James Legg

James Legg is a family law specialist, who has been ranked in The Legal 500. Before joining the IMD team, he was a highly sought-after advocate and previously acted as in-house counsel to a leading international law firm with a significant presence in ultra-high-net-worth family law cases. He is now a Partner and Head of the Family Department, leading the firm’s family law practice and advising clients on complex and high-value family law matters, often involving substantial wealth, business interests, trusts, Family Investment Companies (FICs) and international elements. He is known for combining strategic, robust representation with a pragmatic and personable approach, helping clients navigate complex family disputes with confidence and discretion.

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, regularly including international elements, and has resulted in appearances before the High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as courts in overseas jurisdictions.

Unlike many solicitors practising in this area, James regularly represents clients before the court himself and has provided expert evidence on English family law to foreign courts. His extensive advocacy experience provides a distinct advantage when advising clients, enabling him to develop case strategies informed by a practical understanding of how cases are likely to be presented, challenged and determined by judges. Clients benefit from advice that combines technical excellence with real courtroom insight.

Family Finance

James is regularly involved in a broad spectrum of financial settlement proceedings including matters relating to matrimonial and civil partnership finance, Schedule 1 applications, nuptial agreements, trust and wealth-structure disputes, enforcement applications, and applications for interim relief including freezing injunctions, maintenance and costs orders.

He frequently acts for entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and other high-net-worth individuals in matters involving businesses, trusts, Family Investment Companies (FICs), inherited wealth, overseas assets and complex corporate structures. He also acts for clients with more modest asset bases, bringing the same strategic and tailored approach to every case.

James has developed a particular interest in advising entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, individuals with digital and inherited wealth and their advisers on wealth protection from a family law perspective. This includes advising on the family law implications of trusts and Family Investment Companies (FICs), helping clients understand how such structures may be treated upon relationship breakdown and assisting them in balancing asset protection and succession planning objectives with the realities of family law claims.

Given the increased popularity of digital and crypto-assets, James has developed a recognised specialism in this area and is experienced in advising clients on the implications these assets may have in financial remedy proceedings.

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

Private Children

James’ private children practice encompasses Abduction matters and 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 concerning residence, contact, education, international relocation, removal of children from the jurisdiction and surrogacy arrangements. James also has particular expertise in cases involving allegations of parental alienation.

Protective Orders

James has extensive 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 before the courts of England and Wales, James has developed international practice. He has advised and appeared before the courts of the Falkland Islands in relation to a multi-day fact-finding hearing. Whilst 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 Parliament.

He has also provided 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 remains dedicated to using his skills to benefit the wider community and provides pro bono family law assistance through community advice centres.

Notable Cases

Passion Outside of Law

“Outside of work and the courtroom, you will usually find me on a 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.”

IMD Solicitors related services

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Our experienced family law solicitors support clients with divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements and complex international matters.

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High Net Worth Family Law

Our high net worth family Law lawyers advise individuals and families whose personal relationships involve significant wealth, complex asset structure and heightened sensitivity

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