James Lawrence
Partner & Advocate
Often described as one of the Island’s most talented property lawyers, James has specialised in property law since 2004 and heads the property law team. James’ primary focus is the purchase and financing of development property.
Respected for his knowledge of all aspects of Jersey’s property law, James’ expertise ranges from high-value, individual property conveyances and housing developments and planning matters through to commercial developments and lettings. His work also includes securitisation for a major high street lender, commercial and residential leases and business sales and acquisitions.
James’ team also deals with all aspects of property and high value asset finance and security.
James is highly skilled in Jersey’s complex licensing laws and regularly appears before the Jersey Licensing Assembly representing a variety of organisations across the leisure, tourism and retail sectors. As an ancillary to his principal practice area, James has also applied his skills to litigation work. He has made appearances before the Planning Appeal Tribunal; the Licensing Assembly; Petty Debts Court; Royal Court; and Magistrate’s Court.
James is recognised as a 'Key Lawyer' by the Legal 500 UK 2025 edition and a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ by the Legal 500 UK 2024, 2023 and 2022 edition.
Outside of work, beyond looking after his three children, James’ interests are renovating an old house, gardening and (when time allows) clay pigeon shooting.
Key Information
Admitted
- Advocate - 2001
Additional Language
French
Year Joined
2000
Education
- Université de Nantes
- College of Law York
- Kingston University
Credentials
- 'Recommended lawyer' - Legal 500 2024, 2023 and 2022
Memberships & Organisations
- Member of the Jersey Law Society
Highlights
Jojo Maman Bébé - James negotiated and secured a commercial lease for this international retailer on a prime high street location. This was the first time the client had operated in Jersey and so James was able to clearly explain the intricacies of Jersey property law as well as facilitating a network of contacts.
James was instrumental in the sale of a large housing site in Grouville in 2015 plus advised on the terms of the planning obligation agreement.
James has advised on a number of planning disputes and boundary matters for clients, some of which have set new legal precedents.
James has acted as advisor to a large group of interested parties to a high profile planning obligation agreement which received political attention.
James represents a housing trust.
Related News & Insights
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Related Videos
Buying share transfer property in Jersey
Watch James’s video
Buying share transfer property in Jersey - Viberts' property partner James Lawrence explains what share transfer means and what you need to be aware of when buying a share transfer property in Jersey