London, United Kingdom
I have been a construction and engineering lawyer since 1999. My skills were honed during a 9 year stint with one of the largest law firms in the world which gave me exposure to an enviable array of clients involved in interesting, complex, high value (and of course sometimes frustrating) projects.
Since joining my current firm, Buckles Solicitors, in 2008 I have enjoyed the autonomy to grow my practice and continue to advise on procurement and dispute resolution to clients both in the private and public sector.
In essence, I provide a solutions based approach to:
On a day to day basis, my “bread and butter” involves:
I am fortunate to work with the wider property and development team who can take the strain from project inception to completion whether it be:
The key for me to is listen to what the client wants to achieve, provide options, solutions and recommendations, and to remain commercially focussed on the desired outcomes at all times.
In these challenging times, clients want (and need) to be more creative, and as an advisor I have to be alive to that.
Clients say that I am approachable, knowledgable, understand their business needs and – importantly – I use plan language that is easy to understand.
I am also an accredited adjudicator and member of the TeCSA panel, one of UK’s pre-eminent adjudicator nominating bodies which not only gives me the opportunity to dispense justice, but also gives me access to a wide network of like-minded individuals who help shape best practice.
What I do love about construction and engineering is that it is pretty resistant to economic downturns (when disputes tend to arise) and every project throws up its own unique issues.
But it’s not only the intellectual challenge I relish, but also physical ones as well. In July 2015 (to coincide with the Tour de France) I completed the London to Paris cycle ride for charity – an endeavour I would love to do again.
Associate
I have had the pleasure of working on a wide variety of matters with varying complexity and value and with local and national significance. A few choice examples include:
Preparing and negotiating a Fabricator Framework Agreement for the repeat appointment of a single supplier (based in Turkey) in connection with the fabrication of foundry machinery and equipment over a 4 year period
University
1992 - 1996
LLB (Honours)
Other
2002 - 2004
Diploma in Advanced Litigation
Other
2009 - 2010
Level 5 Certificate in Adjudication in the Construction Industry
1996 - 1997
Law Practice Course
“James Coppinger is knowledgeable and proactive in providing advice”
"James (Coppinger) was very focused on the output needs and he was very keen to get there in the most economical way”
A powerhouse in the Peterborough market that stands out for its work with social housing, engineering and renewable energy clients. James Coppinger leads the construction team, and is widely praised by clients for his "excellent technical abilities" and "superb knowledge of the law". He leads a number of significant transactional and contentious matters, and is commended by interviewees for his aptitude in "raising the confidence of clients".
James Coppinger of Buckles Solicitors LLP provides support across a broad spectrum of construction mandates. He combines core construction expertise with specialist knowledge in the fields of social housing, engineering and renewable energy.
Buckles Solicitors LLP has 'exceptional business acumen'. James Coppinger, has 'outstanding knowledge and responds quickly'.
Buckles Solicitors LLP is 'very professional with excellent response times and knowledge'. James Coppinger is now appointed to the TeSCA adjudication panel, and is highly recommended for construction disputes. Recent work includes a £2.1m High Court claim.
Buckles Solicitors LLP's Jame Coppinger and James Maxey provide 'excellent service with fast turnarounds'.
James Coppinger acts for a range of clients on disputes, procurement and contractual matters. Clients say: “He has very high technical skills and also a commercial aspect to his work.” Sources regard him as “responsive” and “very eager to assist.”
James Coppinger is head of department at Buckles Solicitors LLP. He acts on matters including student and social housing. One client says he is “quick, efficient, speaks in plain language and understands business needs.”
Market sources describe James Coppinger of Buckles Solicitors LLP as “very client-focused” and able to “offer good and concise advice”. His advice spans front and back-end matters in a range of sectors including student accommodation, social housing and the automotive industry.
Buckles Solicitors LLP features in the table for the first time, following the November 2014 opening of the firm’s office in Nottingham. Mandates include advising on the development of a mixed-use retail and student accommodation scheme. Practice head James Coppinger ‘consistently delivers’.
Business Network
UK network of Law Firms. I have been Chair of the LawNet Construction Group since 2012
Technology & Construction Solicitors Association – the leading organisation for solicitors practicing in construction and IT in England & Wales