Advocate James Lawrence > Viberts > St Helier, Jersey > Lawyer Profile

Viberts
VIBERTS HOUSE, PO BOX 737
DON STREET
ST HELIER
JE4 8ZQ
Jersey

Work Department

Property Law Partner

Position

Often described as one of the Island’s most talented property lawyers, James has specialised in property law since 2004 and heads the property law team. James’ primary focus is the purchase and financing of development property.

Respected for his knowledge of all aspects of Jersey’s property law, James’ expertise ranges from high-value, individual property conveyances and housing developments and planning matters through to commercial developments and lettings. His work also includes securitisation for a major high street lender, commercial and residential leases and business sales and acquisitions.

James’ team also deals with all aspects of property and high value asset finance and security.

James is highly skilled in Jersey’s complex licensing laws and regularly appears before the Jersey Licensing Assembly representing a variety of organisations across the leisure, tourism and retail sectors. As an ancillary to his principal practice area, James has also applied his skills to litigation work. He has made appearances before the Planning Appeal Tribunal; the Licensing Assembly; Petty Debts Court; Royal Court; and Magistrate’s Court.

Career

  • Advocate – 2001

Languages

French

Memberships

  • Member of the Jersey Law Society

Education

Université de Nantes
College of Law York
Kingston University

Lawyer Rankings

Jersey > Banking and finance

Viberts advises a number of international banks, but maintains a broad lender and borrower-side practice across a range of financing structures, including real estate development, bridge and Islamic facilities. Paul Wilson leads the team. Christopher Scholefield and James Lawrence handle real estate financing matters, and the latter also handles securitisation matters. Nic Le Breuilly arrived from Ogier in October 2023, bringing with him experience in fund, acquisition and real estate finance.

Jersey > Commercial property

Viberts advises clients on a variety of property matters, including landlord and tenant issues, property developers and lenders. The practice is led in tandem by James Lawrence, who maintains a broad practice encompassing both commercial and residential property transactions, and Paul Harben, who focuses predominantly on the commercial market, advising on the acquisition and leasing of office and retail spaces. Emily Paris-Hunter qualified as a Jersey advocate in 2024, focusing on leasing and sub-leasing matters and also advising in relation to infrastructure developments. July 2023 saw the return of Philip Livingstone to the firm as a consultant, advising on property disputes and property issues tied to wills and succession planning.