James Copson

Partner

James is a partner in the divorce and family team.

He 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. He pays meticulous attention to the crucial details whilst maintaining commercial intelligence and striking judgement in achieving sensible outcomes for his clients.

James 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.

英文版
See our Italian site
完整個人資料

秘書 Maria Gill

+44 20 7597 6405
‘‘

My divorce was unpleasant and challenging, and James was absolutely first class. He combined technical legal excellence with humanity, calmness, great patience and humour. He set out strategic aims and principles against which my case would be ‎managed and delivered on all of these. He met aggression with assertion, obstruction with smart tactical engagement, and belligerence with charm and decency. The ultimate outcome of the case was sound, protecting the welfare of my children and finding an equitable balance between the needs of my former wife and myself.

Hotelier and entrepreneur
‘‘

Thank you Withers, in particular James Copson and Richard Handel, for all your support, hard work and professionalism during my long and difficult struggle. My sincere appreciation for helping me move on to a better life. I would not hesitate to recommend Withers anytime.

Homemaker
‘‘

I have been a customer of Withers Worldwide for almost 3 years. I have always found James Copson to be very professional, efficient and supportive. I would always recommend James to anyone looking for a family lawyer as possibly, more importantly to me, James has a good heart as well as a good work ethic. He always keeps me calm during times of despair with my daughter’s dad.

Property investor
‘‘

Sources highlight his ‘specialist knowledge in pensions and tax.’

Chambers UK 2018
‘‘

James Copson is a ‘very reliable lawyer, and great to deal with. He’s very much a safe pair of hands,’ comments a source. He has a strong practice acting on high-profile divorce matters and is adept at handling cross-border cases involving EU jurisdictions, and especially Italy. ‘He is very bright. On the mathematical tax side he’s very good,’ says an interviewee.

Chambers HNW Guide 2017
‘‘

The ‘extremely good’ James Copson practises across a range of family financial issues and Children Act matters. He is particularly well versed in cross-border issues, particularly those involving Italy and other EU states.

Chambers UK 2018, London
‘‘

James is a real tactician with a great technical understanding of the law. He’s an absolute delight to work with and knows what he’s doing and you know he’s taking the solid point, you can rely on him to hold a reasonable line.

Chambers HNW 2018, London
‘‘

James Copson is incredibly good at untangling corporate webs, offshore trusts and tracing assets.

Chambers HNW, 2020
‘‘

His fellow practitioners say he is ‘really down to earth’ and ‘phenomenally clever.’

Chambers HNW, 2020

Focus areas

Beneficiaries and heirs

Talent and creatives

Italy

United Kingdom

Sport

High-net-worth individuals

Trustees, executors and fiduciaries

Track record

執業資格

Memberships

Talks

Acting 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.

Representing the wife in TvT, which interprets the meaning of ‘maintenance’ under European Union law.

詳細履歷

England and Wales, 1991

Resolution’s Property, Tax and Pensions Committee

International Academy of Family Lawyers

Association International des Jeunes Avocats

American Bar Association (Overseas Member)

Resolution

Resolution National Conference, annual tax and divorce workshops

個人簡介

I enjoy the challenges each day brings

I am the son of a diplomat and as a result a quirky feature of my early life is that I grew up in three countries that no longer exist. I have acted in a number of highly political cases and one of the highlights of my career was representing a matrimonial client in Court defending an application by a foreign government seeking inspection of all papers on the court file in my case. It was very much David and Goliath. Again, David won.

I am the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion partner, a role I find extremely fulfilling as it brings an extra dimension to my day job as a family lawyer.

As a family lawyer I enjoy the challenges each day brings. Each one is different. I try to keep things simple even when technical issues arise. I have been told many times that I am upbeat and my cheerfulness has a really positive effect on my clients.

I live in the countryside and like nothing better than a brisk country walk with the nirvana of a country pub at the end of it.

I am married with two dogs and two cats - and two sons.

My passion is for the game of football and I am an ardent armchair supporter of Chelsea. Sadly the season ticket had to go when moving to the country. It also doesn’t help being married to a Liverpool fan.

學歷背景

University of Birmingham

語言

  • English

加入年份

加入律所

1989
合夥人

1999

所獲表彰

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