James Lewis

James is a Senior Associate in the Construction team, with a focus on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters and international dispute resolution. He joined Hesketh Henry in 2021 after nearly a decade practising with leading international firms in Hong Kong working on projects in China and the Asia-Pacific. He is admitted in both Hong Kong and New York.

His non-contentious work includes drafting and reviewing tender and contract documentation (bespoke and standard form) and providing legal and strategic advice at all stages of construction projects. He works closely with principals, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, healthcare, education, hospitality, significant residential developments.

On the contentious side, James represents clients in all types of construction disputes including regarding delays, variations, and defects, through negotiation, mediation, litigation, and arbitration. He has acted in arbitrations governed by both ad hoc regimes and institutional rules, with proceedings seated in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mainland China.

He is closely involved with the firm’s Asia-Pacific network, and Pacific Islands practice.

James holds an LLB and an MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution from King’s College London, and an LLM from Columbia University in New York. He has published in leading arbitration journals and previously served as a Council Member of the Hong Kong Society of Construction Law. James is a current member of the New Zealand Society of Construction Law.