James Smith

Solicitor
  • Experience
  • Other Information

James joined Birketts as a Trainee Solicitor in 2021. He qualified as a Solicitor in September 2023 in our Property Disputes Team. He is based in our Ipswich office.

James’ first seat was with our Commercial Property Team in the Chelmsford office. He assisted the team with a wide range of commercial property work and gained an insight into housebuilding transactions working alongside the Housebuilding Team.

His second seat was with our Social Housing Team in the London office, whereby he worked in both a contentious and non-contentious capacity, assisting the wider team on general landlord and tenant litigation, acquisitions and development.

James’ third seat was spent with our Property Litigation team, which involved working on a wide range of contentious issues for both private individuals and commercial clients including lease renewals, forfeiture, repossessions, break clauses, breach of covenants, applications for consent, boundary disputes and residential disputes. James chose to continue in Property Litigation for his fourth seat.

Before joining Birketts, James graduated from the University of Kent with a First Class degree in law. At his graduation he was awarded the ‘’Most Valuable Player’’ award by his peers for consistent work rate and a positive attitude.

While at university James sought legal experience at a local high street firm, attended insight days/weeks and worked as a Court Clerk at the Royal Courts of Justice over the 2019 summer.

He completed his LPC at BPP Cambridge in 2021 achieving a Distinction. He chose the elective modules Advanced Commercial Litigation, Commercial Law and Intellectual Property and Employment Law.

Outside of work, James enjoys travelling, socialising with friends and family and playing sport. James was a member of the Young Essex Assembly (the elected youth council for Essex) and also qualified as a Football Official and Lifeguard.

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