Private Client

James is a Partner and Head of Private Client for Edinburgh. He joined the Firm in 2018 after spending thirteen years with a leading Private Client firm in Edinburgh.

James provides clients with tax efficient solutions in passing wealth on to future generations, both in lifetime and on death. He specialises in all aspects of the formation, administration and termination of trusts, including providing expert advice on the legal and tax implications of the use of trusts in succession planning and asset protection. James also deals with the administration of estates and has a particular interest in finding solutions for clients where matters are complex or contentious - and also advises on care fees planning for elderly and vulnerable clients.

James’ guidance on the implications of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) on trustees was adopted by the Law Society of Scotland and he continues to provide guidance to trustees, including charitable trustees, of their reporting obligations under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). He also provides training for businesses and practitioners on the impact of FATCA and CRS. 

He is a member of STEP and serves as secretary on their Scottish Branch Committee. James has also tutored on the Private Client Course of the Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of Edinburgh.

Associate, Gillespie Macandrew LLP 2005-2015; Legal Director, Gillespie Macandrew LLP 2015-2018; Partner, Aberdein Considine 2018-present.

English.

STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners); Law Society of Scotland.

University of Edinburgh LLB (Hons) 2001; University of Edinburgh DipLP 2005.

Sport, football in particular, and travel.