Since joining Chambers, James has developed a successful practice in the area of Family law, focussing on child law (both public and private law cases) and financial remedy.
James is known as a robust and effective advocate, who always establishes an easy rapport with those he represents.
Legal 500 2026 has published:
“James puts a client completely at ease within seconds.  He is calm, warm and incredibly supportive, and robust, persuasive and thorough in Court.  His cross-examination is a masterclass.”
Prior to starting pupillage James worked as a Legal Adviser in the Magistrates’ Courts for nine years. He sat in the Magistrates’ Court, the Youth Court and the Family Proceedings Court. He joined 9 Park Place as a tenant in October 2014 following the successful completion of his pupillage.
In children matters, James is routinely instructed in complex private law cases involving multiple parties, allegations of sexual abuse and domestic violence, intractable contact disputes, international and national relocation, drug and alcohol addiction and mental health.
He has considerable experience in Finding of Fact (Re: L) hearings and contested Final Hearings.
This year’s Legal 500 has published:
“James puts a client completely at ease within seconds.  He is calm, warm and incredibly supportive, and robust, persuasive and thorough in Court.  His cross-examination is a masterclass.”
James has acted in a broad range of public law cases on behalf of Local Authorities, private parties (including parents, grandparents and other family members) and for children by their Guardians.
He has a wealth of experience dealing with contested cases involving a wide range of issues, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse, severe neglect, domestic violence, substance misuse and the causation of non-accidental injuries to a child.
James is mindful of the great number of vulnerable people that find themselves in care proceedings and is adept at working with parents with learning difficulties, intermediaries and cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. James also has experience in public law cases involving the Official Solicitor.
James has developed a practice in matrimonial finance, applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996Â and cases concerning financial provision for children under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. James provides advice and represents clients in complex disputes, including cases concerning business interests and pensions.
His work has included representing clients before District Judges, Circuit Judges and in the High Court.
LEGAL 500
“James puts a client completely at ease within seconds.  He is calm, warm and incredibly supportive, and robust, persuasive and thorough in Court.  His cross-examination is a masterclass.”
“He is excellent with clients and very pragmatic in his approach and advice. He also prepares thoroughly before hearings and conferences.”
“He is excellent with clients and very pragmatic in his approach and advice. He also prepares thoroughly before hearings and conferences.”
CHAMBERS UK GUIDES
He deals with cases concerning allegations of abuse and injury, which often involve the examination of complex medical evidence.
“James always makes the clients feel at ease and is faultless in his approach to adapting to client’s needs.”
“James Lewis is an excellent advocate, He is warm and supportive with the clients, but robust and detailed in cross-examination.”
“His attention to detail is second to none and this is reflected in comprehensive case documents drafted by him.”
- James was appointed a Deputy District Judge on the Wales Circuit in October 2022.
- Olchfa Comprehensive School, Swansea
- Cardiff University (Law)
- Cardiff Law School, Bar Vocational Course
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