James Curran Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
James Curran is a Managing Associate 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 later that year. He was promoted to Associate Solicitor in May 2024 and to Managing Associate in May 2026.
James advises businesses, shareholders and directors on a wide range of complex internal and external disputes. His expertise includes unfair prejudice petitions, shareholder disputes, unlawful conspiracy claims, breaches of fiduciary duty, contract disputes and indemnity claims. Known for his strategic and innovative approach, he works closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that achieve the best possible 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 pragmatic and commercially focused advice. He acts for clients across a range of sectors, including retail and leisure, professional services, construction, manufacturing, commercial travel and agriculture. His commitment to delivering high-quality, results-driven representation makes him a trusted advisor in complex commercial disputes.
- 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.
James has been named as a Leading Associate in the 2027 edition of The Legal 500 for Commercial Litigation. Prior to this, James was named as a Key Lawyer in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500.
James was shortlisted for Insider’s North East Young Professionals Awards 2025 in the category of Young Lawyer of the Year. His nomination recognises his work as a commercial litigation lawyer, advising businesses, shareholders and directors through complex disputes and delivering creative, robust strategies with exceptional results.
"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."
Articles & Insights by James Curran
News & Insights
Insight
What is a Restrictive Covenant and should you be concerned when buying a property?
When buying a property, your conveyancer may mention something called a restrictive covenant. The term can sound alarming, particularly for first-time buyers or those planning alterations to their new home. In reality, restrictive covenants are very common and, in many cases, have existed for decades. The key is understanding what the covenant says and whether […]
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Autumn Budget 2026: What do employers and HR professionals need to know?
The 2026 Budget contains a number of measures for employers to consider as they plan their workforce strategy, recruitment and employment costs for the year ahead. Against a backdrop of continued change in employment law, the measures cover pay, parental support, recruitment and skills, while the Government’s wider investment in artificial intelligence raises further questions […]
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Autumn Budget 2026: What does it mean for your Estate Planning?
Following today’s Autumn Budget 2026, much of the immediate attention will inevitably be on the measures affecting household finances. But for individuals and families thinking about how to protect and pass on their wealth, it is also a useful opportunity to take stock of their longer-term plans. Estate planning rarely revolves around one tax change […]
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