James is a Senior Associate in our dispute resolution team in Truro.

James joined Stephens Scown in September 2004 after gaining Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of the West of England and qualified as a solicitor in April 2007.

James acts principally for individuals in relation to inheritance and trusts disputes. This includes advising on claims relating to the validity or wills or challenges to their provisions under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975; claims against attorneys or personal representatives for fraud or financial abuse; removal of personal representatives; disputes relating to trusts and trust property; disputes over the ownership of properties following the breakdown of a non-marital relationship; and professional negligence claims arising from these areas. James has dealt with matters in the High Court and Court of Appeal and regularly represents clients at mediations.

Recent highlights include:

• Successfully representing clients in a trust claim relating to a well known local tourist destination, which settled at mediation;
• Advising a client on a negligence claim against solicitors who represented him in an Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975;
• Representing clients in a claim to remove a personal representative, which resulted in a favourable settlement a matter of weeks before trial; and
• Advising on a complex Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 involving a family trust and investment properties.

James is a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

Outside of work, James enjoys getting out and about in the local countryside and coast, cycling, reading, cooking and a glass of wine.

Mentioned in Legal 500 UK 2017: "James is a very sharp analyst and skilled litigator".