James Roberts KC MCIArb
Call 1993 | Silk 2019
Head of Chambers
"He is incredibly clever, extraordinarily numerate and extremely client-friendly."
"He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and his judgement is always right."
Chambers & Partners, 2025
James is a silk who has been ranked highly for many years in the professional directories as a barrister specialising in “heavy” and complex financial remedy cases. He also has considerable experience 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 authorised to hear complex Financial Remedy cases at the Central Family Court. He is Chair of the Family Law Bar Association.
He has also been at the forefront of the development of ADR in family cases. Chambers & Partners 2025 says :
“He does extraordinary work and is very skilled at mediating very difficult cases.”
“He has buckets of gravitas whilst remaining down to earth.”
Legal 500 2025 says:
“James’ indications are always on point, and his advice is focused and precise. He can quickly see through the noise of the case to get to the heart of it.”
James is a silk who specialises in financial remedy cases (including all aspects of claims between unmarried partners). He was, prior to taking silk, cited for many years in the Legal 500 as a leading junior in family work, and also in Chambers & Partners as a leading junior (Band 1) in both financial remedy and children work. He is one of only a few silks who specialise in financial remedy work that also possess a strong background in children work.
The majority of James’ practice consists of financial remedy work in which he has experience at all levels. He practises mainly in the High Court and the Central Family Court dealing with ‘heavy’ cases involving high net worth clients, trusts, complex company structures, business and valuation issues, tax and international issues. He has been instructed in a considerable number of cases where the assets far exceed £500m. 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.
He has acted for many ‘high profile’ clients including sports stars, musicians and actors. He has advised individuals, trusts and trustees in this jurisdiction and in other jurisdictions including Cayman, Jersey, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Isle of Man.
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.
He sits as a Recorder (part-time Judge) and is one of the few Recorders authorised to hear complex cases in the Financial Remedy Court.
Although James specialises in financial remedy cases (including all aspects of claims between unmarried partners) he also undertakes private law children work, particularly international relocation cases, and international child abduction cases.
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. This is particularly true in relation to private law children applications involving unmarried parents and also in relation to relocation applications and their interaction with finances.
He sits as a Recorder (part-time Judge) and is authorised to hear children cases.
James is one of the ‘go to’ people in the provision of Private FDRs or ‘early neutral evaluation’. He appears in Band 1 of the new “ADR” category in Chambers & Partners and in the Legal 500.
He is extremely numerate and is highly regarded by his peers making him a popular choice for Private FDRs. He has conducted over 100 Private FDRs and has appeared as counsel in an even greater number.
James sits as a Recorder (part-time Judge) and is one of the few Recorders authorised to hear complex financial cases in the Financial Remedies Court.
Parties value greatly the Judicial experience that he brings to cases together with his general approachability and humane but straightforward approach.
As the directories recognise he is a “details” person. His preparation is always thorough, and parties leave his hearings in the knowledge that they have received informed and authoritative assistance. He has a plain-speaking manner which the parties value and, as has been repeatedly recognised by the professional directories, the ability to make the most complex legal issues simple.
He had an enviable settlement rate (over 90%) and is rightly perceived by his peers as ‘straight down the line’ in terms of his approach and indications.
Legal 500, 2025 says:
“James’ indications are always on point, and his advice is focused and precise. He can quickly see through the noise of the case to get to the heart of it.”
James is a founding Board member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA) and he sits on the Advisory Committee to IFLA. He was at the forefront of the development of arbitration in family cases in this jurisdiction. 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 general approach make him one of the ‘go to’ choices when parties are seeking a swift, confidential, adjudication in their 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.
James is one of the few members of the bar who practises 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 authorised to hear both complex financial and children matters.
He has been a mediator for over 15 years and is particularly adept at helping to resolve high conflict cases. It has been said of him that “He can make the unsettleable settle on the fair and proper terms”.
James undertakes a very limited number of direct access cases each year.
He is approachable and responsive. He has a plain-speaking manner which direct access clients in particular value and, as has been repeatedly recognised by the directories, has the ability to make the most complex legal issues simple.
He has a particular interest in enforcement of orders in family cases. He is able to recommend solicitors to direct access clients where appropriate.
Reputation & Awards
"James is one of the finest silks in the country."
CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2025
Chambers & Partners, 2025
Family/Matrimonial ADR
“He does extraordinary work and is very skilled at mediating very difficult cases.”
“He has buckets of gravitas whilst remaining down to earth.”
Family : Matrimonial Finance
“Judges never fail to be impressed by his gravitas.”
“He has a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
“He is incredibly clever, extraordinarily numerate and extremely client-friendly.”
“He’s not afraid to be tough and fight his corner, but he also knows when and how to settle.”
“James is very good on the detail, great with clients and someone who knows how to read a case brilliantly.”
“He is a champion for his clients, who meticulously prepares his cases and adopts a robust advocacy style.”
“James is one of the finest silks in the country.”
“He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and his judgement is always right.”
“James Roberts is one of the best there is.”
Legal 500, 2025
Private FDR Judges/ Arbitrators
“James’ indications are always on point, and his advice is focused and precise. He can quickly see through the noise of the case to get to the heart of it.”
Divorce and Financial Remedy
“James is a well-respected and dynamic advocate. He has sound judgement, and judges trust and listen to him.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
Family/Matrimonial ADR
James Roberts KC is routinely sought out as an evaluator for private FDRs and arbitrations. He frequently presides over matters involving high value, international assets.
“Bright, direct and someone who will cut to the chase, he doesn’t stand for any nonsense and is very good at predicting what the outcome is likely to be.”
“He is very good at taking a view, but he manages to keep parties on board and helps assist them in achieving really good, successful outcomes.”
“Very calming and measured, and was there when we needed him. He read well into the case and took time with it ….”
Family : Matrimonial Finance
“Well able to act on the biggest cases, he’s got a fantastic courtroom manner and an excellent ability to reassure and persuade the tribunal.”
“A powerful advocate, who is very authoritative, experienced and measured.”
“James is consistently brilliant with clients and on his feet.”
Legal 500, 2024
Private FDR Judges/ Arbitrators
‘James has immense authority and gravitas as a tribunal. He commands the respect of lay clients even when delivering bad news because the rigour, care, humanity and process of thought are carefully and humanely explained and demonstrated. He can make the unsettleable settle on the fair and proper terms.’
Divorce and Financial Remedy
‘James is conscientious personified. He is very responsive and can pick up and run complex cases. He provides clear and to-the-point advice and leaves no stone unturned.’
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“James Roberts is a phenomenal lawyer, clear-sighted, straightforward and tactically astute.” “James Roberts is an extremely capable advocate who can read judges well. He has excellent levels of knowledge across the full ambit of family law.”
Legal 500, 2023
‘James is an excellent barrister with an agreeable, measured and reassuring style. He is an impressive advocate who cuts to the heart of the case. His confidence and wisdom guarantees that he has the ear of the court. His work as a recorder means that he can see the case from all perspectives.’
Chambers & Partners, 2022
‘Clients feel understood and protected when he is in their corner.’ ‘If there’s hidden money to be uncovered, he will do a thorough job and find it.’ ‘A careful listener who remembers the smallest details of cases and is spot-on with his advice. He has got the ear of the court and has the ability to gauge which point to pursue and when.’
Legal 500, 2022
‘James is a brilliant advocate who has the ear of judges. Clients adore him as they know that he is passionate about achieving the best outcome for them. He has a fine mind and is able to see a way through even the most complicated and intractable cases.’
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“A calm and incisive advocate with excellent client skills, who has the capacity to absorb a huge amount of paper in a short time.”
“Offers detailed, sensible and nuanced advice.” “His charming nature masks a razor-sharp mind.”
Legal 500, 2021
‘Delves completely into a case and leaves no stone unturned. He digests every detail which instils confidence in solicitors and clients. He is robust and clear in advice and approach.’
Chambers & Partners, 2020
‘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 possesses considerable experience in matters concerning offshore trusts. He earns particular praise for his ability to present complex information in an accessible way’
“A superb advocate, whom judges really respect and listen to. He’s always spot-on with his advice and clients are dazzled by him.” “He’s a details person so you know when you instruct him that he’ll read everything and that you’re in good hands. He sits as a judge as well, which helps his judgement, and he isn’t affected by what’s going on around him or comments that are made. James is very good at separating the wood from the trees.”
Legal 500, 2020
‘ Has the ear of the court and the ability to gauge what point to pursue and when – his advocacy is silky smooth.’
Chambers & 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 & Partners, 2018
“He does both children and finances at a high level. He’s meticulous in all his paperwork and not afraid of a fight. He’s a formidable opponent who makes the client feel very supported – he’s both practical and human with them.”
Legal 500, 2018
‘He has gravitas, huge intellect and the ear of the judges.’
Chambers & Partners, 2017
‘A go–to option: he’s robust, very quick at getting to the root of issues and consequently greatly in demand.’
Legal 500, 2017
‘An outstanding advocate, who is able to hold his own against any silk; he works prodigiously hard and gets results.’
Chambers & Partners, 2016
‘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.’
‘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 & Partners, 2015
‘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.’
Legal 500, 2015
‘Ruthlessly Pragmatic’
Chambers & Partners, 2014
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 & Partners 2013
‘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.
Legal 500, 2013
‘Ruthlessly Pragmatic’
Chambers & Partners 2012
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.’
Legal 500, 2012
James Roberts is ‘clever, forthright and incisive’
Chambers & Partners 2011
‘…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 & Partners 2010
‘ . . 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.’
Legal 500, 2010
‘James Roberts has ‘very good client–handling skills and excellent judgement’.’
Chambers & Partners 2008
‘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 & Partners 2008
‘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 children’s law, particularly child abduction.’
Chambers & Partners 2007
‘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 & Partners 2006
‘…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 & Partners 2005
‘…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)
- Vice Chair of the Family Law Bar Association (“FLBA”) (2022 and 2023)
- Chair of the FLBA
- Executive Officer (Treasurer) of the FLBA (2006 – 2021)
- Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
- Bencher of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn (2021)
- Member of the Honourable Society of The Inner Temple
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
- Board member of the Institute of Family Law Arbitrators Ltd (“IFLA”)
- Advisory Committee member – IFLA
- Elected National Committee Member FLBA (1996 to date)
- Past Member of the Remuneration Committee of the Bar Council
- Member of the Bar Council Quality Advisory Panel
- Accredited Pupil Supervisor
- Accredited Advocacy Trainer
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