James is a solicitor in our Private Client department primarily advising on Estate Administration. James obtained a First Class law degree (LLB) and a Masters in Law (LLM) before qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2020 and joining Stephens Scown in 2021.

James has a broad range of experience which includes:

• Administration of Estates
• Will drafting
• Preparing Deeds of Variation
• Advising on the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney

Examples of his recent work include:

• Dealing with an estate where the Grant of Probate was required to progress the sale of large area of development land.
• Obtaining a capacity report prior to the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney for an elderly client.
• Claiming Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief on a high value estate to mitigate Inheritance Tax.
• Appointing a second Trustee and applying for Letters of Administration for an estate with minor beneficiaries.
• Administering an estate and registering a death where there were no immediate family or known beneficiaries and instructing a genealogy tracing company to locate potential beneficiaries.
• Drafting a Will with numerous beneficiaries which included individuals and charities.

James’ personal testimonials:

“James was excellent, both in terms of knowledge and availability.”

Private client, October 2023

Outside of work James enjoys surfing and kayaking at his favourite Devon and Cornwall beaches, long country walks and socialising with his friends.