James Hannant

James is frequently instructed in a wide variety of insolvency related matters and has a particular interest in the area having studied the subject at postgraduate level. He has been instructed in relation to the following:

• Transaction avoidance claims under ss. 238 and 239 of the Insolvency Act 1986
• Misfeasance applications under s. 212 of the Insolvency Act 1986
• Winding up and bankruptcy petitions
• Going behind judgments in insolvency proceedings
• Contested possession and sale applications and in particular, those which raise issues of common intention constructive trusts and resulting trusts as well as the equity of exoneration
• Annulment Applications
• Financial remuneration of trustees in bankruptcy
• IVAs
• Administrations
• Applications under the information gathering provisions of the Insolvency Act 1986
• Acting on behalf of liquidators in claims by insolvent companies
• Applications to set aside statutory demands
• Applications relating to the Administration of Insolvent Estates of Deceased Persons Order 1986

James has acted for office holders, debtors/bankrupts, companies and company directors and frequently speaks at seminars and other events including those run by R3 and HMRC. 

James has been instructed to both advise and appear in proceedings relating to a variety of commercial matters. These have included: 

• Contractual disputes.
• Disputes arising out of the sale of goods and the supply of services.
• Banking and finance matters.
• Conversion and the wrongful interference with goods.
• Economic torts including conspiracy and causing loss by unlawful means.
• Pre-incorporation contracts.
• Bailment

James has acted for companies, private individuals and banks. He has appeared in a wide variety of procedural applications as well as trials in all three tracks in the County Court and also the High Court.

LEGAL 500 2022

Commercial Litigation

'James takes an extremely hands-on approach. He is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get into the details.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Company & Insolvency

'James Takes an extremely hands-on approach. He is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get into the details.'

Ranked: Tier 2

CHAMBERS UK 2021

Restructuring/Insolvency

Recognised for specialisms in personal and corporate insolvency. He has experience of both advocacy and advisory work. At a contentious level has been led by QCs and appeared as sole counsel. His recent work includes matters involving misfeasance and determining validity of payments.

Strengths: "His technical knowledge is sensational, and his understanding of the law and procedure is second to none. He has gravitas beyond his call." "He is excellent - very approachable and has a good manner."

Recent work: Acted for the liquidator of Cordial4 in opposition to an application for permission to bring a derivative claim where the claimant sought to bring proceedings against two former directors of the company.

LEGAL 500 2021

Commercial Litigation

'A highly effective counsel whose opinions are always clear and to the point.’

Rising star: Tier 1

Company and Insolvency

'James is very bright and quick to get to grips with complex sets of facts and to get on top of the documents. His legal advice is always pragmatic, concise and commercially-focused. He is also exceptionally good with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 1

CHAMBERS UK 2020

Restructuring & Insolvency

up & coming Recognised for specialisms in personal and corporate insolvency. He has experience of both advocacy and advisory work. At a contentious level has been led by QCs and taken on sole matters. His recent work includes matters involving misfeasance and determining validity of payments.

Strengths: "His advice is concise and proportionate, and he's very persuasive on his feet in court." "Responsive, easy to work with and has good technical knowledge." Recent work: Acted for Neath Rugby in successfully opposing a winding-up petition presented against the financially distressed rugby club by a lender under a recourse finance agreement.