James Bazley
- Called: 2025
- jamesbazley@fivepaper.com
Profile
James became a tenant at Five Paper in October 2026 following successful completion of pupillage. He has a broad practice incorporating all of Chambers’ practice areas and is regularly instructed in relation to social housing, insolvency and commercial matters.
Before commencing pupillage, James spent two years in the legal team of a leading international communications firm where he focussed on negotiations and disputes across a broad range of contracts. Separately, James has advised a Guernsey-based trust company on requirements for compliance with new regulation and has experience as a paralegal in commercial dispute resolution, employment, immigration, and tax law.
James has an ability to cut through complex papers and identify those issues at the heart of his clients’ interests. His thorough preparation and attention to detail allows him to advocate robustly, and to provide measured, commercially-sensible advice. He regularly appears in the County Court and has High Court experience.
Expertise
Property and Housing
James has a busy practice spanning the expertise of Chambers’ Property Division. He has particular experience in social housing and landlord and tenant matters.
He is regularly instructed by local authorities, housing associations, private landlords and their agents on matters involving:
- Possession proceedings
- Succession disputes
- Anti-social behaviour injunctions
- Suspected issues of capacity
- Disrepair claims
- Equality Act defences
- Unlawful subletting and abandonment
- Access injunctions
- Disputes under tenancy agreements
James provides a personable service and can be relied upon to provide clear, pragmatic advice.
Commercial and Insolvency
James is developing his practice across Chambers’ Commercial Division. He accepts instructions to appear in the County Court and the High Court and is well-placed to advise on a broad spectrum of issues.
His experience, acting for both individual and corporate clients, includes:
- Winding up petitions
- Bankruptcy petitions
- Contract disputes
James’ background of in-house legal and advisory work across a variety of industries has allowed him to develop deep commercial awareness which he applies to all aspects of dispute resolution. He is well-versed in resolving difficult disputes practically, keeping his clients’ commercial aims at the forefront of his approach.
Further Info
Education and Qualifications
James holds an LLB from the University of Exeter, where he was also the Managing Editor of the law review. He subsequently completed the Bar Course with ICCA in 2025.
Scholarships/prizes
- J.B. Montagu Scholar, Middle Temple (2024)
- Winning team, Munroe Debate Cup Final, Middle Temple (2023)
- Dean’s Commendations for Outstanding Academic Achievement, University of Exeter (2019 and 2020)
Memberships
- Social Housing Lawyers Association (SHLA)
- Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3)
- The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
Privacy Notice
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