James Stewart
Partner
Services
Family law
Sectors
Private wealth
James is top ranked in the legal directories, and described as having ‘astonishing skills in international financial matters’, and ‘undoubtedly one of the leaders in family law globally’. With a focus on complex family disputes, marital agreements and cases with an international dimension, he has a formidable record of getting results, even in the most difficult of cases. In the words of a client ‘he is fantastic, and nothing surprises him – he has seen every possible permutation, so he knows everything’.
James has been the recipient of a number of industry awards including The Times ‘Lawyer of the Week’, Chambers HNW ‘Family Partner of the Year’ and Citywealth’s ‘Family Lawyer of the Year – Gold’. He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), a visiting professor at Ulster University and general editor of the ‘Blue Book’ (Family Law: A Global Guide, 6th edition, Thomson Reuters 2024), the seminal comparative guide to family law in 62 jurisdictions. James remains the go-to lawyer for complex, international divorce and family law cases. He is one of a small group of leading family lawyers, KCs and senior judges who serve on the family law consultation board of Practical Law.
I aim to make each of my clients feel at ease and provide them with a service which is both solutions-orientated and family-centred. I have the benefit of an incredible team behind me, and we are absolutely committed to bringing real added value to each of our cases, regardless of any international or other complexities.
A collaborative family lawyer and family arbitrator (MCIArb), with a proven track record of achieving fair and child centred settlements outside of court, in the words of one of his peers, ‘James is a warm and engaging family lawyer, and a formidable negotiator who shines in complex cases that need strategic vision and a motivated team. His ability to handle even the most difficult of cases is legendary.’ James co-chairs the Annual Legal, Finance and Business Dinner, one of the social highlights of the legal calendar and which raises significant funds for a leading peacebuilding charity in Ireland.
Recent work highlights
Confidential case settlement
Complex international case
Family property recovery
IAFL education programmes
External recognition
What people are saying
James Stewart is my absolute go to and a first choice for cases involving prenuptial agreements or cross-border matters due to his incredible international network and experience in this sort of work.
Undoubtedly one of the leaders in family law globally.
Clients absolutely love James. He has great judgement and is a really careful lawyer, which is what you need on big cases.
James is an exceptionally talented family lawyer with a total commitment to his clients and skilled in dealing with very difficult situations.
James offers true and strategic insight into high net worth and transnational family law. He is approachable and clear at times when a safe pair of hands are required.
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