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.

• 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

• Divorce case relating to the husband’s attempts to bankrupt himself to avoid his wife’s financial claims

• 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

• Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Resolution
• Practical Law, Editorial Board: Family
• Family Mediation Council, Accredited Family Mediator 

• Co-author of the Family Law Protocol published by the Law Society