James Legg

Partner (Barrister) - Head of Family Law

Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors

James is a family law specialist, who has been ranked as a leading lawyer in the Legal 500. Before joining the IMD Team, he was a highly sought-after advocate and has previously been in-house counsel to a top international firm of solicitors with a leading presence in ultra-high-net-worth cases. He joins the team to provide specialist advice and support, mainly to the Family Team, whilst working under the supervision of Iwona Durlak, Senior Partner. He is known for his tenacious but human and pragmatic approach. James has been working in the Courts of England and Wales for over ten years and established a practice specialising in financial remedies, children and protective order proceedings. His work often involves complex and sensitive matters, which regularly include international elements, and has resulted in him appearing in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as in foreign jurisdictions. Family Finance James is regularly involved in a broad spectrum of financial settlement proceedings including matters relating to matrimonial/civil partnership finance, Schedule 1 applications, trust disputes, enforcement applications, and applications for interim relief (such as freezing injunctions, maintenance and costs orders). He frequently deals with high net-worth-claims, involving business, trusts, farming and overseas assets and also with cases involving more modest asset bases. Given the increased popularity in digital and crypto-assets, James has developed a specialism in this regard and is experienced in advising clients as to the implications that these assets have on financial remedy proceedings. He also advises and represents clients in proceedings relating to cohabitation claims, with a particular interest in those made under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Private Children James’ private children practice encompasses the full range of applications under the Children Act, including applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. He regularly appears in proceedings that are considering issues of residence, contact, schooling, removal of children from the jurisdiction and surrogacy. James also has a particular expertise in cases involving suspected parental alienation, relocation and international abduction. Protective Orders James also has a wealth of experience dealing with matters involving protective orders made under the Family Law Act 1996, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Other relevant experience In addition to his experience within the courts of this jurisdiction, James has a developing international practice. He has advised and appeared before the courts in the Falkland Islands in relation to a multi-day fact-finding hearing. When working for the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh, James drafted legal submissions to the Supreme Court of Cambodia on behalf of a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Member of the Cambodian Parliament. He also spent time providing legal assistance to inmates facing the death penalty in prisons across North-eastern Botswana and has worked alongside the Law Society of England and Wales in responding to international human rights abuses. James is dedicated to utilising his skills to benefit his community and has provided pro-bono family law assistance at community centres.

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Based in Manchester, Greater Manchester
  • Licensed for 2 years

Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors

James is a family law specialist, who has been ranked as a leading lawyer in the Legal 500. Before joining the IMD Team, he was a highly sought-after advocate and has previously been in-house counsel to a top international firm of solicitors with a leading presence in ultra-high-net-worth cases. He joins the team to provide specialist advice and support, mainly to the Family Team, whilst working under the supervision of Iwona Durlak, Senior Partner. He is known for his tenacious but human and pragmatic approach. James has been working in the Courts of England and Wales for over ten years and established a practice specialising in financial remedies, children and protective order proceedings. His work often involves complex and sensitive matters, which regularly include international elements, and has resulted in him appearing in the High Court and the Court of Appeal, as well as in foreign jurisdictions. Family Finance James is regularly involved in a broad spectrum of financial settlement proceedings including matters relating to matrimonial/civil partnership finance, Schedule 1 applications, trust disputes, enforcement applications, and applications for interim relief (such as freezing injunctions, maintenance and costs orders). He frequently deals with high net-worth-claims, involving business, trusts, farming and overseas assets and also with cases involving more modest asset bases. Given the increased popularity in digital and crypto-assets, James has developed a specialism in this regard and is experienced in advising clients as to the implications that these assets have on financial remedy proceedings. He also advises and represents clients in proceedings relating to cohabitation claims, with a particular interest in those made under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Private Children James’ private children practice encompasses the full range of applications under the Children Act, including applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. He regularly appears in proceedings that are considering issues of residence, contact, schooling, removal of children from the jurisdiction and surrogacy. James also has a particular expertise in cases involving suspected parental alienation, relocation and international abduction. Protective Orders James also has a wealth of experience dealing with matters involving protective orders made under the Family Law Act 1996, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Other relevant experience In addition to his experience within the courts of this jurisdiction, James has a developing international practice. He has advised and appeared before the courts in the Falkland Islands in relation to a multi-day fact-finding hearing. When working for the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights in Phnom Penh, James drafted legal submissions to the Supreme Court of Cambodia on behalf of a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Member of the Cambodian Parliament. He also spent time providing legal assistance to inmates facing the death penalty in prisons across North-eastern Botswana and has worked alongside the Law Society of England and Wales in responding to international human rights abuses. James is dedicated to utilising his skills to benefit his community and has provided pro-bono family law assistance at community centres.

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Based in Manchester, Greater Manchester
  • Licensed for 2 years

Email
Email
James Legg photo

James Legg

Email

ReviewSolicitors Suitability Check

See availability

Expertise

Costs


Please enter a search query before checking suitability.
Our AI couldn’t identify the legal issue in that search 🤔 Try describing the legal problem in a different way.
4.6
Excellent
91%
Value for
Money
86%
Success
Rate
93%
Would
Recommend
Communication 4.8/5
Initial Impressions 4.9/5
Approachability 4.7/5
Documentation Accuracy 4.6/5
Legal Knowledge 4.8/5
Value for money 4.6/5
Expertise

Experience

  • IMD Solicitors LLP

    Barrister

    Until Present

Opening hours

Monday 09:00–17:30
Tuesday 09:00–17:30
Wednesday 09:00–17:30
Thursday 09:00–17:30 (Open)
Friday 09:00–17:30
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (Closed)

Suite 1N-C, 1st Floor, Trafford House, Chester Road, Stretford, M32 0RS

Reviews

4.6 /5 14 Reviews
Filter your results
Star rating
Review Source

Rating

Review Source

ReviewSolicitors Review List

Profile image of Martin Millen

Martin Millen

Verified
Family Law

Professional, supportive service in a complex TOLATA matter

I instructed IMD Solicitors, working primarily with James Legg and Antonia Rotaru, in relation to a complex TOLATA matter which proceeded through arbitration. Whilst the final outcome was not what I had initially hoped for, I was very pleased with the level of service provided throughout. James, Antonia and the wider team were consistently professional, responsive and supportive during what was a challenging and often demanding process. The advice provided was clear, pragmatic and well-considered, and communication was always prompt and reliable. I felt well informed at each stage and able to make decisions with a proper understanding of the situation. I would be happy to recommend IMD Solicitors to others requiring experienced and knowledgeable legal support in this area.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Reply by profile image of Karol Prokopczuk

Karol Prokopczuk

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Alexander Munoz

Alexander Munoz

Verified
Family Law

Fantastic outcome in the family court

James and his Team were excellent. Through their excellent advice and then James’ great advocacy in Court the team helped me secure a joint lives with order quickly and despite opposition and delaying tactics from the other side. His focus was on trying to achieve fair settlement where possible to reduce my costs but he also gave clear and timely advice as to when the Court’s help was needed.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Reply by profile image of Karol Prokopczuk

Karol Prokopczuk

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Jacek

Jacek

Jacek

I would like to sincerely thank the entire IMD Solicitors team for their exceptionally professional and empathetic approach to my situation. I would especially like to thank Aleksandra Jankowska, who demonstrated complete commitment and was always available to support me during the most difficult period of my life. She has handled three of my cases, and I am very satisfied with her work. I highly recommend her.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

A representative from IMD Solicitors LLP responded to this review

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Giulio Vita

Giulio Vita

Family Law

Disappointing experience: Academic approach over proactive legal strategy

I am sharing this review following the conclusion of my case with new representation. While I initially chose Miss Giannone for her dual-culture expertise, my experience was unfortunately disappointing. I found the communication to be suboptimal, often focusing on general legal theory rather than a proactive strategy. Most concerningly, I was advised to sign a deed of separation that my current firm, Giambrone Law—who successfully secured my child custody—subsequently identified as having serious flaws. During the process, I felt there was a significant lack of inquiry into the fairness or balance of the deed. Crucial context regarding the pressure I was under to sign—specifically threats that a refusal would lead to a difficult custody battle—was not explored. I felt left to navigate these pressures alone, without a clear assessment of whether the agreement was truly in my best interests or signed under duress. I would advise those looking for a legal partner to ensure they receive a solicitor who prioritizes strategic protection and thorough due diligence over academic explanations.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Reply by profile image of Karol Prokopczuk

Karol Prokopczuk

We are really sorry you feel disappointed with the outcome of your matter. Please do contact us directly for a further explanation as to the current position.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo
Profile image of Nicholas

Nicholas

Verified
Family Law

Great Service exceptionally professional

I was introduced to IMD Solicitors and, in particular, to James Legg. From the start, I was impressed by the professionalism of the team and their thoughtful approach to my situation. James is consistently on hand with practical advice, never over-promising and always over-delivering. He kept my feet on the ground throughout the entire divorce process, and he took the time to listen to my rants and moans, responding with solid, calm guidance. We prepared meticulously for what was meant to be a three-day trial, but it extended to five, and James and his team were there every step of the way to help. In the end, the verdict from the judge was exactly what James and his advice had indicated at the outset. I couldn’t wish for more. Thanks to James and the entire team at IMD Solicitors for delivering such excellent service. Well done, all. Nicholas R

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Reply by profile image of Karol Prokopczuk

Karol Prokopczuk

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

0
Collected on: ReviewSolicitor collection source logo

Other Reviews

Profile image of charlie

charlie

Family Law

charlie

I have found IMD Solicitors to be very reliable and throughly professional at all times. I particularly like the clear and transparent fees and costs. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

A representative from IMD Solicitors LLP responded to this review

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

2
Collected on: Google collection source logo
Profile image of Constantin

Constantin

Family Law

Constantin

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. James Legg, Barrister, Ms. Oana Preda, Solicitor, and Irina Matasa, First Response Team Advisor. Their professionalism and expertise were evident throughout our collaboration on my cases. I was particularly impressed with the quality of their services, their professionalism, and the ease of communication via phone, WhatsApp, and Teams. I highly recommend their services and would like to thank them again for their outstanding support.

Legal experts tagged in
this review

Reply by profile image of Karol Prokopczuk

Karol Prokopczuk

Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.

4
Collected on: Google collection source logo

Learn if this Solicitor can assist you

Discover the right legal expertise tailored to your needs. Assess availability, delve into specialised knowledge, and understand costs transparently.

Our platform, dedicated to collecting solicitor reviews, ranks them based on value, quality, and ethical standards, guiding you to informed decisions.

See availability
Check expertise
Estimate Costs
Clear