James is the principal architect of Ogier’s Cayman funds practice and has operated in this market since 1991, forging strong links with managers and with funds partners at leading law firms in key onshore financial centres. He also has extensive experience in all types of
general corporate and commercial law including the laws relating to large infrastructure projects in the Cayman Islands.
James is recognised by industry commentators as a leading specialist in his areas of expertise for the Cayman Islands. He was named in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2011 as a highly regarded Cayman lawyer, and he also features in the 2014 edition of the "Who's Who
Legal" for private funds lawyers. Having also worked in Ogier’s Hong Kong office, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific reports clients praise James as 'very smart and creative' and features him in their 2012, 2013 and 2014 editions.
James is prominent in the Cayman Islands community and a former president of the Caymanian Bar Association and was a council member of the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange from 2006 to 2010. He is also a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple of England and Wales and
is a Notary Public in the Cayman Islands. In 2016, James was appointed Chairman of the Cayman Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA).
James joined Ogier's Cayman office in 1991 and became a Partner in 1998. James has previously also worked in Ogier's Hong Kong office.
He received his Bachelor of Law, with Honours, from the University of London in 1990.
Admitted in:
- 1992 - Cayman Islands
- 1991 - England and Wales (non practising)
James is a Registered Foreign Lawyer regulated by the Law Society of Hong Kong
Recognition:
Has an outstanding reputation with strong experience Chambers Global, 2017
Truly excellent Legal 500, Caribbean, 2016
nominated by peers as one of the world’s leading practitioners in this field Who's Who Legal Private Funds 2016
I hadn't used James Bergstrom before. I referred one client to him earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised. He did an excellent job. He was commercial, gave excellent advice and the client came back thanking me for the referral. IFLR 1000 2013
Very smart and creative Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2012
Highly regarded Cayman lawyer Chambers Asia Pacific 2011
Excellent, thorough and prompt Chambers 2009