INDIVIDUAL PROFILE
James Aspden

James Aspden

High Net Worth 2026

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Wilsons
 Wilsons

Ranked in 1 practice area

Private Wealth Disputes

South West

3 years ranked

About

Provided by Wilsons

High Net Worth

Practice Areas

James' work ranges from claims concerning the validity and effect of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, undue influence and equitable claims, to actions by or against trustees of landed estates and international trust disputes. He regularly acts for clients in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Career

James is a partner in the Will & Trust Disputes team, and specialises in resolving trust and probate disputes. James read Law at Somerville College, Oxford then trained at Sharpe Pritchard in London. He joined Henmans on qualification in 2002, and moved to Wilsons in June 2004.

Work Highlights

- Ilott v Blue Cross and others – James represented the successful charity appellants in this seminal case. This is the first and only decision by the Supreme Court regarding claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and as such is the leading legal authority.

- Rubin v Eurofinance – James acted for the successful intervenor in this Supreme Court decision concerning the enforcement at common law of foreign bankruptcy orders.

- A dispute concerning a landed estate in Oxfordshire, concerning unfulfilled promises, alleged breaches of duty by trustees and a range of technical problems that needed to be resolved. This was resolved on confidential terms.

- A collection of several claims against solicitors for failing to include provisions designed to capture future development value, when selling land – all settled on confidential terms.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers High Net Worth

Private Wealth Disputes - South West

Band 1
Individual Editorial

James Aspden is a leading lawyer in this practice area and has considerable experience representing high net worth clients in trust and estate disputes.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • James is very likeable, extremely experienced and technically excellent. He has the ability to deal with every kind of adversary. If they want to go in the boxing ring, he's happy to do that; if they want to be pragmatic, he's happy to do that.

    Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net Worth

  • James Aspden is an experienced litigator who fights hard for his clients and has excellent tactical instincts. He is someone I would want on my side in any dispute in this area.

    Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net Worth

  • James is a unique talent in contentious matters. He is measured and unwavering in his advice to charity clients and has a dogged determination to ensure they are protected.

    Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net Worth

  • James is a solid performer in terms of the consistency of his advice and his problem solving. He brings sensible solutions in a clear and uncluttered way.

    Private Wealth DisputesChambers High Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Wilsons (8)

South West

Southampton and surrounds

UK-wide

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