Professional Practice

James is instructed across all areas of family law. He advises and represents clients in matrimonial finance, disputes between unmarried cohabitants and in private law children matters. James seeks to assist clients in achieving a swift resolution to their matters at an early stage and seeks to broker negotiation where possible. Where that is not possible James is comfortable in litigation, he has represented clients in lengthy, complex final hearings including intervening parties and over multiple days in Court. 

He appears regularly in the High Court. As a result of his familiarity and comfort with civil law and procedure, James is specialised in areas where civil and family law overlap - such as disputes regarding the ownership of properties on which he is regularly instructed by parties to the marriage as well as third parties.

In April 2022 James succeeded on an appeal in the High Court against a senior QC in the matter of Lockwood v Greenbaum [2022] EWHC 845 (Fam) - the second reported case on the s15(1)(c) gateway in Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 applications.

In July 2024 James, led by Brent Molyneux KC and instructed by Mishcon De Reya, secured an interim order for sale of a matrimonial home within financial remedy proceedings in IN v CH [2024] EWFC 233. The case is now a leading authority in the application of s33(3)(e) of the Family Law Act 1996.

• Recommendations

  "James is good at strategy, and serene and articulate in his advocacy. An accessible and supportive barrister."

  Legal 500 2025

  "Extremely impressive advocate who is quick to grasp the complexities of a case and has an excellent manner with clients."

  Izzy Walsh – Hall Brown

• Notable Cases

  • IN v CH
    [2024] EWFC 233
    
  • SP v AL
    [2024] EWFC 72 (B)
    
  • James v Seymour
    [2023] EWHC 844 (Fam)
    
  • NO v PQ
    [2023] EWFC 36
    
  • Lockwood v Greenbaum
    [2022] EWHC 845 (Fam)
    
  • V v W
    [2020] EWFC 84
    

• Publications and Lecturing

  • An introduction to Family Law Act 1996 and Section 8 Children Act applications

  • Practical guidance on drafting of documents in financial remedy cases

  • The law and procedure in relation to void/voidable marriages and obtaining a nullity in relation thereto

  • "Third Party Issues" - a practical guide".

• Personal Information

  James studied Jurisprudence (Law) at Pembroke College, Oxford before completing the BPTC in the year after his graduation.

  Outside work, James enjoys sport - he is a member at Worplesdon Golf Club and regularly represents the 'Refreshers', the barrister's cricket team. 

  He has a keen interest in horse racing and has several horses in training in both England and France.