James is a partner in our dispute Resolution team in Truro. James joined Stephens Scown in September 2004 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; and disputes over the ownership of properties following the breakdown of a non-marital relationship. 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
• Representing a client in a claim to remove a personal representative, which succeeded on summary judgment
• Advising on a complex multimillion family trust and allegations of breach of trust
• 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 with his young family, cycling, reading and cooking.