Profile
Work Department
Position
Partner
Career
James specialises in all disputes relating to the use and occupation of land. He also has a significant advisory practice aimed at dispute avoidance. He has a wide-ranging client base which includes developers, investors, corporate, leisure and retail occupiers and high-net-worth individuals. He has considerable experience acting for clients in the higher courts and specialist property tribunals.
James has carved a niche acting for London Estates and in doing has earned a reputation as a market-leader in the world of enfranchisement. He also provides strategic advice to the owners of London Estates on asset management and portfolio diversification.
James has a particular interest in rights of light and development related advisory. He is a member of the executive committee of the UK chapter of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat and is ranked as a ‘Leading Individual' in The Legal 500.
James is admitted to practise in England and Wales.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Charles Russell Speechlys ensures that the right experts are in the room for the right discussions, providing the necessary expertise without overwhelming the meeting with unnecessary participants. This thoughtful approach ensures that clients feel supported, not overbilled. In my view, Charles Russell Speechlys combines exceptional capability with outstanding efficiency.’
‘What truly sets Charles Russell Speechlys apart is its collaborative approach—not only within their team but also with clients and external experts. It’s a level of partnership and integration that I haven’t seen matched elsewhere in the market.’‘James Souter is our primary point of contact, and his pragmatic approach ensures we are consistently well-informed and thoroughly advised. One of his standout strengths is his ability to leverage the expertise of both clients and specialists to strengthen the case or project.’
‘Our lead partner, Emma Humphreys, is the key draw. She is accessible, commercial and understands our business extremely well, having worked with us for many years.’
‘The real estate team at Charles Russell Speechlys is truly a full-service practice with an increasingly international presence. The real estate team can handle all aspects of property work with strength and depth of experience and expertise at all levels.’
‘James Souter leads the excellent London property litigation team. He is sharp as a tack and a seriously impressive operator. He instills a sense of commercial acumen and a rigorous amongst the team. Lauren Fraser is excellent and a partner in waiting.’
‘They're commercially aware of the business we operate in, which makes it a lot easier when explaining the issues we have.’
‘They are very knowledgeable in their subject matter and give you the confidence that they will sort your problems out quickly and easily.’
Key clients
- Church Commissioners for England Howard de Walden Estates Limited Ballymore Group Stonegate Pub Company Limited aberdeen group plc LCP Group, including London & Cambridge Properties, L&C Investments Limited etc. Derwent London Plc Eton College Actis LLP Pivotal Homes Workspace Group London Hotels Collection RCL Cruises Bellway Homes Ltd Berkeley Group Greenwich Millennium Village Ltd Manhattan Loft Corporation The Merchant Taylors’ Company Hollybrook Limited Dandara Group Cala Management Limited The Royal Automobile Club Lothbury Property Trust Company Limited The Pollen Estate