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Professional Biography

James is head of the Private Wealth Disputes team at Stevens & Bolton. James advises on claims by or involving estates and trusts, most commonly involving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He acts for executors, trustees and beneficiaries, and also specialises in advising on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. James also has a substantial practice advising on claims overlapping the trusts and family court jurisdictions, dealing with trustees and beneficiaries who have become involved in divorce proceedings and on issues arising from the enforcement and implementation of ancillary relief orders made in divorce proceedings. This frequently includes advising trustees and beneficiaries from offshore jurisdictions when they become involved in disputes involving the UK or assets situated in the UK.

What is your favorite restaurant to take a client or colleague to?

Trivet, London

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

People before everything else - nothing is worth it without the relationships that matter

What was your first job?

Waiter in an average pub

What is the book you recommend to everyone?

Terry Pratchett's Men at Arms

What changes do you expect to see in your practice over the next year?

Economic difficulties always prompt an increase in inheritance disputes - expect to see many more in the next couple of years