Family/Matrimonial
Since joining Chambers, James has developed a successful practice in the area of Family law, focusing on child law (both public and private law cases) and financial remedy.
James is known as a robust and effective advocate, who always establishes an easy rapport with those he represents.
Prior to starting pupillage James worked as a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates’ Courts for nine years. He sat in the Magistrates’ Court, the Youth Court and the Family Proceedings Court. He joined 9 Park Place as a tenant in October 2014 following the successful completion of his pupillage.
In children matters, James is routinely instructed in complex private law cases involving multiple parties, allegations of sexual abuse and domestic violence, intractable contact disputes, international and national relocation, drug and alcohol addiction and mental health.
He has considerable experience in Finding of Fact (Re: L) hearings and contested Final Hearings.
James has acted in a broad range of public law cases on behalf of Local Authorities, private parties (including parents, grandparents and other family members) and for children by their Guardians.
He has a wealth of experience dealing with contested cases involving a wide range of issues, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, severe neglect, domestic violence, substance misuse and the causation of non-accidental injuries to a child.
James is mindful of the great number of vulnerable people that find themselves in care proceedings and is adept at working with parents with learning difficulties, intermediaries and cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. James also has experience in public law cases involving the Official Solicitor.
James has developed a practice in matrimonial finance, applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and cases concerning financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. James provides advice and represents clients in complex disputes, including cases concerning business interests and pensions.
His work has included representing clients before District Judges, Circuit Judges and in the High Court.