James has practiced shipping, international trade and insurance law for more than 25 years in Malaysia, Singapore and the UK. He has conducted arbitrations throughout his career with an emphasis on Asia. 

He is experienced in bills of lading, charter-parties, logistics, ship-building and ship sale and purchase contracts, bunker supply, port operations, international trade, commodities, finance, offshore energy and aviation. He is also experienced in all aspects of marine insurance including hull, P&I, charterer’s liability, port risks and cargo. 

James is currently based in Kuala Lumpur and is a founding partner of Shaikh David & Co. focusing on litigation and international arbitration. His prior experience as an English solicitor and working internationally has also exposed him to the laws and regulations of various countries in Europe and Asia. He has substantial experience within the region and has handled arbitrations before the AIAC, SIAC, HKIAC, LMAA, FOSFA and PORAM. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has been accepting appointments as arbitrator since 2012.