James Lewis-Bale

James Lewis-Bale

Call 2018

James is a member of the Civil team. He successfully completed his pupillage under the supervision of Gavin Collett in 2019. He is developing a busy practice in all areas of Chamber’s civil work but has established himself particularly in the Employment and Personal Injury teams.

Before joining, James volunteered for the South West Employment Rights Centre assisted in Employment Tribunal claims from initial enquiry through to tribunal representation. He began as a volunteer and three years later became an employed advocacy assistant supervising a team of students alongside the clinic’s Director and other staff.

Whilst practising with Chambers he has acquired experience across the civil areas of Chambers’ work. James has particularly gained experience in dealing with personal injury claims, possession claims and has represented at a number of Employment Tribunals across the country involving unfair dismissal, discrimination and TUPE elements.

James grew up in Cornwall and went to Holsworthy Community College in Holsworthy. In his spare time, he is a Trainee Helmsman of the Bude RNLI Lifeboat and enjoys singing with “Cousin Jack” a folk and sea shanty group. He also assists in operating the Bude Lock Gate and sits on the local Lifeboat Weekend Committee

Contact Us

Employment

James has continued to develop his experience in Employment Law throughout his pupillage. He has dealt with claims including; unfair dismissal, discrimination and redundancy plus many other areas. He is regularly instructed to provide opinions on cases. James has received instructions from across the country and is happy to travel accordingly. He has represented both Claimants and Respondents.

Property and Chancery

James regularly appears on behalf of clients in claims relating to possession claims. He has appeared in claims involving local authorities and housing associations as well as private tenancies.

James has been regularly instructed in relation to mortgage repossessions and has assisted both lenders and borrowers.

Personal Injury

James has been regularly instructed in relation to personal injury matters. He has developed a busy practice in road traffic accidents, MOJ Stage 3 Hearings, Credit Hire cases and infant approval hearings.

James undertakes work for both claimants and defendants across the country but predominantly in the south west.

Commercial

James accepts instructions in all areas of commercial law. He has already represented various businesses in contractual disputes in the County Court. His previous work, while a paralegal, involved dealing with international disputes including in relation to international master franchise agreements.

Qualifications

    • ADR-ODR International Accredited Civil-Commercial Mediator.
    • Bar Professional Training Course – Very Competent
    • LLB Law (Hons) – Upper Second Class

Awards and Scholarships

  • Harmsworth Scholarship – Middle Temple
  • Blackstone Entrance Exhibition – Middle Temple
  • Foot Anstey Prize for the Most Enterprising Law Graduate – University of Plymouth
  • Dean’s Academic Excellence Award – University of Plymouth
  • Framed Letter of thanks from the Chairman and Council of the RNLI for efforts in assisting Bude Lifeboat Station