James Wickes

Partner

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. He is a member of the IUA Bank's Underwriters Group, the IUA's Warranty & Indemnity Insurance Group, and sits on the IUA's Professional Lines Claims Committee.

“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.”

James’s recent work highlights:

Chambers and Partners 2024 - Ranked for Insurance: Contentious Claims and Reinsurance

Legal 500 2024 - Leading Individual, Insurance & Reinsurance Litigation

Legal 500 2024 - Next Generation Partner, Professional Negligence

Directory quotes

"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)

"Recommended" - The Legal 500 UK 2017 (Professional Negligence & Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation)

"James Wickes is ‘a rising star’" - The Legal 500 UK 2017(Professional Negligence & Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation)

"Recommended" - The Legal 500 UK 2018 (Professional Negligence & Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation)

"Next Generation Partner" - The Legal 500 UK 2020 (Professional Negligence & Insurance and Reinsurance Litigation)