James Smithdale

James Smithdale is a barrister and Of Counsel in Quinn Emanuel’s London office. His practice covers all forms of commercial litigation and arbitration, with a particular focus on complex civil fraud, shipping, and commodities disputes. James also has significant experience acting for clients in the gambling sector, both for a market-leading prize draw company in tax appeal proceedings, and previously for Allwyn UK in a procurement challenge to its successful bid for the licence to operate the National Lottery.

James has significant experience of High Court commercial litigation, especially applications for urgent interim relief and those related to arbitration and enforcement. He also routinely acts for clients in a wide range of domestic and international arbitrations under various institutional rules, including as an advocate.

James is ranked as an “Associate to watch” in Shipping by Chambers & Partners 2027 for the third year running, where feedback includes:

“James is remarkable, with a really interesting profile. I was really impressed by him; he really understands what you need as counsel. He has a rare mix of genuine commercial acumen, litigation nous, and advocacy experience.” (2027)

“James is very responsive and on top of the detail.” (2027)

“James has the ability to handle clients and see the big picture." (2026)

“He stood out for his commercial awareness and his grasp of complex matters. He has an extremely strong work ethic and was exceptional in his legal drafting of complex matters.” (2025)

“He is knowledgeable, fast and diligent and has a strong commercial and business perspective.” (2025)

"He is available 24/7, with a work ethic that rivals any firm we have dealt with. He was exceptional in drafting complex matters and being able to rationalise our commercial considerations.” (2025)

James previously practised as a barrister in a leading shipping and international trade chambers. Prior to that, James read Jurisprudence at the University of Oxford, where he was a scholar at Christ Church, graduating in 2011 with First Class Honours before returning in 2013 to read for the BCL, from which he graduated with Distinction, specialising in Conflict of Laws, Restitution of Unjust Enrichment, Commercial Remedies, and Transnational Commercial Law.