Vanda James joined Birketts in 2023 and is a Partner and Head of our Sevenoaks family team.
Vanda is an expert in all aspects of family law and specialises in complex financial cases or those with an unusual element and has notable expertise in international child relocation and other highly sensitive family issues. Vanda also regularly drafts and advises on Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements and is a member of Resolution and has been a trained collaborative lawyer since 2006.
Vanda is passionate about getting the right outcome for her clients and has been described as formidable. When needed, she enjoys carrying out a forensic analysis of financial information especially those cases involving family businesses and trust assets. When required, Vanda can be tenacious and has a reputation for giving clear advice both as to the strategic way forward and potential outcome. Vanda is empathetic and is always determined to achieve the right outcome for her clients which she does with diligence, focus and determination.
Vanda has been ranked as a leading matrimonial specialist by Legal 500 and Chambers UK since 2007.
Vanda is also ranked in Chambers High Net Worth [UK 2026]. In this edition, a client notes: “Vanda James gives impeccable advice.”
Vanda is the former President of Kent Law Society and is listed in the Citywealth Leaders List. She is also identified as one of the top 10 pioneering family lawyers transforming matrimonial law in Kent 2023 by Business Today.
Recent work highlights
Acted in complex cross-border Schedule 1 and TOLATA proceedings involving an overseas jurisdiction and high value assets
Acted for a Wife in contested financial proceedings in circumstances where she had been subject of coercive and controlling behaviour and successfully uncovering hidden assets
Acted for a Husband in complex financial remedy proceedings involving substantial pre-acquired wealth, family business interests and tax-sensitive loan structures requiring careful financial and strategic analysis
Advised a Wife on the enforceability of a pre nuptial agreement entered into nearly a decade ago in the context of anticipated significant inherited wealth
Experience & education
2023 Joined Birketts LLP
2016 Partner, Cripps LLP
2011 Partner, Rix & Kay LLP
2004 Partner, Warner LLP
2003 Qualified as a Solicitor
1994 Qualified as a Legal Executive
Vanda James is one of the standout family lawyers in the Kent market. She is exceptionally experienced, highly respected by both peers and counsel, and is involved in some of the most complex and challenging cases in the region. She is meticulous in her preparation, strategic in her thinking, and always focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Vanda has built an outstanding reputation over many years and fully deserves her recognition as a leading family practitioner.
Legal 500 [UK 2027]
