“James Riby combines strategic insight with international expertise, guiding high net worth clients through complex family law matters with clarity and precision. His ability to navigate cross-border disputes and sophisticated financial structures makes him a trusted adviser in high-stakes cases.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

James Riby is a Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, based in London, specialising in family law with a strong focus on complex, high value and cross-border matters. He advises individuals, families and high net worth clients on divorce, financial disputes and child arrangements, often involving international elements.

What James Riby does

James advises on all aspects of family law, including:

• Divorce and separation
• High net worth financial settlements and asset division
• Pre and post nuptial agreements
• Child arrangements, custody and relocation cases
• International family law and cross-border disputes
• Claims involving offshore trusts and complex asset structures

He regularly handles matters involving multiple jurisdictions, including cases with strong links to Italy and Switzerland, and is known for navigating the interaction between family law, insolvency and financial structures.

Why he stands out

James is recognised for his strategic, commercially aware approach to family law. He combines technical expertise with clear, pragmatic advice, helping clients manage high stakes and often sensitive disputes with confidence.

As a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, he is also focused on resolving disputes constructively where possible, while remaining a strong and effective advocate in complex litigation when required.

Trust markers

• Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
• Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth for Family Law
• Listed in Legal 500 as a Key Lawyer
• Recognised in Spear’s Rising Stars of Wealth Management and CityWealth Leading Lawyers
• Regularly featured in national press including the Financial Times
• Co-author of leading legal publications on international family law and insolvency

Client feedback includes:

• “Cool, calm and highly efficient.”
• “Very knowledgeable and personable on matters.”
• “Provides good advice and is very hands-on.”

Notable work

James has acted in a number of significant reported cases, including:

• J v S (child maintenance) [2023] EWHC 844 (Fam)
• Re O (Domestic Abuse: International Relocation) [2025] EWCA Civ 888
• A Wife v A Husband [2022] EWFC 154

He is particularly known for handling complex financial disputes, international child relocation cases and jurisdictional challenges involving competing proceedings across different countries.

Client approach

James is known for his calm, measured and strategic approach. Clients value his ability to break down complex legal issues into clear, practical advice while maintaining a strong focus on achieving the best possible outcome.

His collaborative mindset, combined with deep technical knowledge, makes him a trusted advisor in both contentious and non-contentious family law matters.

Background

James is fluent in Italian and has a well-established UK-Italian practice. He has worked closely with leading international lawyers and regularly speaks at global family law conferences.

He also leads knowledge management within his firm’s family team and contributes to industry thought leadership through publications, seminars and media commentary.