James Wickes

Partner

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London

James advises insurers and reinsurers on complex coverage matters or disputes, especially those involving financial institutions, management liability/D&O, professional indemnity and crime, and fidelity insurance. He is a recognised expert in advising on transactional liability / M&A insurers on W&I, tax, and contingent liability insurance claims. James has significant experience defending claims against a wide variety of financial institutions and financial services firms, including investment, asset, and fund managers, IFAs, wealth managers, currency exchanges, corporate services providers, tax advisers, collateral managers and nominated advisers.

“I have always been fascinated by the world of finance”

“Most of my work involves international risks or disputes. I regularly advise on cases in the US/Canada, Bermuda, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia/New Zealand.

I enjoy immersing myself fully in the sectors in which my clients operate, and have an intimate knowledge of my subject matter and a detailed understanding of how my clients do business. This has developed through various client secondments and relationship partner roles.

I am commercially minded and focused on outcomes. I am responsive and take pride in delivering a remarkable service to my clients. Overall, I believe clients appreciate my understanding of their businesses and my dedication to helping them overcome their challenges. I like to think they see me as one of their trusted advisers and know that I will be there for them when they need me most.”

Directory quotes

"James Wickes is a standout partner. He's extremely rational, and has a clear and detailed grasp of the legal issues at play whist keeping a clear commercial overview". - Legal 500 UK 2025

"James always provides excellent advice which is both balanced and considered, whilst also considering the commercial intricacies of insurance." - Legal 500 UK 2025

"James Wickes is extremely responsive, thorough and attentive to our needs. He understands the market and is always thinking of commercial solutions." - Chambers UK 2024

"James Wickes is a true all-rounder. Technically astute, commercially aware, adaptable, and down to earth. One of my go-to’s for all aspects of financial institutions / directors & officers disputes and coverage." - Legal 500 UK 2023

Ranked – Chambers UK 2022

"James Wickes has considerable expertise in insurance and reinsurance disputes. He regularly advises on matters concerning financial lines, including W&I and D&O insurance claims. James is very approachable and commercial and has a great understanding of the insurance market." - Chambers UK 2022

Leading individual - The Legal 500 UK 2022

Next generation partner - The Legal 500 UK 2022

Recommended - The Legal 500 UK 2022

"James Wickes is lauded as a “star” with an impressive practice, where he assists professionals in the finance sector facing negligence claims." - Who's Who Legal: Professional Negligence 2020

"Next Generation Partner" - The Legal 500 UK 2021 (Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation)

"Next Generation Partner" - The Legal 500 UK 2021 (Professional Negligence)