Leading Family Lawyer Achieves Further International Recognition
International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML)
10/10/2008
The International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML) has invited Kevin Harris-James, partner and head of family law in the Birmingham office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, to join its ranks.
The IAML is a worldwide association of practicing lawyers - recognised by their peers as the most elite, experienced and expert family law specialists in their respective countries - who are invited to join, having undergone a rigorous vetting process.
Kevin comments: "I am delighted to have been asked and I have accepted. The invitation to join is testimony to the expertise and hard work of my team, setting us apart from others in the region. My international practice stretches across Europe, Africa, South America, USA, the Middle East, Australia and, more recently, China. Five years ago this sort of work would have been exclusively dealt with by London Lawyers. We have turned that particular tide.
"Membership presents a wealth of knowledge and opportunity for me across the world. Given that I represent a number of international sports stars who find themselves transferred from one country to another, I believe that the IAML knowledge bank may well prove to be an increasingly valuable resource."
There are 1500 members worldwide, of which 93 - both solicitors and barristers – are based in England. A mere handful are located outside London and, of those, Kevin Harris James is the only member in Central England.
The IAML approached Kevin because of his wealth of expertise, which allows him to bring clarity in what clients can regard as difficult times. His skill lies in identifying the more favourable international jurisdiction for particular clients at the earliest opportunity, and in ensuring that their assets in different locations are protected. The IAML is a champion of best practice and promotes the sharing of expertise among members, many of whom are involved in cross-border cases.
Kevin's knowledge of the complexity of international family disputes, tax issues and implications is matched and enhanced by his firm's international expertise in setting up, administering and unravelling trusts and complicated offshore financial structures. This means clients are offered a comprehensive service in the resolution of cross-border disputes whether in the EU or the rest of the world.
Kevin is a leading family lawyer, having achieved regional, national and now international recognition by his peers. He has carved out a niche within the West Midlands region for complex family disputes with an international dynamic – very often being the recipient of such referrals from other leading lawyers in the region as a mark of the regard they have for his expertise.
His elevation to the IAML underscores his reputation. Kevin was voted Birmingham Law Society Family Solicitor of the Year 2005 and was short-listed for the Birmingham Law Society Solicitor of the Year 2008. He is co-author of International Aspects of Family Law (second edition). He writes regular articles and is invited to comment upon international family law affairs. The Legal 500 listings 2008/09 again place Kevin Harris James and his team in the top tier in the Midlands, singling out Kevin as "tough but fair."
"International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers members contact each other and ask for pointers in support of their client's needs, which I shall be happy to offer, provided of course that I don't subsequently find myself across the court room from them!" adds Kevin.