Withers Worldwide

Overview

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James has far-reaching experience in all areas of family breakdown, with a particular emphasis on the resolution of complex financial disputes, especially those of an international nature. He has an extensive command of the negotiation and drafting of pre- and post-nuptial agreements. He advises on cohabitation claims and private children law matters, to include residence and sharing of care of children and international relocation of children.

James appears in the Honours list of leading family lawyers in the Citywealth Leaders List 2012 highlighting his '..steely negotiating skills' and marking him out as '..an effective operator..'

In recommending James as a leading family lawyer in 2010 and 2011, Chambers & Partners describes him as 'a relaxed but highly motivated operator' whose cases often have an international dimension. He pays meticulous attention to the crucial details whilst maintaining commercial intelligence and striking judgement in achieving sensible outcomes for his clients.

He has acted for many trustees and beneficiaries on trust-related issues in divorce, and for a wide-ranging number of individuals in sport, especially in the world of football. James has particular expertise in Anglo-Italian cases.

Highlights

• James acted for the successful appellant in the landmark case of Wicks, which confirms current English law on interim capital arrangements in divorce.
• Representing the successful appellant in the case of Pearce, which sets out the law on capitalisation of spousal maintenance (alimony) years after divorce.
• Acting for the husband in BJ v MJ (with Claire Blakemore), which deals with the treatment of offshore trusts in financial claims.
• Representing the wife in TvT, which interprets the meaning of ‘maintenance’ under European Union law.
   

Publications and speaking engagements

James has lectured on numerous occasions on family law topics both in England and Switzerland.

Memberships

• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Resolution
• Resolution's Property, Tax and Pensions Committee
• American Bar Association (Overseas Member)
• Association International des Jeunes Avocats

On a personal note

James is an avid supporter of Chelsea Football Club and grew up in three countries that no longer exist.