James F. English, Of Counsel
Phone: (303) 382-1200
Email:

James F. English focuses his practice in the areas of International Commercial and Investment Arbitrations, Exploration and Production Contracts, State and Federal Energy Regulation, General Litigation, Corporate Matters and General Oil & Gas. Mr. English has extensive international experience in the oil, gas and mining industries, and can provide assistance and representation in the areas of commercial contracts, investment arbitration, commercial litigation, and investment project due diligence. Before entering the legal field Mr. English was a Petroleum economist, and thus understands the fundamental economic issues underlying most commercial deals and damage calculations. His experience in both transactions and arbitrations includes more than 30 countries, and almost all the major oil producing U.S. states. Significant transactional projects have included a World Bank funded project in Afghanistan, an Asian Development Bank funded project in Bangladesh, and a number of other institutional strengthening projects throughout Central Asia, Africa, Europe and Russia. Mr. English also has significant experience in investment arbitrations, serving as lead counsel in only the third Energy Charter Treaty arbitration filed by an individual investor (Mohammad Ammar Al-Bahloul v. The Republic of Tajikistan), and playing a major role in the preparation of damage calculations for expropriation, breach of contract, and internationally wrongful acts.

In addition to his international experience, Mr. English is a former legal staff member of the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission, gaining knowledge of regulatory practice in Colorado, as well as experience with administrative disputes pertaining to environmental contamination. Mr. English has also participated in divestment projects in Colorado, acquisitions due diligence, and drafted a number of agreements serving the energy industry. In addition to pure legal support, Mr. English can advise on business decisions, and aid in the negotiation of commercial contracts. His understanding of economics, geology, engineering and the law is the perfect mix to provide a comprehensive objective look at any project. Before joining Martin, Lubitz & Hyman, LLC, Mr. English was an international consultant at the Boulder office of Gustavson Associates, LLC. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois, and his Masters in Petroleum Economics at Baylor University. He also studied British and European Union Law at the University of Oxford Brasenose College and is working towards qualification as a Solicitor via the Law Society of England & Wales.