“James Pirrie has long been recognised as one of the most innovative and influential figures in family law, combining exceptional technical expertise with a pioneering commitment to constructive dispute resolution. Whether advising on complex financial matters, child support, mediation or arbitration, he is known for helping families find practical, forward-looking solutions that reduce conflict and create lasting stability. His contribution to the development of modern family justice has left a lasting mark on the profession, while his creativity, intellect and client-focused approach continue to set him apart.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

James Pirrie is a Director, Mediator, Arbitrator and Collaborative Lawyer at Family Law in Partnership (FLiP). With decades of experience across family law, mediation and alternative dispute resolution, he has built a national reputation for helping families resolve disputes in a constructive, strategic and cost-effective manner.

Recognised by Chambers, The Legal 500 and Spear’s as one of the leading family lawyers and mediators in the country, James is particularly known for his work in child support, Schedule 1 Children Act claims, family mediation and innovative dispute resolution processes.

What James Pirrie does

James advises and assists clients across a broad range of family law matters, including:

• Divorce and separation
• Financial settlements on relationship breakdown
• Child support and Child Maintenance Service disputes
• Schedule 1 Children Act claims
• Spousal maintenance disputes
• Family mediation
• Family arbitration
• Collaborative law
• Enforcement proceedings
• International family law matters
• Cohabitation disputes
• Complex pensions, investments and business assets

His practice spans litigation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative processes, allowing him to help clients select the most appropriate route for resolving their family dispute.

Why he stands out

James is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and innovative family lawyers in the UK.

He is particularly known for combining deep technical expertise with creativity, strategic thinking and outstanding client care. His focus is not simply on resolving today’s dispute but on helping clients make decisions that continue to make sense years into the future.

The Legal 500 Hall of Fame describes him as:

“One of the doyens in the field of family law. He manages to tread a line between being kind, but also relentlessly pursuing the best deal for his clients.”

Chambers High Net Worth notes:

“James is pragmatic, creative and hard-working. He is client-focused and delivers an outstanding level of client care.”

The UK’s leading child support specialist

James is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost authorities on child support law.

His expertise covers:

• Child Maintenance Service disputes
• High-income child support cases
• Schedule 1 Children Act claims
• Variation applications
• Cross-border child maintenance issues
• Tribunal appeals

His standing in this area is reflected in comments from Chambers, which stated:

“James Pirrie is the king of child support; what he doesn’t know about child support isn’t worth knowing.”

He has provided evidence before Parliamentary committees and regularly contributes to policy discussions, research projects and consultations relating to family justice and child maintenance reform.

Pioneer of family mediation and arbitration

James has been at the forefront of non-court dispute resolution for many years.

He was among the first family lawyers in England and Wales to qualify as both a family arbitrator for financial disputes and later for children matters.

His mediation credentials are equally impressive. A qualified mediator since 1989, he has mediated disputes involving:

• High net worth families
• Complex financial arrangements
• Children disputes
• Cohabitation disagreements
• Never-married couples
• Cross-border family matters

He also helped introduce collaborative family law to Europe and became the first non-American director of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

An innovator in family justice

James has played a significant role in shaping modern family dispute resolution.

His innovations include:

• Helping develop the first private Financial Dispute Resolution process (Private FDR)
• Designing round-table negotiation protocols
• Promoting multidisciplinary family law teams
• Supporting the introduction of Parenting After Parting programmes
• Developing new models of family-focused dispute resolution

Many of these innovations have subsequently become established parts of modern family law practice.

Author, educator and thought leader

James is widely respected as a legal educator and commentator.

He leads knowledge development, training and precedent management at FLiP and regularly lectures on:

• Family finance
• Child support
• Schedule 1 claims
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution
• Family mediation
• Arbitration

His published works include:

• Safe Routes to Child Support
• Claims Under Schedule 1
• Towards the Light: A Way Through Divorce and Separation
• Resolution guidance publications

He is also a Trustee of The Family Mediation Trust.

Recognition and rankings

James is consistently ranked among the leading family lawyers and mediators in the UK.

• Hall of Fame, Legal 500 UK
• Leading Individual, Legal 500 UK
• Leading Individual, Chambers UK
• Leading Individual, Chambers High Net Worth
• Recommended Family Lawyer, Spear’s Family Law Index
• Best Lawyers UK – Family/Matrimonial Law
• Family Law Commentator of the Year, LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2023

Peers have described him as:

• “Truly outstanding.”
• “Breathtakingly knowledgeable.”
• “Fearsomely intelligent.”
• “Creative and novel.”
• “A standout for innovation.”