James Stewart is a partner with Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, where he is head of strategy of one of London’s leading family departments. He is an international family lawyer who has been described in Spear’s Magazine as ‘one of the most visible faces in UK family law’. A visiting Professor at Ulster University and General Editor of ‘Blue Book’ (Family Law: A Global Guide, 6th edition, Thomson Reuters 2024), James is recognised as one of the leaders in family law globally.

Throughout his career, James has demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to out of court family dispute resolution. He was one of the first family lawyers in England & Wales to qualify as a collaborative family lawyer in 2003 and has been a Family Arbitrator (MCIArb) since 2015.

James has a proven track record of achieving fair and child centred settlements outside of court, he is described as ‘warm and engaging...his ability to handle even the most difficult of cases is legendary’.

James has a long track record of supporting diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. He was the founder of the LGBTQIA+ Committee at his firm and has championed and mentored a great number of next generation lawyers from all backgrounds throughout his career.

James Co-Chairs the Annual Legal, Finance and Business Dinner, one of the social highlights of the legal calendar and which raises significant funds for Ireland’s leading peacebuilding charity, Co- operation Ireland.