Leonie James
Call 2019
Leonie accepts instructions in all areas of family law and has experience appearing at all levels up to and including the High Court.
For the 2022- 2023 legal year, Leonie was the judicial assistant to Lord Stephens at the Supreme Court. She gained a unique insight into appeals before the Supreme Court and worked on complex cases at the highest level in multiple areas of law. This includes Unger v Ul-Hasan [2023] UKSC 22 (death of a party – financial relief following an overseas divorce).
Prior to joining chambers, she worked as a Research Assistant for the Law Commission (on the surrogacy and wills projects) and completed a training contract at a firm known for matrimonial finance and private children work.
Leonie accepts instructions in all aspects of financial proceedings including matrimonial finance, enforcement, variation, applications pursuant to TOLATA 1996 and applications under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.
She has experience of acting both in court and in representing clients at Private FDR.
Leonie acts on behalf of all parties in private children disputes concerning contact, residence, relocation, enforcement, and all aspects of parental responsibility.
She has acted in private children proceedings following child abduction proceedings and a ‘stranded spouse’ case.
Leonie is available to instruct in all stages of child abduction work.
Leonie accepts instructions in public law proceedings on behalf of Local Authorities, parents, Guardians, and other family members.
Awards and Scholarships
- Honorary Scholarship, for outstanding performance in final year (Clare College, University of Cambridge)
- College Prize (Clare College, University of Cambridge)
Education
- University of Oxford, BCL, Distinction
- BPP Law School, Bar Transfer Test
- Kaplan Law School, Legal Practice Course, Distinction
- University of Cambridge, BA Law, First Class
Professional Memberships
- Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
- Family Law Bar Association