Russell-Cooke is delighted to announce that James Sandiford has today been appointed as a full time District Judge.
James trained at Russell-Cooke and qualified into the children and education team in 2009. Over more than 18 years at the firm, he has built a reputation as a trusted, thoughtful and highly effective children lawyer, known for his calm authority, forensic approach and unwavering focus on achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
Throughout his career, James has worked across a wide range of public and private children law matters, as well as adoption cases. Since 2013, he has been a member of the Law Society Children Panel, representing children in complex court proceedings, and he is also a Resolution accredited specialist in private children law, children disputes and adoption. His work has been consistently recognised externally, including being named an associate to watch in Chambers and Partners, where he is described as “a very good solicitor who is forensic, thorough and hard working”.
James’ appointment to the judiciary is a significant milestone, reflecting not only his legal excellence but also his deep commitment to fairness, care and integrity within the family justice system.
James’ appointment as a District Judge is richly deserved. He trained with us, grew into an exceptional lawyer here, and has made an enormous contribution to our children and education team over many years. He brings rigour, compassion and sound judgment to everything he does, and those qualities will serve him – and the families who appear before him – incredibly well. We are immensely proud of him.
Everyone at Russell-Cooke warmly congratulates James on his appointment and thanks him for the dedication, expertise and leadership he has shown throughout his time at the firm. We wish him every success as he begins this next chapter of his career.
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our family and children solicitors by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7520 or complete our enquiry form.
