Russell-Cooke LLP

Family

James is Managing Partner at Russell-Cooke. He specialises in the financial and other consequences of relationship formation or breakdown. His principal role is to help people separate sensibly.

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 that 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.

He has a particularly strong reputation in resolving matters through constructive discussions and cooperation. James is both an accredited mediator and a collaborative family lawyer (both specialist forms of dispute resolution designed to reach solutions out of court). James works with and advises individuals, couples or wider family members.

trained Anthony Gold Solicitors 1999-2001; qualified 2001; assistant solicitor Russell-Cooke, Kingston Office 2001-06; assistant solicitor Campbell Hooper Solicitors 2006-08; partner Campbell Hooper Solicitors 2008-09; partner Russell-Cooke 2009 to date.

James is regularly called upon by the mainstream media for interview or comment on family law matters, and as such James has appeared on the Today programme, the BBC, Sky and Channel 4 News

Publications of note: ‘Schedule 1 Provision (financial provision for unmarried parents)’ in The Law Society, Family Law Protocol (3rd edition).

Member of Resolution Committee Member of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society of England & Wales (former Co-Chair) Fellow of the International Association of Family Lawyers Member of the International Association of Collaborative Practitioners; Editorial board, Practical Law, Family Section. James is a co-author of the Family Law Protocol, published by The Law Society.

University of Wales, Aberystwyth 1994-97; BPP Law School 1997-99.