Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Partner, Family department and joint head, Private Wealth sector.

Described as a ‘guru of international family law’, James Stewart is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) and general editor of the definitive publication on comparative international family law, Family Law: A Global Guide (the ‘Blue Book’). James shines in difficult, often international, cases that need strategic vision, diligent execution and a motivated, able team.

With a focus on complex family disputes, marital agreements and cases with an international dimension, including claims for financial relief following overseas divorces (Part III), James has become the family lawyer of choice for family offices, trustees and others who find themselves embroiled in complex English divorce and family proceedings. A leading QC describes James as ‘undoubtedly one of the leaders in family law globally’.

In September 2020, James was appointed Visiting Professor of Law at Ulster University and also serves on the Consultation Board for Practical Law – Family. James continues to chair the annual Legal Dinner in aid of the leading peacebuilding charity, Co-operation Ireland.

Dual-qualified in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, James is also a family arbitrator and a collaborative family lawyer.

Qualified 1990; solicitor Stephenson Harwood 1996-2000; partner and head of the family department RPC 2000-06; partner Penningtons Manches Cooper 2006 to date.

Publications: general editor ‘Family Law: A Global Guide’ (Thomas Reuters, fifth edition 2021); co-author Russian and Ukrainian chapters of ‘International Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements (Family Law 2011)’; general editor ‘Multi-Jurisdictional Guides – Family (Practical Law Company)’ 2013 to date.

Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers; member of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb); chair Co-operation Ireland Legal Committee; member of the American Bar Association (ABA); Resolution-accredited specialist family lawyer.

Coleraine Academical Institution, County Londonderry, Ireland; University of Essex (Law); College of Law, Chester.