“I would strongly recommend Andrew as a resource for other law firms looking for a highly experienced and effective company commercial lawyer; either where they don’t have corporate expertise in-house or where thy have a potential conflict. I have known Andrew since we worked together in a City firm in the late Eighties and since then I have regularly worked with him. He has been my go-to person where I need a solicitor to provide independent advice to the other party on a transaction. He combines excellent legal skills with a lot of common sense and a pragmatic approach to getting the deal done. The fact that he works on his own means that his clients are guaranteed a partner level service and he is able to offer competitive rates.” Paul Warman, Senior Partner, Leathes Prior, Solicitors
“To get this level of experience and acumen from a larger firm would cost at least 50% more. It’s good to know someone with experience at a high level is directly dealing with your legal matter. Andrew has a wide knowledge of general company/commercial topics and is approachable and flexible. On this occasion Andrew drafted an agreement for me to bring in a new business partner – I needed something bespoke, concise and without too much fuss, and that is what was delivered.” Peter Wastell, Verulam Advisory
“OnHand Counsel provides a senior partner level service for the cost of an associate in a London firm. Andrew and I have worked on various matters together. He is excellent value and gives high quality and efficient advice for clients. He’s also a thoroughly nice bloke!”
Luke Harrison, Keidan Harrison, disputes and insolvency lawyers
“Wonderfully helpful corporate and commercial lawyer. I’ve known Andrew for almost 20 years. Recommended.” Robin Johnson
“Andrew is an unusually approachable lawyer with the knowledge of a corporate but the delivery of an independent adviser. I would recommend him for his high level of technical expertise and explanation, friendly and down-to-earth approach and good sense of humour.” Chris Wallace, Visionary Accountants
“I hope you don’t mind me referring folks to you, as I have always found your approach collaborative and practical. xxx spoke very highly of you.” Nina Barakzai
“Dealing with one person throughout the process. Range of services, experience and fee structure.” Richard Malone, Hillier Hopkins
“Over the last ten years Andrew has acted for a number of companies for whom I was acting as CEO/CFO. He has acted on a couple of management buy-outs as well as other M & A work and various other company and commercial work.
Andrew is a pragmatic and personable lawyer. Do not be fooled by his nonchalant exterior. Andrew has integrity, loyalty and a willingness to go the extra mile.” John Smithurst, Smithurst & Ryan Limited.
“I have known Andrew for many years, and have worked with him on a range of things from corporate transactions to sorting out the constitutions of golf clubs! Andrew has a very strong skills set which he can apply to a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. He quickly spots where the real issues lie and suggests creative and effective ways to resolve them and to get deals done. He is reliable and responsive and I would be happy to recommend him to any business owner who wants a pragmatic business lawyer offering excellent value for money and with a refreshingly personal touch.” Robert Twydle. Partner, Hillier Hopkins LLP.
“I have instructed Andrew in the past on a variety of M&A deals. Andrew is an understated but effective operator. He has an enquiring, pragmatic and solutions-driven approach, unlike the ‘checklist’ approach so many lawyers take, which means that he can add value on a wide variety of deals and issues. Andrew is genuinely interested in his clients and the issues they face, and is a pleasure to deal with.” Roy Simmons. Director, Roy Simmons Marketing Consultants Limited.
“I had need to pass a Client to an experienced Company Commercial Solicitor and Andrew James matched my Client’s needs exactly. On passing the details across, Andrew immediately grasped the complexities of the transaction, advised the Client and was able to steer the matter to a swift and satisfactory conclusion. Both my Client and I were impressed with Andrew’s depth of knowledge, experience and the swift response to the varied issues that arose and by the detailed documents he prepared. Andrew successfully beat deadlines and quietly but confidently overcame any problem that arose. He exceeded both my Client’s and my own expectations and I will have no hesitation in recommending him again.” Ian Brand, Ian Brand Solicitors
360 feedback: the following comments were made about Andrew by solicitors in Andrew’s department at a previous firm when asked for their feedback on the partners in that department:
- ‘the best lawyer’;
- ‘a respected lawyer’;
- ‘the most intelligent’;
- ‘the most approachable’;
- ‘a naturally gifted lawyer’;
- ‘he will always pick up on the right issues quickly’;
- ‘technically very competent’;
- ‘good motivator’;
- ‘gives up his time generously and enjoys seeing others progress’;
- ‘honesty and integrity’;
- ‘rapid identification of the important client issues’;
- ‘easiest to deal with’;
- ‘enjoys close loyal relationships’;
- ‘very good at drafting agreements’;
- ‘no interest in status’;
- ‘possibly too nice to be really successful’;
- ‘prone to thinking aloud which can confuse people’ (no-one’s perfect!-ed)