Professional Practice

James is ranked in Chambers and Partners in Band 4 of Matrimonial Finance, and in Band 4 in Legal 500 in Divorce and Financial Remedy.

James practices across all areas of family law, with a particular focus on financial remedy proceedings. He is highly regarded by solicitors for his adept handling of technical issues, and his composed client care.

James has experience being led by silks, both from 29 Bedford Row and other chambers. He has conducted conferences, settlement negotiations, and hearings against silks independently. 

Before joining chambers, James gained valuable experience as a paralegal at Withers LLP, where he assisted on many high-value financial remedy cases

James is qualified to undertake Public Access cases.

James is a Deputy District Judge on the South Eastern Circuit alongside his practice.

He also conducts private FDRs as Tribunal.

• Recommendations

  "James is one of my go to barristers. He represent clients in the most complex cases and is excellent in court." "James has an excellent way with clients. He is aware of the commercial realities of matrimonial finance litigation and advises clients accordingly, allowing them to make informed decisions about the route they want to go down." "James is insightful and provides clear and sensible advice to clients in highly emotional situations." "James is thoughtful, methodical and fantastic to work with."

  Chambers and Partners 2027

  "James is an exceptional and methodical thinker- he explains the law clearly and thoroughly. He relates well to my clients and shows real empathy and understanding of their predicaments."

  Legal 500 2027

  "A junior barrister who appears to be far more experienced than his call. He shows great empathy with clients but is tough on opponents."

  Chambers and Partners 2026

  "James is very approachable and has a friendly manner with clients. He is always well prepared, cutting through the complexities of the case with ease."

  Chambers and Partners 2026

  "James is wonderful. No problem is too great or too small for him. He has the ability to explain complex legal scenarios in a clear, concise way, providing solutions for the client."

  Chambers and Partners 2026

  "James Cooper is a fantastic barrister, who is sensible and approachable. Possessed of expertise way beyond his years, he is just genuinely lovely and clients feel immediately at ease in his presence."

  Chambers and Partners 2025

  "James Cooper is amazing on the law and has an exceptional eye for detail."

  Chambers and Partners 2025

  "He is able to explain complicated areas of law in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner and clients are very complimentary of him. James' advocacy is excellent and he is confident and calm in his submissions, even when really tested on his feet."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  "James is a skilled analyst and a persuasive advocate who is always thoroughly prepared."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

  "James is not afraid to deliver tough advice, combining compassion and realism in doing so. He has a clear vision of what direction he wants a case to take and tries his utmost to keep it on track."

  Chambers and Partners 2024

• Personal Information

  Outside of work, James is an enthusiastic football fan, with a passion for the Fantasy Premier League. He has an impressive ranking of 15th globally in the all-time ratings—a position he remains determined to improve, with his sights set on breaking into the top 10.

  James is also an avid reader and a lover of foreign travel. One of his recent highlights was a road trip down the scenic west coast of the US.