James has been listed as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in The Legal 500, recognised in Legal Week’s Global Elite ‘Private Client Global Excellence’ listing, and was previously listed three times in ePrivate Client’s top 35 under 35.

A Partner in the Private Client team, James advises global clients, including high net worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and trustees, in the areas of succession planning, tax and family governance.

A trusted advisor to a number of globally prominent families, James combines empathy with deep technical ability, delivered with a commercial mindset. Whether advising a family office or an entrepreneur or an executive, James handles matters with sensitivity, discretion and professionalism.

James has particular expertise in the establishment of offshore trusts, foundations and corporate vehicles. James has broad experience in conducting family governance exercises, including those that involve different family branches and multiple generations, where his emphasis is on preventing disputes and engendering family harmony. He also acts as a board member to wealthy families.

As one of the first private client lawyers to develop expertise in cryptoassets, James is a ‘Top Recommended’ advisor in Spear’s Cryptocurrency Index 2023 and is the author of the book ‘Cryptoassets for Private Clients’. He advises some of the world’s wealthiest crypto investors and token issuers.

With a particular focus on clients based in the Middle East, James can advise on Sharia compliant structures including trusts and foundations and is licensed by the Dubai International Finance Centre to draft Wills covering UAE assets. James travels very frequently to the Middle East to serve clients in the region.

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