INDIVIDUAL PROFILE
James Stewart

James Stewart

High Net Worth 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

High Net Worth

Practice Areas

James, who is widely regarded as ‘one of the most visible faces in UK family law’, is a Former Chambers HNW Family Lawyer of the Year and since September 2020, a Visiting Professor of Law at Ulster University.

Dual-qualified in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, James is a Resolution accredited specialist family lawyer who is regularly instructed in complex international HNW cases. James shines in difficult cases that need strategic vision, diligent execution and a motivated, able team.

Frequently described by a leading KC says: ‘James is undoubtedly one of the leaders in family law globally. Not only is he highly respected by his peers, he is loved by his clients and has amazing interpersonal skills in the most difficult of situations'. James has acted in many ground-breaking family law cases including Clibbery v Allan [2002], to date the only family case to go to the Court of Appeal on the issue of privacy and press reporting.

With a focus on complex family disputes, marital agreements and cases with an international dimension, including claims for financial relief following overseas divorces (Part III), James has become the family lawyer of choice for family offices, trustees and others who find themselves embroiled in complex English divorce and family proceedings.

James chairs the annual Legal Dinner, which raises funds for the leading peacebuilding charity, Co-operation Ireland.

Professional Memberships

Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL).

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb).

Publications

General Editor of the ‘Blue Book’, the definitive comparative guide to international family law (Family Law: A Global Guide, Thomson Reuters 2021).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers High Net Worth

Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net Worth - UK-wide

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

James Stewart is a go-to leading lawyer for complex, ultra high-value international divorce matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • James is pragmatic and knows his stuff too!

    Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net WorthChambers High Net Worth
  • James Stewart is an asset to the family law world. He's a great lawyer and has real instinct on cases. He's just brilliant.

    Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net WorthChambers High Net Worth
  • James Stewart is very engaged and personable, clients quickly warm to him.

    Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net WorthChambers High Net Worth
  • James Stewart stands out for his enthusiasm for the client and their case. He's a real champion for his clients.

    Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net WorthChambers High Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP (21)

Global-wide

Guildford and surrounds

London (Firms)

The South

UK-wide

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