James Cradick

James is a recognised expert advising a multinational client base in relation to a broad range of commercial disputes. Described as an ‘experienced and effective litigator’ he specialises in arbitration and commercial litigation arising in respect to sale and purchase contracts, supply chain and distribution issues, disputes and risk management in the logistics, insurance, shipping and commodities sectors. He regularly acts in a wide range of high value general business disputes, many of which are cross-border. He jointly heads the firm’s Transport & Logistics team and is a former barrister retaining higher rights of audience.

International Commercial Disputes
Arbitration (both ad hoc and institutional pursuant to the rules of the LCIA, ICC, SCC, LMAA and trade bodies such as GAFTA, FOSFA and the LME)
Shipping, Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain and warehousing disputes
Insurance Litigation (acting for and against insurers in disputes arising from policy wordings, coverage and subrogated recovery claims
Disputes arising from international trade and the sale of goods, with an emphasis on commodity trading
Disputes arising from standard terms, joint ventures, partnership and shareholder agreements, professional negligence, supply contracts and general contractual disputes.

Acting for mining company in LCIA arbitration in multi-million dollar dispute

dispute arising from non-payment for a shipment of coal.

Acting for ship owners in multi-million dollar ship repair dispute

subject to ICC arbitration with Polish ship yard.

Representing MGA in multi-million pound dispute

with Bermudan insurers in ad hoc arbitration.

Defending logistics operator in various claims

brought by the administrators of a high street chain arising from the exercise of several liens.

Acting on behalf of aircraft owners

in dispute with Estate of pilot in High Court litigation.

Representing Buyers and Sellers in numerous high value GAFTA and FOSFA arbitrations

(recently acting for one of the world’s leading grain traders in respect to cancellation of a USD 12 million contract subject to GAFTA terms).

Acting for a Swiss trading company in a complex dispute arising from the sale of steel mills in Russia

Claimants sought USD 69 million in repayments of funds invested in the mills. Contracts subject to English law and Swiss rules of arbitration.

Acting for and against freight forwarders, warehouse owners, hauliers and cargo interests pursuant to disputes

concerning BIFA, RHA, Logistics UK, UKWA terms and subject to international conventions (CMR / Hague / Hague-Visby).

Representing one of the world’s largest mining companies in a complex dispute

arising from the delivery of contaminated sulphur to client’s processing facility in Canada.

Acting for the administrators of a development company in a multi-million pound dispute

against insurers of a sub-contractor (also in administration) arising from the collapse of a London hotel during a complex development project.

Representing directors and shareholders in numerous commercial disputes

concerning unfair prejudice, breaches of shareholder or partnership agreements or directors duties.

Acting for an established high street clothing chain in test litigation concerning the duties

and responsibilities of electricity suppliers to customers following a warehouse fire.

Representing commodity traders in ICC arbitration with Portuguese customers arising from disputed contracts

and alleged quality issues in respect to various consignments of frozen products.

Achievements & other appointments

James is a former barrister with higher rights of audience. He worked for a number of leading City firms prior to joining Thomson Snell & Passmore in 2014. He became a Partner in 2019.

James is consistently recommended in the major guides to the legal profession where he is highly ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directories both for commercial disputes work (litigation and arbitration) and for shipping, transport and logistics.

James has also previously been endorsed by Thomson Reuters in their Super Lawyers directory as a ‘rising star’. He is part of the firm’s Dispute Resolution team that is praised by clients in the guides for being ‘an exceptional team’ with ‘a client-centred ethos and commitment to good service’. He is a regular speaker and contributor to trade, local, national and international publications

Education

James attended Sheffield University where he obtained a BA/Hons (History). He attended BPP Law School, London where he obtained his Bar Vocational Course and Graduate Diploma in Law.

Partner, Dispute Resolution

Specialisms & expertise

Examples of work