

About James
Just like modern relationships, my clients are mixed and diverse. Whether as a lawyer or mediator, my role is to help my clients make informed and sensible decisions regarding their legal, financial and parenting relationships.
James is known for having a commercial, constructive and resolution focused approach combined with the ability to pursue litigation through the courts with tenacity where necessary.
He specialises in the financial and other consequences of relationship formation or breakdown. His principal role is to help people separate sensibly, and he is often instructed by those seeking experienced separation solicitors for a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
James is an expert in complex financial matters, including those involving businesses and trust/tax structures, often with an international dimension. He has considerable knowledge of pre-nuptial agreements (having sat on the Advisory Group to the Law Commission).
In contrast with many family lawyers, James' practice is not limited to representing married couples or those in a personal relationship. He also acts for family members, business partners or trusts/corporations who own property together or face family-related legal issues.
James is identified as a leader in the field in relation to same-sex relationships, civil partnerships and same-sex marriages, particularly those involving cross-border issues.
James has a particularly strong reputation in resolving matters through constructive discussions and cooperation. He is both an active and Accredited Family Mediator and a Collaborative Family Lawyer (both specialist forms of dispute resolution designed to reach solutions out of court). James also works with and advises individuals, couples or wider family members, and is qualified to work as the sole legal advisor to both parties who are separating, and where relevant their wider family.
James Carroll is my "go-to" mediator. With clients, he is clear, calm and in control and keeps the mediation going so that clients get the most out of their sessions. He has a real talent for bringing everyone to the table and getting a result.
Notable cases
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Chancery Law case of Ashby v Killduff regarding the disputed ownership of a number of properties following the breakdown of a same-sex cohabiting relationship
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Divorce case relating to the husband’s attempts to bankrupt himself to avoid his wife’s financial claims
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Leading case on nullity and Islamic marriages of El Gamal v HRH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed al-Maktoum which also appeared in the Court of Appeal in relation to the financial provision for children of unmarried parents
James is very focused, very pragmatic and very practical. I know he's very sensible with his approach and he gets results.
Memberships
- Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
- Resolution
- Practical Law, Editorial Board: Family
- Family Mediation Council, Accredited Family Mediator
James is an excellent lawyer and one of the very few lawyer mediators that handle the most difficult and complex cases. James is always on top of his game and will always strive to find the best outcomes for his clients and for the couple in mediation.
Publications
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Co-author of the Family Law Protocol published by the Law Society
James's highlights

30.09.2025
Russell-Cooke Highly Commended in Law Firm of the Year category at Legal Business Awards

26.09.2025
Russell-Cooke profiled in Legal Business ahead of Legal Business Awards

25.09.2025
Russell-Cooke shortlisted in three categories at the British Legal Awards 2025