Family Office partners

James Cook advises on estate and succession planning, wills, probate, trusts, tax-planning, lasting powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. His work often includes international elements whereby he advises both UK and non-UK clients. He is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, a student member of the Association of Taxation Technicians and was named in eprivateclient's Top 35 under 35 classes of 2017 and 2018. 

Families are as diverse as modern life, and so are their needs. My practice reflects this, covering all aspects of family life, particularly where personal relationships intersect with financial and business planning. I specialise in complex financial matters, including businesses, trusts, and tax structures, often with an international element. Working closely with my Family Office colleagues and wider network, I ensure clients receive integrated advice tailored to their unique situations—often delivered in collaborative, round-table discussions with relevant family members and advisors.

Succession of family wealth can be complex and challenging. I specialise in resolving disputes in trusts and estates, using my litigation experience to identify hidden weaknesses. My work includes stress-testing trust structures, advising on trustee conduct or removal, and assessing disclosure obligations. While litigation is a last resort, I focus on resolving disputes through mediation or proactive structuring to avoid conflict. My aim is to protect family interests with practical, strategic advice that mitigates risk and ensures smooth wealth management.

I am a corporate lawyer specialising in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, debt finance, and corporate governance. While I often advise in traditional business settings, I also work closely with colleagues on family-focused matters. This includes managing business interests for owners as part of succession planning, during separation, or after death—particularly in contested situations. Advising in a family context shares similarities with commercial work: the legal framework remains the same, and the goal is always to understand and achieve my clients’ objectives.

I have experience in all aspects of real estate transactions with a particular focus on investment, asset management and funding.

I specialise in leading multi-disciplinary teams on complex portfolio transactions across a number of sectors. My client base is varied and includes property companies, family offices, investors and occupational tenants.

I advise individuals and families on all aspects of giving, helping achieve their philanthropic legacy. This includes establishing or running family foundations, advising on structure, compliance, and passing values through generations. I assist donors with large or complex gifts, ensuring giving protects family reputation and interests while delivering the desired impact—whether securing naming rights or ensuring discretion. If issues arise, I have extensive experience guiding charities through Charity Commission investigations, helping resolve challenges effectively and sensitively.

Reputational and regulatory issues can have unexpected, far-reaching impacts. My role is to provide clear advice on managing media crises and ongoing interactions with regulatory bodies. I work closely with Family Office clients, often alongside colleagues, to minimise the impact of issues affecting their personal or professional lives. Whether in crisis management or proactive support, my focus is always on protecting clients’ present and future interests effectively and discreetly.

I advise families, individuals, and businesses on UK immigration matters, including sponsor licences, visa applications, and compliance. With a 100% success rate on sponsor licences and visas since 2003, I provide clear, strategic advice to navigate complex immigration issues. My expertise includes cross-border mobility, Home Office liaison, and managing immigration aspects of corporate transactions. I also support clients in challenging unlawful decisions and ensuring compliance, helping Family Office clients address immigration needs alongside their wider family and business priorities.

I have been advising clients on their properties since 1981, specialising in the high-end property market and unusual properties such as stately homes, estates and castles.

My experience includes advising on site acquisitions, secured lending, development and property investment. I have dealt with properties in nearly all iconic buildings in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster, and have been called as an expert witness in a number of property-related High Court cases. 

I work extensively with the firm’s real estate, planning and construction, enfranchisement and private client teams in order to provide a holistic service to my clients.