James is Legal Director in our Private Client Advisory Team and has 16+ years’ experience in wills, trusts, tax, probate, and estate planning.
James’ clients include academics, business owners, high net worth individuals and other professionals.
James has been named and recommended by Legal 500 [UK 2025]. In previous editions, clients have noted “James is efficient, professional, friendly and inspires confidence”. Another added “James Marsh has been such a help to me. He is extremely knowledgeable, updates you continually and keeps to his promises. He does not mind how many questions you ask, or how many emails you send. He gives you his time and is happy to chat anything through.”
James is a full member of STEP, a highly regarded professional body for practitioners for which he attained full membership via formal examinations.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, James engages in several activities that reflect his commitment to the local community and public service. He is a trustee of local charity, Cambridge Science Centre (Feb 2022 – present), where he also sits on the Audit & Risk and Remuneration committees. He is also a trustee of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, & Northamptonshire, having been co-opted to the Board in December 2023.
Recent work highlights
James is administering a complex, high value estate with assets in the UK and abroad. He has collaborated with Birketts’ Corporate Team over the sale of the deceased’s multi-million pound business. James is acting for the family of the deceased in relation to their own wills, powers of attorney and estate planning.
James is administering a high value farming estate based in East Anglia. He has worked with Birketts’ Agricultural Team to deal with the administration of the partnership assets. He has also collaborated with Birketts’ Corporate Team in relation to the transmission of shares in a related company and an assignment of a loan.
James is preparing ‘double dip’ Wills for high net worth business owners to minimise inheritance tax and maximise asset protection.
Experience & education
2024 Legal Director
2021 Joined Birketts as Senior Associate
2016 Joined leading regional law firm as Senior Associate
2014 Full STEP membership attained (TEP)
2008 Qualified as Solicitor (Woodfines LLP)
