James Drake KC will be acting as a full-time arbitrator with effect from 2 October 2023 after more than 35 years acting counsel at both the UK Bar and in private practice in the US (New York) and in Australia (Sydney).

James already has extensive experience in international arbitrations (whether as sole or co-arbitrator or chairman) under the auspices of the LCIA, ICC, CIArb, AAA, FINRA, SMA, Swiss Arbitration, and in ad hoc arbitrations.

Both at the Bar and as arbitrator, James has specialised in all areas of commercial law, with particular emphasis on commercial fraud, banking and financial services, insurance / reinsurance, energy and commodities, and joint venture/ partnership disputes.

James has also specialised in sports law and as arbitrator has conducted some 100 sports arbitrations, predominately as chair, in the last five years.

James is a member of the London Court of International Arbitration, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Fellow of the Australian Centre for International Arbitration, and a Chartered Arbitrator.  He is also a member of the CIArb’s Presidential Panel and various other international arbitral institutions, and is a member of the panel of arbitrators for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (in Lausanne) and of Sports Resolutions.

James will accept appointments as chairman, panel member and sole arbitrator in arbitrations conducted under the rules of international institutions or on an “ad hoc” basis.

To appoint James Drake KC, please contact seniorclerks@7kbw.co.uk.