James Legg

James Legg is a family law specialist, who is ranked as a leading lawyer in the Legal 500. Before joining the IMD Team, he was a highly sought-after advocate and has previously been in-house counsel to a top international firm of solicitors with a leading presence in ultra-high-net-worth cases. He joins the team to provide specialist advice and support, mainly to the Family Team, whilst working under the supervision of Iwona Durlak, Senior Partner. He is known for his tenacious but human and pragmatic approach.

James has been working in the Courts of England and Wales for over ten years and established a practice specialising in financial remedies,  children and protective order proceedings. His work often involves complex and sensitive matters, which regularly include international elements, and has resulted in him appearing in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as in foreign jurisdictions.

Family Finance

James is regularly involved in a broad spectrum of financial settlement proceedings including matters relating to matrimonial/civil partnership finance, Schedule 1 applications, trust disputes, enforcement applications, and applications for interim relief (such as freezing injunctions, maintenance and costs orders).

He frequently deals with high net-worth-claims, involving business, trusts, farming and overseas assets and also with cases involving more modest asset bases.

Given the increased popularity in digital and crypto-assets, James has developed a specialism in this regard and is experienced in advising clients as to the implications that these assets have on financial remedy proceedings.

He also advises and represents clients in proceedings relating to cohabitation claims, with a particular interest in those made under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Private Children

James’ private children practice encompasses the full range of applications under the Children Act, including applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. He regularly appears in proceedings that are considering issues of residence, contact, schooling, removal of children from the jurisdiction and surrogacy. James also has a particular expertise in cases involving suspected parental alienation, relocation and international abduction.

Protective Orders

James also has a wealth of experience dealing with matters involving protective orders made under the Family Law Act 1996, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders.

Other relevant experience

In addition to his experience within the courts of this jurisdiction, James has a developing international practice. He has advised and appeared before the courts in the Falkland Islands in relation to a multi-day fact-finding hearing. When working for the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh, James drafted legal submissions to the Supreme Court of Cambodia on behalf of a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Member of the Cambodian Parliament. He also spent time providing legal assistance to inmates facing the death penalty in prisons across North-eastern Botswana and has worked alongside the Law Society of England and Wales in responding to international human rights abuses.

James is dedicated to utilising his skills to benefit his community and has provided pro-bono family law assistance at community centres.

Passion Outside of Law

‘Outside of work and the courtroom, you will usually find me on the yoga mat, at the climbing wall, or playing football. When I’m not being active, I am a committed Newcastle United supporter — for better or worse’.