James Rooney
Consultant Solicitor
James Rooney
Consultant Solicitor
About James
James has substantial experience in both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. His practice spans a wide range of complex issues, including final account disputes, defective work claims, professional negligence, project documentation, and delay-related matters.
He is known for his pragmatic and commercially focused approach to resolving disputes. James encourages clients to seek early advice on emerging problems, allowing them to make informed strategic decisions and mitigate risk before positions become entrenched.
Recent notable work includes acting for claimants in major defective cladding disputes, securing favourable settlements in high-value claims involving defective works and delay, and advising public sector bodies on contentious final account issues. James is also committed to sharing knowledge and improving standards across the industry. He authors and delivers training sessions on a range of construction law topics.
He holds Higher Rights of Audience, allowing him to confidently represent clients in Court proceedings, and is an accredited mediator with the ADR Group. He also holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Legal Practice.
Experience
Some of James’ notable recent matters include:
- Acting for claimant in a defective cladding dispute in the Technology and Construction Court, engaging BS8414 testing and the Building Safety Act 2022.
- Negotiating a favourable settlement for defendant contractor client in a c. £3.8m defective works claim relating to the conversion of a priory into care accommodation.
- Representing a hotel developer client in defending significant adjudication claim for payment made by contractor, paving the way for global settlement.
- Assisting a contractor client through project dispute involving multiple parties (employer, consultant, mechanical sub-contractor) over mechanical and fire-stopping works to new-build care accommodation.
- Assisting a local authority entity obtain favourable final account outcome in relation to the construction of a public amenity, including the defeat of a c. £300k delay claim, obtaining a favourable arbitration decision for homeowner against contractor found liable for extensive defective works on a new-build luxury home.
- Obtaining a favourable settlement for a home-owner client in a claim at the Technology and Construction Court against a specialist mechanical engineering consultant and a project architect acting as contract administrator.
Qualifications
James is a Solicitor. He is qualified with Higher Rights of Audience, allowing him to appear as advocate in all civil Courts of England and Wales. He is an accredited mediator through the ADR Group, and he holds a masters degree in Advanced Legal Practice. As a graduate of the Bar Professional Training Course, he has also been called to the Bar.