James Aspden

Partner

Legacy, Wills & Trusts Disputes Principal Contact

01722 427 677

“James's knowledge and client care leave little to comment on; his successful results speak for themselves.”

Chambers, 2027

“James Aspden wants to achieve the client's objective and is very creative about thinking of ways of getting that done – somebody you want in your corner.”

Chambers, 2027

“He's very experienced at disputes and very good at staying on top of the detail. He's not afraid to be robust and is good at managing expectations for clients.”

Chambers, 2027

“Partner James Aspden provides strong leadership and direction while ensuring appropriate delegation to achieve excellent value for the client. The team punches above its weight as a regional firm.”

Legal 500, 2027

“Partner James Aspden is a standout litigator. He approaches cases with focus and a great eye for both tactics and meeting client expectations. A standout lawyer I would recommend to anyone needing representation in trusts and estate litigation.”

Legal 500, 2027

“James is very likeable, extremely experienced and technically excellent. He has the ability to deal with every kind of adversary. If they want to go in the boxing ring, he's happy to do that; if they want to be pragmatic, he's happy to do that.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“James Aspden is an experienced litigator who fights hard for his clients and has excellent tactical instincts. He is someone I would want on my side in any dispute in this area.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“James is a solid performer in terms of the consistency of his advice and his problem solving. He brings sensible solutions in a clear and uncluttered way.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“James is a unique talent in contentious matters. He is measured and unwavering in his advice to charity clients and has a dogged determination to ensure they are protected.”

Chambers HNW 2026

“James is excellent, he offers a Rolls Royce service.”

Chambers, 2026

“James Aspden — Very good partner with a very good sense of which points to press. Has a real brain for numbers and surrounding taxation issues as well, which is absolutely vital in this area.”

Legal 500, 2026

“Charlotte is second to none when it comes to managing legacy disputes cases and she is the go-to solicitor for charities. James is technically brilliant and handles complex private client disputes with empathy and precision.”

Legal 500, 2026

James is a partner in our Will & Trust Disputes team, and specialises in resolving trust and probate disputes.  James read Law at Somerville College, Oxford then trained at Sharpe Pritchard in London.  He joined Henmans on qualification in 2002, and moved to Wilsons in June 2004.

James' work ranges from claims concerning the validity and effect of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, undue influence and equitable claims, to actions by or against trustees of landed estates and international trust disputes. He regularly acts for clients in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

James is recommended in The Legal 500, Chambers and Chamber HNW, in which he is consistently ranked as a leading individual. He is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Charity Law Association.

Recent highlights

  • Ilott v Blue Cross and others – James represented the successful charity appellants in this seminal case.  This is the first and only decision by the Supreme Court regarding claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and as such is the leading legal authority.
  • Rubin v Eurofinance – James acted for the successful intervenor in this Supreme Court decision concerning the enforcement at common law of foreign bankruptcy orders.
  • A dispute concerning a landed estate in Oxfordshire, concerning unfulfilled promises, alleged breaches of duty by trustees and a range of technical problems that needed to be resolved.  This was resolved on confidential terms.
  • A collection of several claims against solicitors for failing to include provisions designed to capture future development value, when selling land – all settled on confidential terms.
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