People

James has over 20 years’ experience, with an extensive track record in upstream oil and gas transactions including M&A and development and operational contracts. He has extensive experience in the UKCS and has also worked on transactions in the US, Malaysia, Mexico, Romania, the Caribbean and Egypt.

He is particularly interested in decommissioning and acts for a number of operators and non-operators on decommissioning issues. He is a member of the Law Society of Scotland Energy Policy Committee.

Dual-qualified in Scots and English law, he is named as a Leading Lawyer in the 2024 edition of the Legal 500:

“James Downie is incredibly knowledgeable and maintains a specialism on decommissioning matters. His mix of specialist legal input delivered in a pragmatic and common-sense way is very welcome.”

“James Downie is a stand out partner in the oil and gas team. His knowledge of oil and gas law is second to none. His experience of the industry means that he knows where clients’ concerns will lie. His attention to detail is exceptional but more importantly he provides pragmatic advice focusing on the real issues whilst avoiding becoming stuck in minutiae”.  

He also continues to be ranked in Chambers Guide (2023 – 2016), having been described as “known as a true oil and gas expert by market sources.  Clients describe him as an “excellent lawyer who always provides very good, timely legal and commercial advice”.  

James contributed to the “Technical and Legal Guide to the UK Oil and Gas Industry” and the “Technical and Legal Guide to Global Hydrocarbons.