James Curran Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
James Curran is an Associate Solicitor in Swinburne Maddison’s Dispute Resolution team, specialising in complex commercial litigation. He qualified as a solicitor in March 2021, having completed his training at a Newcastle law firm, before joining Swinburne Maddison in the same year. Recognised for his strategic and innovative approach to dispute resolution, James was promoted to Associate Solicitor in May 2024.
James’ work focuses on advising businesses, shareholders and directors in navigating substantial internal and external disputes. His expertise spans unfair prejudice petitions, shareholder disputes, unlawful conspiracy claims, breaches of fiduciary duty, contract disputes, and indemnity claims. Clients appreciate his ability to think beyond conventional litigation strategies, offering tailored solutions that maximise outcomes. In the 2025 edition of the Legal 500, James was listed as a name to note for shareholder disputes and defamation claims.
With a background in International Politics and legal qualifications from Northumbria University, James brings a broad perspective to legal challenges, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and pragmatic advice. His commitment to delivering high-quality, results-driven representation makes him a trusted advisor to clients across sectors including retail and leisure, professional services, construction, manufacturing, commercial travel and agriculture.
- Unfair Prejudice
- Shareholder Disputes
- Conspiracy Claims
- Claims against Directors,
- Contract Disputes
- Indemnity and Warranty Claims
James has extensive experience in commercial litigation, routinely handling high-value and complex disputes. His day-to-day responsibilities include investigating claims, advising clients on litigation strategies, drafting key legal documents, and issuing and managing proceedings and negotiations.
Some of James’ key career highlights include:
- Securing a favourable settlement worth over £600,000 for a Midlands-based client in an unfair prejudice petition against a business partner in the High Court of Justice.
- Successfully setting aside a statutory demand of over £450,000 issued against a former director by a company’s liquidator, with costs awarded in the client’s favour on an indemnity basis.
James prides himself on his ability to analyse disputes from unique angles, crafting litigation strategies that align with his client’s commercial objectives. His ability to navigate complex legal and factual matters with precision ensures that clients receive robust and effective representation.
"From the very beginning to the conclusion of this legal journey, we have been thoroughly impressed with James Curran's professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our case. His exemplary skills as a solicitor have left a lasting impression on us, and we wanted to take a moment to extend our gratitude."
"James has dealt with the problems we were having in a very sympathetic way. He has been totally approachable. I trust that he has our best interests at heart. Thank you for everything!"
"James Curran is exceptional in commercial litigation and is not afraid to adopt robust litigation tactics to secure favourable outcomes for clients."
News & Insights
Insight
Survey highlights key trends shaping the future of work
A new Skills and Employment Survey, carried out by researchers from Cardiff, Oxford, Surrey, and University College London, offers valuable insights into how the world of work in the UK is evolving. The study, funded by organisations such as ACAS, gathered responses from 5,450 individuals through a combination of online and in-person interviews—the first such […]
Read moreInsight
Paws and Proceedings: Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce?
Today is National Pet Day, and it’s all about celebrating the joy, loyalty and unconditional love our furry, feathery (or even scaly!) companions bring into our lives. For many, pets are more than just animals – they’re family. But how are they treated when it comes to family law and financial remedy proceedings? So, how […]
Read moreNews
Swinburne Maddison announces three key hires to support growth plans
Swinburne Maddison LLP (Swinburne Maddison), a leading law firm in the North East, has announced the appointment of three heads of department, newly created roles designed to enhance leadership and operational efficiency as the firm continues to grow. Gemma Wilkinson, Lyndsey Pitt and Wayne Christie follow in the footsteps of Business and Development Director, Phil […]
Read more
Careers at Swinburne Maddison
Bright futures built together.
Ok, so you’ve come this far where could the next step take you?
We’re always on the lookout for great people to join our team but we also want to make sure we are the right fit for each other.
Here, your career is more than a job—it’s a journey. From day one, you’ll feel supported to grow, develop your skills, and thrive alongside a team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re a legal eagle or a support extraordinaire, we focus on helping you succeed in an environment where you truly belong. Let’s achieve great things together.