James McCarthy

James McCarthy

Called to bar: 
2019
Gray's Inn

James joined Chambers as a tenant in October 2022 following successful completion of his pupillage under the supervision of Clare Templeman (Family), Alison Donovan (Family/Civil) and Iain Alba (Family).

Having studied Law at Swansea University, James achieved a First Class Honours and was awarded the Public Law Wales award for achieving the highest mark in Public Law. During university, James was offered an internship with the Federal Public Defender in Los Angeles and spent 2 months working with Public Defender Attorneys. James went on to study the BPTC with LLM in London under the Edmund Davies Scholarship awarded by Gray’s Inn. As part of the LLM, James undertook family law pro bono cases, representing clients in private children matters.

James was subsequently employed as a paralegal in a Legal 500 firm, working in the areas of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. James also assisted on the St James & St Verdast Compensation Scheme in respect of historic abuse allegations. James has developed a practice in the areas of family and civil law. He accepts instructions in a broad range of matters including private & public children law, family injunctions, small claims, fast track claims and possession claims.

Practice Areas

Family law

James represents both Applicants and Respondents in a range of family matters in the County Court before Magistrates, District Judges and Circuit Judges.

Private Law:

James frequently receives instructions to represent a range of individuals, including parents and grandparents, in respect of applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders. James undertakes work at all stages of proceedings in private children matters, including conciliation, direction hearings, and final hearings. James regularly works with clients who are alleging or have been accused of domestic abuse, including matters of abuse to the child, and where there is Local Authority involvement.

James also represents clients in family injunction applications for Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, including Transfer of Tenancy.

Public Law:

James accepts instructions in public law matters and has represented parents at a variety of stages including C2 applications and issues resolutions hearings in respect of applications for Care Orders, Supervision Orders and Discharge of Care Orders.

Civil law

James regularly undertakes work on a variety of small claim matters, particularly in respect of Road Traffic Accidents, where liability and quantum are in dispute. James’ work has also comprised fast track claims and stage 3 hearings in respect of personal injury, along with infant approval hearings. James is frequently instructed on possession claims made under section 8 and section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

Memberships 

Gray’s Inn

Wales and Chester Circuit

Family Law Bar Association

Education 

Law LLB, Swansea University – First Class Honours
BPTC/LLM, University of Law – Very Competent/Distinction