Professional Profile:

James Corbett KC, FCIArb, is a Senior Consulting Partner at ABS&P and President of ICDRO. A highly accomplished Jersey Advocate and English Barrister, with a distinguished career spanning several decades. His journey began with a robust academic foundation, having attended Sloane School in Chelsea from 1963 to 1970, followed by obtaining his LLB with Class 2(1) honours from the University of Exeter in 1973. He went on to pursue an LLM in European Legal Studies at the University of Exeter’s Centre for European Legal Studies (1973-1975) and completed his Bar Final Examinations at the Inns of Court School of Law in 1975. Currently, James continues his academic engagement with the Open University Business School, further expanding his knowledge and expertise.

James has received numerous accolades, including being a Postgraduate Exhibitioner at the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators, as well as holding both the Duke of Edinburgh Scholar and Ashworth Scholar awards from Inner Temple.

Employment and Professional History Highlights:

Called to the Bar of England and Wales on July 17, 1975, James began his career as a lecturer in law at the University of Leicester (1975-1977), teaching European Law, Commercial Law, and Contract Law. His practice at the English Bar commenced in 1979, with a prominent stint at Serle Court in Lincoln’s Inn from 2003 to 2010. In 1999, James was appointed Queen’s Counsel, a testament to his expertise and stature in the legal field. His judicial experience includes serving as a Recorder in 2000 and being appointed Deputy High Court Judge in 2008.

His legal career expanded internationally with his role as partner at Kobre & Kim in 2010, where he managed the firm’s London office and later the Cayman office (2012-2014), before returning to London. In 2018, he joined Baker & Partners in St Helier, Jersey, as Senior Counsel, and by August 2022, he became the head of the Chambers of James Corbett KC in Jersey.

James has also taken on notable judicial roles, such as Acting Justice of the Commercial Court of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the British Virgin Islands since 2018 and, as of July 2022, a part-time Deemster for the Isle of Man’s High Court and Court of Appeal.

Former Public Appointments:

James has been actively involved in public service, including his role as School Governor of Welford School (1986-1996), where he served as Chair of Governors for five years. He also chaired Welford Parish Council’s Finance Committee during his time as a member and Chair (1988-1992, 1996-2001), and he was a member of the Gas Consumer Council, focusing on competition issues (1997-1999).

Judicial Appointments:

Beyond his legal practice, James has taken on judicial roles in the Commercial Court of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (British Virgin Islands) and the Isle of Man’s High Court, where he serves as a Deemster.

Areas of Expertise:

James specialises in various fields of law, including contract and commercial law, company law, intellectual property, employment law, and trusts and private wealth, with a particular focus on dispute resolution through litigation, arbitration, and mediation.

Professional Qualifications and Bar Admissions:

James holds multiple legal qualifications, being admitted to the Bar of:

- England & Wales (1975)

- Ireland (1981)

- Northern Ireland (1994)

- Anguilla (2002)

- New South Wales (2002)

- British Virgin Islands (2004)

- St Kitts & Nevis (2004)

- Turks & Caicos (2008)

- Gibraltar (2012)

- Cayman Islands (2012)

- The Bahamas (2016)

Current Professional Status and Practice:

With a practice that often involves cases of international significance and large financial stakes, James advises clients on strategy and merit, navigating complex legal landscapes. His work consistently requires a sharp focus on financial intricacies, serving both individuals and businesses in high-value disputes worldwide.