James is a partner within our Construction and Projects team specialising in construction, engineering and PPP/PFI projects. James acts for both the public and private sector on a number of high value capital projects, across a range of sectors including Education, Waste, Roads and Healthcare.
James is also part of the renewable energy group at Burness Paull with a particular focus on biomass, energy from waste, municipal waste management projects and on-shore wind. He specialises in EPC contracting and all construction and specialised contracts such as Balance of Plant and Turbine Supply Agreements.
James is dual qualified in Scots and English law and has an LLM in Construction Law. He is accredited by The Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Construction Law. James is also a Notary Public.
It is the in-depth knowledge of the project that James Forbes as partner brings to our project. He is supported by other lawyers each having significant time spent on the project. For us the depth of knowledge of our business is key.
Chambers UK, 2025
James is very good at dispensing appropriate advice and getting across the required detail and knock-on effects of various scenarios.
Chambers UK, 2026
He is pragmatic, sensible and knows about the sector.
Chambers UK, 2026
Related Insights
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Why standard commercial property thinking doesn’t work for ports and harbours
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Here we discuss why treating ports like normal property can quietly derail projects as hidden legal layers, shared access limits and marine rules create risks many developers fail to spot early.
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The UK’s push towards net zero continues at pace, with the maritime sector now firmly in scope.
Renewables Review: Market Insight and Recent Deal Activity
25/06/2026
It’s been another busy period for our renewable energy practice, and the pace of change across the sector shows no signs of slowing.
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