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James Bryson

Senior Associate

James is a derivatives and structured finance specialist. 

He advises on a wide range of derivatives transactions in all the major asset classes, repos, securities lending, structured notes and SRT deals. He also advises on a broad range of regulatory and strategic issues across the derivatives and structured finance markets.
 
James advises clearinghouses on various matters, including the launch of new services and products, in the US and UK. In addition to James’ transactional experience, a substantial part of his practice focuses on the regulatory aspects of the derivatives market, and he has extensive experience advising market infrastructure, banks and buy-side firms on Dodd-Frank, EMIR and other regulations.

James is widely recognized as a leading derivatives lawyer, having been recognized in Chambers USA 2023 under “Associates to Watch” and Legal 500 2023 as a “Rising Star.” A client shared with Chambers USA that “James is a very strong associate.” Another client enthused “He has excellent derivatives knowledge and is very responsive.” 

James has spoken at industry events on a variety of derivatives regulatory issues. He also advises on contentious derivatives issues, close-outs and valuations disputes, both in the US and UK.

Recognition

James is responsive, commercially practical, and an overall great transactional attorney for derivatives issues.
Chambers USA 2022 - Derivatives
James is a strong contributor for the A&O team. He has demonstrated responsiveness and works hard to deliver.
Chambers USA 2022 - Derivatives

Awards

  • Associate to Watch, Chambers USDA 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Legal500 “Rising Star” 2023

Qualifications

Admissions

Admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales, 2013

Admitted as a Foreign Legal Consultant, New York, 2021 (supervised by Principals of the Firm)

Academic

University of Bristol, BSc Economics - 1st Class with honors

College of Law, Graduate Diploma in Law – Distinction

College of Law, Legal Practice Certificate – Distinction

College of Law, LL.B – First class

Disclaimer
A&O Shearman was formed on May 1, 2024 by the combination of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Allen & Overy LLP and their respective affiliates (the legacy firms). Any matters referred to above may include matters undertaken by one or more of the legacy firms rather than A&O Shearman.