James Rooney

James Rooney

James was called to the Bar in 2016, where he originally intended to pursue a career as a traditional chancery barrister, with a focus on contentious land and property work.

Immediately prior to his Bar studies, James had been heading up a volume (170+ cases) conveyancing team, dealing with all types of residential property transactions, and assisting his firm generally in the handling of complex legal issues (easements, restrictive covenants, etc…) and client complaints.

Somewhere inbetween, James started working with Chris Reeves in his construction practice. In doing so, he quickly came to recognise that this area of law, with all its technical complexities and diversity, was where he truly wanted to be. He altered his career path, and has not looked back since.

James became dual qualified (Solicitor and Barrister) in 2022, and now has his sights set on augmenting his legal expertise with some engineering knowledge and accreditation.

Outside of work, James spends the majority of his time at the moment managing a two year old, but he is keen to get back to cycling when he can, and to achieve his long-standing goal of cycling around the world.

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Expertise

Contentious

  • Payment Disputes
  • Mechanical and Electrical Installations Fire Safety
  • Delay Claims (Inc. Loss and Expense)
  • Consultant Professional Negligence
  • Misrepresentation
  • Cladding Installations
  • Roofing Works
  • Bailment and Conversion
  • Cladding
  • Development Agreements

Non-Contentious

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sub-Contracts
  • Back-to-back Contracts
  • Consumer Contracts
  • Development Agreements
  • Option Agreements
  • Commercial Advice

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Reported Cases

DR Jones Yeovil Limited v The Stepping Stone Group Limited
[2020] EWHC 2308 (TCC)

Recovering retention and defending defective works claim on behalf of Contractor. Engaged complex issues of transferred loss and entitlement to retention payment in the absence of a final or making good certificate.

Claimant ultimately recovered a significant portion of legal costs upon beating its Part 36 offer to settle.

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Wilson & Sharp Investments Limited v Falmouth Property Investments Limited
(unreported)

Assisted developer in recovering monies owed pursuant to an option agreement. Engaged complex issues of ‘knowledge’ in the context of misrepresentation.

Following judgment at the Court of Appeal, and the application of a freezing order against the defendant, judgment sum and all legal costs were ultimately paid.

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Dixon & Anor v Radley House Partnership & Ors
[2016] EWHC 3485 (QB)

Assisted home-owners in claims against professional consultants relating to defective works carried out at their home, and over-certification of the same.

Following significant win on a satellite issue, ultimately settled with favourable outcome for claimants.

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Education

The University of the West of England (Bristol)

  • Bar Professional Training Course
  • Legal Practice Course

DeMontfort University (Leicester)

  • Law L.LB (Hons)

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Work

2020—Present

Reeves James Limited

  • Construction Litigator

2015—2020

BPL Solicitors Limited

  • Construction Litigator

2011—2014

BPL Solicitors Limited

  • Senior Conveyancer and Team Leader

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