James Roberts QC MCIArb - 1 Kings Bench Walk
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James Roberts QC
MCIArb
Call: 1993 | Silk: 2019
Email: JRoberts@1kbw.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7936 1500
Specialises in:
Finance
Private Law Children
Private FDR
Arbitration
Mediation
Direct Access
Child Abduction
‘He has gravitas, huge intellect and the ear of the judges. A go–to option:
he’s robust, very quick at getting to the root of issues and consequently
greatly in demand.’
LEGAL 500 AND CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS 2018
James has been ranked for many years as a practitioner who specialises in heavy and
complex financial remedy cases. He is also ranked in relation to children work particularly
with an international element. He is extremely numerate and is a formidable advocate. He
sits as a part time Judge hearing financial cases and is Treasurer of the Family Law Bar
Association.
Finance
James is a Family Law practitioner who specialises in Financial Remedy cases (including all
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 1aspects of claims between unmarried partners). He continues to be cited in the Legal 500 as
a leading junior in family work, and in Chambers and Partners as a leading junior (Band 1)
in both financial remedy and children work. He is one of the few members of the bar who
are recognised as a leader in both financial and children work.
The majority of James’ Family Law practice consists of Financial Remedy matters of which
he has experience at all levels. James practises mainly in the High Court and the Central
Family Court dealing with a wide variety of cases but most commonly ‘heavy’ cases
involving trusts, complex company structures and international issues. He also deals with all
aspects of financial disputes between unmarried couples and has acted for applicants and
respondents in a significant number of claims for financial provision under Schedule 1 of the
Children Act 1989 involving high net worth individuals and international issues.
He advises upon and drafts pre–nuptial agreements.
He has developed a particular expertise in the area of enforcement and has been successful
in a number of complex enforcement cases.
James has represented a number of ‘high profile’ clients and regularly appears with and
against Leading Counsel.
He sits as a Recorder (part time Judge) and is authorised to hear cases heard in the
specialist Financial Remedy Unit of the Central Family Court.
Private Law Children
James is a Family Law practitioner who specialises in Financial Remedy cases (including all
aspects of claims between unmarried partners).
He also undertakes a significant amount of private law children work particularly
international relocation cases and also international child abduction cases.
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 2He continues to be cited in the Legal 500 as a leading junior in family work, and in the
Chambers Directory as a leading junior (Band 1) in both financial remedy and children
work. He is one of the few members of the bar who are recognised as a leader in both
financial and children work and as such is able to deal with both aspects of a family case.
A proper understanding of the interaction between the financial aspects of the case and the
private law children aspects can frequently make a real difference in relation to a positive
outcome on all sides. This is particularly true in relation to private law children applications
involving unmarried parents and also in relation to relocation applications.
James has represented a number of ‘high profile’ clients and regularly appears with and
against Leading Counsel.
He sits as a Recorder (part time Judge) and is authorised to hear children cases (mainly at
the Central Family Court).
Private FDR
James is becoming one of the ‘go to’ people in the provision of Private FDRs or ‘early neutral
evaluation’.
James has been ranked in the directories for many years as a practitioner who specialises in
heavy and complex financial remedy cases. He is extremely numerate and is highly regarded
by his peers making him a popular choice for Private FDRs.
James sits as a Recorder (part time Judge) and is authorised to hear complex financial cases
in the specialist Financial Remedy Unit of the Central Family Court.
Parties value greatly the Judicial experience that he brings to cases and his general
approachability.
His preparation is always meticulous and parties leave his hearings truly feeling that they
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 3have received the best possible indication of likely outcome.
He had an astonishing settlement rate and is rightly perceived by his peers as ‘straight
down the line’ in terms of his approach and indications.
Arbitration
James sits as a Recorder (part time Judge) and is authorised to hear complex financial cases
in the specialist Financial Remedy Unit of the Central Family Court.
He is a founding Board member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) and he sits
on the Advisory Committee to IFLA.
He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is qualified to conduct
arbitrations in family matters under the IFLA scheme.
He has acted as an arbitrator in a significant number of cases in this developing area. His
judicial experience and generally approach make him one of the ‘go to’ choices when parties
are seeking a swift, confidential, adjudication in cases.
Invariably he provides his award in writing within 48 hours of a hearing.
He also has experience of representing parties to arbitrations and in presenting cases under
the IFLA scheme.
James has been ranked in the directories for many years as a practitioner who specialises in
heavy and complex financial remedy cases. He is extremely numerate and is a formidable
advocate.
He appreciates the subtle differences in the arbitral environment (as opposed to the court
room) and adjusts his style accordingly with favourable results.
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 4Mediation
James is a Family Law practitioner who specialises in Financial Remedy cases (including all
aspects of claims between unmarried partners). He continues to be cited in the Legal 500 as
a leading junior in family work, and in Chambers and Partners as a leading junior (Band 1)
in both financial remedy and children work.
He is one of the few members of the bar who are recognised as a leader in both financial
and children work and as such is ideally placed to appreciate all aspects of family law
disputes which so often are not confined to solely financial or children matters.
He approaches cases holistically bringing to bear his experience as a part time Judge who is
authorized to hear hears both complex financial and children matters at the central Family
Court.
He has been a mediator for over 12 years.
Direct Access
James undertakes a limited number of direct access cases each year.
He is approachable and responsive. He has a plain speaking manner which clients value and
has the ability to make the most complex legal issues simple.
James specialises in Financial Remedy cases. He also undertakes private law children work
including relocation and child abduction cases.
He continues to be ranked in the directories as a leading junior in family work (Band 1). His
cases involve high value assets, high profile individuals, and frequently have an
international element.
He has a particular interest in enforcement of orders in family cases.
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 5He is able to recommend solicitors to direct access clients where appropriate.
Child Abduction
Although primarily recognised as practicing in Financial Remedy work James continues to
be cited in the Legal 500 as a leading junior in family work generally, and in the Chambers
Directory as a leading junior (Band 1) in both financial remedy and children work. His
experience across the board of family law work is often crucial in achieving the best
outcome on all aspects of a case.
He is one of the few members of the bar who are recognised as a leader in both financial
and children work. Most of the cases James conducts have an international element and he
is experienced in representing parties on both sides in fast moving abduction cases.
His abduction work is exclusively in the High Court and above.
James gives regular lectures on current topics in family law and particularly in the field of
International Child Abduction.
"Clients and solicitors have the utmost respect for him as he's a really
robust advocate. He is very good at reading the judges, and knows the
points which are going to win them over."
CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2019
REPUTATION & AWARDS
‘Highly regarded family practitioner whose practice is divided between the very largest
financial disputes and complex multi–jurisdictional child matters. His financial remedy
practice sees him representing extremely high–profile figures in enormous divorce
proceedings with labyrinthine assets to navigate. He earns particular praise for his ability to
present complex information in an accessible way’
‘He does both children and finances at a high level. He’s meticulous in all his paperwork and
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 6not afraid of a fight. He’s a formidable opponent who makes the client feel very supported –
he’s both practical and human with them.’
Chambers and Partners 2019
“Clients and solicitors have the utmost respect for him as he’s a really robust advocate. He
is very good at reading the judges, and knows the points which are going to win them over.”
Legal 500 2019
‘Stays on top of an extraordinary amount of detail.’
Chambers and Partners 2018
‘He has gravitas, huge intellect and the ear of the judges.’
Legal 500 2018
‘Highly regarded family practitioner whose practice is divided between the very largest
financial disputes and complex multi jurisdictional children matters. His financial remedy
practice sees him representing extremely high profile figures in enormous divorce
proceedings with labyrinthine assets to navigate.’
‘A go–to option: he’s robust, very quick at getting to the root of issues and consequently
greatly in demand.’
Chambers and Partners 2017
‘An outstanding advocate, who is able to hold his own against any silk; he works
prodigiously hard and gets results.’
Legal 500 2017
‘A senior junior specialising in finance work who also handles private law children work
including leave to remove and abduction cases. He also sits part time as a judge. His peers
pick him out for his client manner and sharp legal analysis.’
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 7‘Forensically he is second to none. Give him enough time in a case and he will find the
thread that unravels the whole lot. He’s really bright, really sharp, and is a very good
advocate, who is expressive and can put things across succinctly.’
Chambers and Partners 2016
‘Principally undertakes significant matrimonial finance cases, but also handles challenging
private law children matters. His cases often contain complex cross–border and trust
considerations, and regularly concern very substantial, disputed assets.’
‘He is pragmatic, sensible and a formidable advocate.’ ‘He definitely has a fine brain, is very
hard–working and very thorough. He fights hard and serves his clients well.’
Chambers and Partners 2015
‘Ruthlessly Pragmatic’
Legal 500 2015
James Roberts continues to make waves as a leading junior. While predominantly handling
high–value matrimonial finance disputes, he also maintains a respected children law
practice.
Expertise ‘Exhibits fantastically strong analysis.’ ‘He’s an outstanding advocate who
understands both his clients and the realities of life and business’.
Chambers and Partners 2014
‘tipped for silk’ by market observers impressed with his broad family law expertise. The core
of his practice is high–value matrimonial finance disputes, while in the private children law
sphere he has a noted specialism in international child abduction cases. Sources relate that
he is ‘a good, thorough advocate’ who is ‘at the top of his game.
Chambers and Partners 2013
‘Ruthlessly Pragmatic’
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 8Legal 500 2013
James Roberts is a popular choice for both children work and matrimonial finance. He is
described as ‘thorough, responsive and a hugely accomplished courtroom performer.’
Chambers and Partners 2012
James Roberts is ‘clever, forthright and incisive’
Legal 500 2012
‘…energetic and always up for the fight…’ James Roberts has excellent
working relationships with some of London’s leading divorce lawyers, ‘a good head for
figures and a manner that gives clients confidence.’
Chambers and partners 2011
‘ . . pragmatic, sensible and good with clients’ and much in demand. . . James Roberts climbs
the rankings this year on the strength of hugely positive feedback.
A ‘sonorous advocate of great vitality, he cuts to the core of cases and easily establishes a
rapport with clients.’
Chambers and Partners – 2010
‘James Roberts has ‘very good client–handling skills and excellent judgement’.’
Legal 500 – 2010
‘James Roberts’ ‘cross–examination style is like a razor through soft flesh.’ This charming
individual is instructed time and again as he constitutes ‘a great blend of tenacity and
approachability.’’
Chambers and Partners 2009
‘Bouncy and bright,’ James Roberts impresses as ‘one of the most realistic counsel – he’s
very careful about only fighting things that, on a reasonable risk analysis, seem likely to
succeed.’ He is most respected for ancillary relief work but also has a significant practice in
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 9children’s law, particularly child abduction.’
Chambers and Partners 2008
‘James Roberts specialises in matrimonial finance, but also has a strong name in
international children work. He is ‘extremely bright and good with the clients.’’
Chambers and partners 2007
‘…a very popular figure ‘whose jolliness wins a multitude of fans’. He has ‘a sunniness of
disposition which turns to an air of grave purpose once the courtroom battle begins.’’
Chambers and Partners 2006
‘…James Roberts is ‘a flamboyant and aggressive courtroom performer.’’
Awards and Scholarships
Prince of Wales Scholar (Joint Inns of Court – highest scholarship)
Holker Scholar (Gray’s Inn – highest scholarship)
Education
Bluecoat School
Oriel College, Oxford MA (Jurisprudence)
Inns of Court School of Law (Bar Vocational Course)
Professional Memberships
Recorder (2009)
Member of the Honorable Society of Gray’s Inn
Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Board member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators Ltd
Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
Executive Officer (Treasurer) of the Family Law Bar Association 2005 – to date
Leading Family Law Barristers | 1 King’s Bench Walk | 10Elected Committee Member of the Family Law Bar Association 1999 – to date
Past Member of the Remuneration Committee of the Bar Council
Member of the Bar Quality Advisory Panel
Accredited Pupil Supervisor
Accredited Advocacy Trainer
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