as the liquidators of Canargo Limited (in Liquidation) v MND Limited et al (Approved Judgment of the Royal Court October 2020) - Successfully acting for the Joint Liquidators of a company in respect of a directions application regarding the sale of mining rights in Georgia.
James Toynton and Benjamin Rhodes as the liquidators of Conqueror Holdings Limited ((in Liquidation) (Approved Judgment of the Royal Court June 2019) – Successfully acting for the Joint Liquidators in respect of a directions application regarding the standing of creditors in the adjudication process of the liquidation of a company. This was the first time that the Court had to consider the issue of security in a cross border insolvency context.
Clean Sweep Holdings Limited (in Administration) – Successfully applying to the Royal Court of Guernsey to have the Joint Administrators appointed by the High Court over a Guernsey company recognised in Guernsey.
James Chadwick and Susan Berry (as the joint trustees in Bankruptcy of Tom Doyle) – Successfully represented the Trustees in Bankruptcy in seeking recognition in Guernsey and ancillary orders under section 426.
Artemis Trustees Limited et al v Martin Sandle et al (Approved Judgments of the Court, various 2018) – Representing the current trustees in respect of a fee dispute with former Trustees.
Background
James first joined Collas Crill as a paralegal and went on to complete his Bar Vocational Court whilst working at Collas Crill. James was called to the Inner Temple in July 2009. The following year James attended Caen University and in 2010 passed the Guernsey Bar Exams. He was called to the Guernsey Bar in 2010.
In 2017, James passed the Guernsey notarial exams and was admitted as a Notary Public in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. He was promoted to Partner in January 2023.
James has been recognised by Legal 500 as 'a first class of counsel in the insolvency area'.
ARIES member
R3
Middle Temple
Guernsey Bar
Secretary of the Association Guernsey Notaries Public since 2017
^ not a member of Collas Crill LLP in Guernsey
"I am a proactive dispute resolution lawyer who enjoys helping my clients in increasingly trying circumstances. My aim is to help my client's achieve the best outcome that they can as efficiently as possible whilst maintaining a clear strategy for them to resolve their dispute. "
James is thorough and prompt to ensure that matters keep pace and the initiative is maintained.
Legal 500 2022
The service received from James has always been excellent. He is a pleasure to work with.
Client feedback
James is knowledgeable, capable, commercial, and a great individual to work with.
Legal 500
An excellent advocate; very talented.
Expertise
For financially distressed companies in need of restructuring and reorganisation, or for those where the opportunity to do so has passed or failed, we work to achieve the most beneficial outcome in these difficult situations.
At whatever stage we are engaged, our involvement will assist in identifying the ongoing risks facing a client and to enable that client to continue to identify and effectively manage deteriorating relationships with creditors, financiers, investors or other interested parties.
Our experienced team represent clients in a range of private, contractual and commercial real estate disputes.
Widely regarded as the preferred advisors for numerous high-net-worth individuals and families, we regularly assist in navigating disputes related to private matters, property (including boundary disputes), trusts, and family issues.
Our real estate disputes lawyers combine specialist real estate litigation experience with commercial pragmatism to deliver tailored strategies across negotiation, mediation and court proceedings. They provide measured advice on risk, costs and likely outcomes, and protect client interests through proactive case management and evidence gathering, working closely with commercial, tax, trust and family law specialists where disputes intersect.
With offices in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, our real estate disputes team’s practical focus is on achieving durable resolutions that preserve value and client relationships.
Additionally, our arbitration specialists are increasingly being used as a cost-effective, confidential and efficient alternative to court litigation in resolving commercial and construction disputes.
In regulatory disputes there are often fine lines between the usual wrangling with the regulator and something more serious – by matching our mix of experienced contentious and non-contentious lawyers to the particular problem at hand, we achieve better and more efficient outcomes.
As regulatory experts in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey we frequently act on contentious matters and can leverage our experience to help clients achieve the highest regulatory standards and avoid common pitfalls.
We combine pragmatic risk assessment with rigorous legal advice and compliance guidance to reduce exposure and protect reputation, while drawing on our cross-jurisdictional knowledge to design remediation strategies, negotiate with regulators and, where necessary, litigate effectively.
Our collaborative approach ensures clients receive clear, actionable legal advice that balances regulatory obligations with commercial realities, delivers timely, proportionate solutions and supports remediation plans, helping prevent escalation into more serious enforcement action and preserve business continuity.
We live in an increasingly contentious world. When your business is involved in any kind of legal dispute it's crucial to work with lawyers who are hands-on, cost-effective and flexible enough to respond quickly and intuitively to your unique situation and needs.
Our multi-jurisdictional team brings a wealth of experience from a range of diverse backgrounds to give quick, accurate, commercial advice. We work across dispute resolution, restructuring, recovery and insolvency matters to ensure that clients get the full benefit of our know-how and experience across the world.
We represent beneficiaries, high-net-worth individuals, trustees, protectors and other power holders in a range of contentious and semi-contentious situations. Our lawyers have been at the forefront of the most complex, high-value private wealth litigation offshore.
We often deal with novel points of law, creating new and innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
Given the international nature of private wealth, with clients and their assets spread across the world, we work as a joined-up global team so that our clients can benefit from the knowledge and experience wherever they may need it.
With offices in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey, our contentious private wealth lawyers combine courtroom skill with discreet client care, advising on jurisdictional strategy, interim relief and complex equitable claims.
Where shareholders believe that directors are not complying with their duties, they may seek to pursue claims on behalf of a company by way of a derivative action.
Our corporate disputes lawyers act for shareholders, directors and companies in complex disputes involving breach of duty, fraud and corporate misconduct. Leveraging our cross-disciplinary expertise, we navigate the procedural and strategic challenges these claims present.
Our teams operate across jurisdictions, coordinating seamlessly to manage risk and protect our clients’ interests – whether bringing or defending derivative claims. Our offshore disputes lawyers provide clear, commercial guidance throughout, with a focus on preserving value and resolving disputes efficiently in highly sensitive corporate contexts.
We advise on all aspects of breaches of directors’ duties, including allegations of mismanagement, conflicts of interest and breach of fiduciary obligations.
Our offshore disputes lawyers work closely with corporate, regulatory and litigation teams to guide shareholders, directors, companies and financial institutions through complex governance disputes. With experience across multiple jurisdictions, we offer strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to high-stakes and reputationally sensitive matters.
Whether acting in regulatory investigations or shareholder actions, our regulatory disputes lawyers help clients respond confidently to legal and commercial risks in an increasingly regulated and scrutinised environment.
Disputes between directors can threaten the stability and governance of a company. We advise boards, individual directors, shareholders and stakeholders in contentious matters involving boardroom deadlock, removal or appointment of directors and conflicts of interest.
Drawing on our corporate, regulatory and dispute resolution expertise, we provide strategic advice in navigating internal power struggles and fiduciary issues. Our cross-border teams work cohesively to resolve disputes efficiently, protect business continuity and mitigate reputational risk.
Whether acting in private companies, joint ventures or complex corporate structures, we help clients manage director-level disputes with clarity and confidence.
Joint venture disputes require a careful balance of legal precision and commercial sensitivity. Our offshore disputes lawyers help clients navigate breakdowns in strategic partnerships – whether due to misaligned objectives, deadlock, breach of contract or minority oppression. Our cross-practice teams bring together dispute resolution, corporate and regulatory expertise to manage risks and protect our clients’ interests.
We act for corporates, founders, investors, funds and institutions in both contentious and pre-dispute situations, across a wide range of sectors and jurisdictions. From exit negotiations to arbitration or litigation, we focus on practical solutions that preserve value and support long-term business goals.
Partnership disputes often involve deeply personal and commercially sensitive issues. We act for partners, partnerships and incoming or outgoing stakeholders in disputes over profit share, management rights, breaches of duty and dissolution. Combining our litigation, corporate and regulatory expertise, our offshore disputes lawyers guide clients through complex negotiations and contentious proceedings, including in professional services, investment and family-owned business contexts.
With experience across multiple jurisdictions and partnership structures, we deliver clear, strategic advice focused on protecting relationships, resolving deadlock and preserving business value. Whether advising in the early stages of disagreement or in formal dispute resolution, we provide practical, outcome-driven support.
We advise on all forms of shareholder disputes, from minority oppression and unfair prejudice claims to breaches of shareholder agreements and deadlock situations. Whether acting for individual shareholders, investors, directors or companies, we bring together dispute resolution and corporate advisory expertise to manage risk and protect value.
Our cross-border teams of offshore disputes lawyers are experienced in handling contentious matters involving joint ventures, family businesses, private equity and listed entities. Whether the dispute calls for negotiation, litigation or arbitration, we focus on delivering clear, commercial solutions that preserve reputations and support long-term business objectives.
Unfair prejudice petitions are a key tool for minority shareholders seeking relief from conduct that damages their interests.
We act for individual shareholders, directors and companies in high-stakes disputes involving exclusion from management, diversion of business and breaches of shareholder rights. Our team combines deep litigation experience with corporate insight to advise across a range of sectors and shareholder structures, including family businesses, joint ventures and private companies.
With a focus on strategic outcomes – whether through negotiated exits, buyouts or court proceedings – we help clients navigate these sensitive disputes with clarity, precision and commercial focus.
Our offshore dispute resolution lawyers work closely with our regulatory and insurance teams to advise law firms, accountants, surveyors, and other professionals and their professional indemnity insurers across our various jurisdictions. We take a coordinated and considered approach to professional negligence claims, helping clients navigate reputational risks, complex liability issues and evolving regulatory expectations.
As part of our debt recovery and insolvency services, we assist clients in issuing or responding to statutory demands. Whether enforcing payment or defending against genuinely disputed claims, our involvement helps clarify the legal and financial risks, enabling clients to make informed decisions.
We support effective creditor engagement and help manage escalating disputes, preserving options for resolution or further action.
When debt recovery and demands are ineffective, we assist in preparing and lodging creditors' winding-up applications to achieve an orderly conclusion. We have strong relationships with insolvency practitioners in our offshore jurisdictions and beyond.
We also assist shareholders and directors of companies facing cashflow difficulties. Through early engagement with our network of insolvency professionals, we help to find solutions to minimise risks and maximise returns.
Our approach ensures that the process is conducted efficiently and with minimal disruption, helping clients navigate the legal and commercial risks involved. By intervening early, we support clients in managing stakeholder relationships and fulfilling their obligations with clarity and confidence.
We advise officeholders of overseas companies with assets or operations in our offshore jurisdictions on seeking recognition locally. For offshore companies with foreign operations or assets, we advise officeholders in our offshore jurisdictions on applications to issue letters of request for assistance from foreign courts and for recognition in foreign jurisdictions.
Acting in complex cross-border matters, we help navigate foreign legal systems to protect and recover value. Our experience ensures continued stakeholder confidence and compliance with local obligations, while aligning with the broader restructuring or insolvency strategy.
When acting alongside insolvency officeholders, we pursue claims that maximise recoveries for creditors. Our work supports efforts to investigate, assess and, where appropriate, litigate claims against directors, third parties or others connected with the company.
Whether addressing preferences, transactions at an undervalue or transactions defrauding creditors, misfeasance, wrongful trading or fraudulent trading, unlawful distributions or other breaches of duty, our involvement aims to protect the interests of stakeholders and secure the best possible return in complex, high-stakes scenarios.
For directors facing the risk of disqualification in the context of insolvency, we provide clear, strategic advice to manage exposure and regulatory scrutiny. Whether disqualification proceedings are anticipated or already underway, our involvement supports clients in understanding their position, engaging with authorities and pursuing the most favourable resolution.
Directors are legally obliged to act in good faith, exercise independent judgment, and promote the best interests of the company.
Our offshore regulatory lawyers regularly provide expert legal guidance to directors as to their duties in offshore jurisdictions and corporate governance frameworks, as failure to comply with these expected duties potentially results in significant personal liability for directors.
Our experienced team advises on fiduciary responsibilities, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance to ensure directors meet their obligations with confidence. Whether you're forming an offshore entity or navigating complex corporate challenges, we can offer trusted, practical solutions tailored to your needs.
We are used to working as part of a multi-jurisdictional team, capable of reacting and responding quickly to urgent requests for assistance with locating and freezing assets.
As sophisticated defendants become more adept at dissipating assets, we've been involved in cases that created new law in the Channel Islands in relation to a party's ability to trace assets and recover their losses. With their ability to deal with complex issues, the team deliver clear, commercial advice on the availability and likely success of recovery methods.
With specialists across not only Guernsey and Jersey but also in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, services provided by our fraud and asset tracing lawyers include:
Immediate applications for freezing and search orders
Expedited Norwich Pharmacal order and disclosure proceedings
Asset-tracing across trust structures and corporate vehicles
Coordination with criminal and regulatory investigations where overlap exists.
Our international footprint lets us deliver prompt, all‑round legal support precisely when clients need it most.
Our dispute resolution specialists collaborate seamlessly with our corporate advisory and banking teams across jurisdictions to advise multinational corporations, trust companies, banks, funds, insurers, governments and directors.
We provide a global perspective, working closely with our clients to ensure that they are best placed to respond to customer issues, fraud risks, rapidly changing market conditions and regulatory demands.
Thanks to the depth of our experience and the resources of our team, we've acted on some of the largest pieces of litigation brought against directors offshore.
We're well placed to deal with the 'bet the farm' proceedings that can occur in these type of disputes and have represented parties involved in intra-company disputes, including executive, non-executive and independent directors, majority and minority shareholders, companies and liquidators. We understand that shareholder disputes are often not black and white and our team finds innovative and commercial alternatives to those which the Court may offer – taking a collaborative approach with our clients to ensure that the right result is achieved.
