James Austin Bio

James grew up in Suffolk and went to school in Norfolk. After a degree in civil engineering from Imperial College, London he switched to law before joining a City firm and spending some time in Hong Kong, qualifying in 1986. He joined Birketts in 1989, quickly becoming a Partner in the Corporate Team and he has played a key role in its growth and the growth of the firm ever since. He was Senior Partner between 2016 and 2024. James continues as a Partner in the firm with a number of different hats including responsibility for complaints and an interim role within the Commercial and Technology Team. James also remains a member of the firm’s Corporate Team and is responsible for a number of key client relationships.