Barrister at Expatriate Law

Byron James

Barrister

Byron James is a Partner and Head of the Expatriate Law team in the United Arab Emirates. Having been based in the Middle East for several years, he has an expert understanding of the local law and culture, in particular the way in which it affects expatriates. His caseload is diverse, he represents expatriates all over the world with clients in almost every continent. He specialises in all aspects of family law, ranging from divorce and financial remedy cases to disputes involving children. Byron is ranked by Chambers & Partners with impressive testimonials, calling him ‘very astute’ and ‘an asset to the firm. Another interviewee said: "He is extremely intelligent, and very much on top of the changing international family law landscape. He knows lots about regulation and is at the cutting edge of the legal world." Byron is also ranked by Spears Family Law Index. Before joining Expatriate Law, Byron worked as a Barrister in Central London for over ten years. He was ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading barrister. At one time, he was the youngest family law barrister ranked in the directories. Byron has won several awards during his career, including being recently shortlisted as “International Family Lawyer of the Year” and previously being named “Young Child Law Specialist of the Year”. In 2013, he was awarded the Pegasus Scholarship that enabled him to work for a time in New Zealand. During his career at the Bar, Byron appeared in Courts throughout England, including in several reported decisions resolving complex areas of family law. This experience has given Byron an excellent understanding of the Court process and first hand knowledge of litigating and negotiating family law matters. He also knows the members of the family Bar extremely well, and knows which barristers are right for each client or case.

2 Eaton Gate, London, SW1W 9BJ

Licensed for 5 years

Practice Areas

Family Law

5.0/5 29 Client Reviews 29
  • Family Law 100%
29 Client Reviews

5.0/5

Overall experience

  • Value For Money
  • Communication
  • Initial Impressions
  • Approachability
  • Documentation Accuracy
  • Legal knowledge

Reviews summary

  • Excellent
    29
  • Very Good
    0
  • Average
    0
  • Poor
    0
  • Awful
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Micheal
Micheal Added 2 weeks ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
November 15, 2024 20241115151909

Excellent successful representation in Family Law court.

5

I engaged with Expatriate law and Byron James in September 2024 for child custody proceedings in the UAE. From the outset Byron and the legal team were very professional, with excellent, clear communication at all times. Byron demonstrated an excellent knowledge of UAE law and I was more than happy with the legal advice and service provided which resulted in a successful outcome in my case. In my experience as an expat, having a native English speaking lawyer who can clearly explain the laws of the UAE and fight your case is invaluable in the court system here. I would highly recommend Byron and Expatriate law without hesitation.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Anonymous
Anonymous Added 4 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
July 16, 2024 20240716165239

Mr. James is absolutely at the top of his game!

5

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. James and his team for their outstanding support.

They resolved an extremely complicated issue that I would still be facing today without their professional and pragmatic approach. Mr. James possesses a deep understanding of the law and the legal process works in the UAE. His dignified and professional manner, combined with his expertise, makes for an exceptional combination.

I am proud to call him my lawyer and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking legal support. If you are unsure, have a call with him, you will benefit from fantastic advice and will be left in no doubt on how to proceed.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

PhilMatt
PhilMatt Added 9 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
February 17, 2024 20240217075506

Expatriate Law - UAE - Byron James & team

5

Byron James provided expert legal counsel in my case which involved and required expert knowledge within the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court within an international setting.

Most importantly Mr James took the time to understand the emotional aspect of my matter and its importance for my children. Byron James is, in my opinion without peer in his overall approach in his advocacy, supportive, understanding, and professionalism whilst constantly examining the case.

This case was extremely complicated having an international multi-jurisdictional complexity and more, which Byron and his team worked hard to navigate through.

He and his team were prompt with responses, filing, feedback and administrative support, which is one of the difficult aspects when dealing with language barriers as an expat in the UAE. For expats and in general, this is a relief having the ability to communicate effectively, something I have had problems and experience in the past.

Byron has managed to achieve many precedent outcomes/decisions in the Abu Dhabi Civil Family court. His approach and understanding of complex matters and ability to convey the human aspect throughout proceedings is the driving force behind achieving these outcomes.

Overall if I highly recommend Byron James at Expatriate Law for family matters, multi-jurisdictional and complex family matters.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Richard
Richard Added 10 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
February 02, 2024 20240202094505

Divorce Settlement Services

5

Byron and the team have been amazing. Delivered very pragmatic advice and were very careful to work within my budget, keeping communication short and to the point. Everything concluded for me beyond my expectations.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Sarah
Sarah Added 10 months ago 1 found this helpful Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
January 18, 2024 20240118105648

Professional and supportive

5

Expatriate Law have provided an exceptional service, demonstrating professionalism, unwavering support, and efficiency throughout. Byron, in particular, stood out for his experience and expertise
but also for his personal and considerate manner. His guidance and commitment greatly contributed to a positive experience. Thanks also to Marilou for her timely communication and updates. I highly recommend this firm for their outstanding legal representation.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

A representative from Expatriate Law responded to this review on 23 January, 2024

Thank you very much for your kind review - these reviews make me tremendously proud of our brilliant team. I wish you the very best for the future, Alexandra

Was this review helpful? Yes

Julie
Julie Added 10 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
January 11, 2024 20240111153431

The Best for Family Law in the UAE

5

After initially working with another law firm and unfortunately losing my case for sole custody, I enlisted the services of ExpatLaw, and specifically that of Byron James, given his prior successes in winning custody disputes under the new Abu Dhabi Non-Muslim family law. From the beginning, I was impressed with Byron's understanding of the law in question, his eagerness to problem-solve using creative strategies where appropriate, the excellent support of his team, his straightforward communication style, and also his empathy in addressing my concerns. After crafting and executing a multi-pronged strategy, I'm thrilled to report that he has won yet another custody case. Many law firms seem to be struggling with this new law, but Byron James has a masterful understanding of it, and is keen to explore its full potential.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Julie
Julie Added 10 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
January 11, 2024 20240111153340

ExpatLaw succeeded where other lawyers failed

5

After initially working with another law firm and unfortunately losing my case for sole custody, I enlisted the services of ExpatLaw, and specifically that of Byron James, given his prior successes in winning custody disputes under the new Abu Dhabi Non-Muslim family law. From the beginning, I was impressed with Byron's understanding of the law in question, his eagerness to problem-solve using creative strategies where appropriate, the excellent support of his team, his straightforward communication style, and also his empathy in addressing my concerns. After crafting and executing a multi-pronged strategy, I'm thrilled to report that he has won yet another custody case. Many law firms seem to be struggling with this new law, but Byron James has a masterful understanding of it, and is keen to explore its full potential.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Sarah
Sarah Added 11 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
December 27, 2023 20231227212252

Outstanding - Oscar Smith

5

I consider Oscar to be the primary driving force behind why I find myself today in a position of emotional and physical stability, strength and wellbeing.

My case was complex and multifaceted from the offset. We began our communications in Spring of 2021, during the pandemic. I don’t imagine there is ever a straightforward process when overseeing clients through divorce proceedings and all that this entails, however, I do believe Oscar was faced with an extremely challenging case and set of circumstances in my instance and in the face of such adversity his ability to not only meet but excel at managing it’s demands was outstanding and faultless.

Oscar first met me whilst I was a client at a residential addiction treatment programme in London receiving treatment for alcoholism; I was one month into my recovery programme having more or less fled Abu Dhabi in order to escape the physically and emotionally abusive marriage I was in, to seek addiction treatment in the UK and begin children’s proceedings whilst my children needed to remain at school in Abu Dhabi. For a vulnerable person such as myself in the context of these circumstances, I was extremely apprehensive of making any new acquaintance's and tried to avoid communications with almost anyone other than family or my counsellors, I was also committed to a strict recovery programme and being in the early stages of recovery I was in a high relapse risk position.

As such Oscar was tasked with having to handle my process very delicately, to gain my trust, extrapolate necessary information from me to build my case, whilst being acutely aware that any distressing topic or question could be a triggering factor for me and thus potentially leave me vulnerable to relapse which needless to say would have been damaging for my case.

Throughout our interactions Oscar always made me feel at ease, reassured, supported, understood and safe, he was enormously patient and encouraging and always went above and beyond throughout proceedings. He expertly led me through more of the complex areas of the case, effectively clarifying where necessary and was skilled at gently but assertively encouraging me to maximise my position. There were times when I might waiver on my direction, with years of my being in a highly controlling relationship there were instances where I may have conceded on matters that I should not have as I was often still co-dependent with my ex husband but Oscar diligently and patiently navigated such instances and I am eternally grateful for this, he was my strength when I did not have enough of my own.

Oscar is incredibly empathetic and would be able to predict and provide the necessary guidance ahead of situations I would find potentially triggering and was able to put in place reassurances and measures that he knew would work for me; whether that was advice on putting me at ease ahead of a hearing, quashing unfounded fears I had further to receiving intimidating correspondence from the other side or by introducing counsel to me with consideration of my apprehension towards meeting new people during my vulnerable process of recovery. Oscars natural rapport with counsel, including Will Tyler KC and Sarah Phipps KC, immediately relieved me of any feelings of shame or awkwardness I had during conferences as I could see the ease at which they interacted which gave me confidence. Without Oscar’s excellent suggestions of such counsel which leant themselves in their niches to the complexities of the case, and his painstaking work towards each and every element of the case, the team work and strong relationships displayed throughout, I do not believe we would have gained the exceedingly successful results that we did.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

Nicola
Nicola Added 1 year ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
November 21, 2023 20231121132205

Byron James - The ultimate professional!!

5

After plenty of research into divorce lawyers in Dubai I came across Byron James and Expatriate Law. As an expat living in Dubai but divorcing through the U.K. Courts I needed a law firm who could offer me solid legal advice over both jurisdictions.

From our first initial meeting I had no doubt that Byron James was the lawyer that I needed on my side. Byron was always supportive, understanding and hugely knowledgeable in all aspects of my case. Our divorce was further complicated by lack of financial transparency however Byron offered sound, sensible advice eg. suggesting mediation to keep costs down.

Byron and his excellent team kept me constantly updated and informed. Byron is very approachable, he explained the process to me and guided me throughout the entire divorce. I really appreciated that Byron took time to listen to me and to hear my concerns. His approach was always well thought out and all of our ‘moves’ were considered.

I am so grateful to have had Byron by my side throughout this process.

If you are looking for expert legal advice and outstanding service I cannot recommend Byron and his team highly enough!

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

E
E Added 1 year ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Expatriate Law
August 16, 2023 20230816144301

Review of Byron James and Expatriate Law

5

Working with Byron and his team has been a first class experience.
Byron has been an amazing profession who has excellent knowledge and command of the laws where he practices.
What has been refreshing is that Byron is extremely practical in his approach to solving issues at the same time he is expedient in delivering results.
Byron has been a life line to work with.

I have had very good communication and Byron while working with him. He listens closely and is focused on ensuring his clients receive the best service as well as their desired outcome.

I would highly recommend Byron to anyone looking for top performance, anyone looking for a very intellectual and detailed professional who has a human touch.

Byron is a man of great principles and integrity - very rare traits to find today while at this same time with a hunger to achieve justice and what is right.

Lawyer named in this review: Byron James

Was this review helpful? Yes

About Byron James

Byron James is a Partner and Head of the Expatriate Law team in the United Arab Emirates. Having been based in the Middle East for several years, he has an expert understanding of the local law and culture, in particular the way in which it affects expatriates. His caseload is diverse, he represents expatriates all over the world with clients in almost every continent. He specialises in all aspects of family law, ranging from divorce and financial remedy cases to disputes involving children. Byron is ranked by Chambers & Partners with impressive testimonials, calling him ‘very astute’ and ‘an asset to the firm. Another interviewee said: "He is extremely intelligent, and very much on top of the changing international family law landscape. He knows lots about regulation and is at the cutting edge of the legal world." Byron is also ranked by Spears Family Law Index. Before joining Expatriate Law, Byron worked as a Barrister in Central London for over ten years. He was ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading barrister. At one time, he was the youngest family law barrister ranked in the directories. Byron has won several awards during his career, including being recently shortlisted as “International Family Lawyer of the Year” and previously being named “Young Child Law Specialist of the Year”. In 2013, he was awarded the Pegasus Scholarship that enabled him to work for a time in New Zealand. During his career at the Bar, Byron appeared in Courts throughout England, including in several reported decisions resolving complex areas of family law. This experience has given Byron an excellent understanding of the Court process and first hand knowledge of litigating and negotiating family law matters. He also knows the members of the family Bar extremely well, and knows which barristers are right for each client or case.

Languages Spoken: English

Contact Byron James

Address

Expatriate Law

2 Eaton Gate

London

SW1W 9BJ



Phone 020 7846 5445

Website

Resume

AWARDS

Name

Grantor

Date granted

International Family Lawyer of the Year

Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards

2022

WORK EXPERIENCE

Title

Name

Duration

Partner

Expatriate Law

?-present