Emily James KC

Specialist family barrister.

Emily is a specialist family law silk who acts in a wide range of complex and sensitive cases relating to private and public law children and those with an international element.

Emily is a formidable advocate,  sought after by both sides for her forensic approach to a case and strategic thinking. She is often instructed in the most intractable, and/or legally and factually complex cases in the High Court and has acted in a number of very significant cases in the Court of Appeal.

In private children law Emily's practice includes cases which frequently require separate representation of children,  involve allegations of serious domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health issues and/or allegations of alienating behaviours.  Emily is frequently instructed to act for parents seeking to relocate internally or internationally and she has extensive cross -jurisdictional knowledge.

In public Law matters Emily's work involves care, placement and adoption proceedings acting on behalf of children, parents, other family members and local authorities. Emily’s cases often involve non accidental injury or death, sexual abuse or fabricated and induced illness.

Emily is frequently instructed on behalf of vulnerable adults or children and is particularly sensitive to clients with learning disabilities, special needs or mental heath difficulties.

Emily's work also often involves an international element and she has specialist expertise in matters of international child abduction, inherent jurisdiction and wardship.

Called 1999; Silk 2025; Middle Temple. Harmsworth Scholar.

Bryanston School 1992;
University of Kent 1996;
College of Law 1997 & 1998