James Ward

Partner and Head of Department

+44 (0)20 3535 1653 jward@kingsleynapley.co.uk

Our People

James leads both the Private Client Department and Private Wealth Group at Kingsley Napley.

He provides individuals and their families in the UK and abroad with a comprehensive, efficient and discreet private wealth service.

His clients include entrepreneurs, business owners, family businesses and investors, many with international assets and family members located around the world. He advises CEOs and those in the public eye, alongside clients simply looking to safeguard their assets for the next generation or who may be dealing with difficult family dynamics.

He works with clients with complex and high value estates, those with overseas properties or international clients looking to purchase property in the UK, and those who have recently arrived/invested in the UK or are non-UK domiciled.

James works alongside a strong network of accountants and IFAs who can advise on all elements of inheritance tax, capital gains tax and wealth planning. He is also recognised as Top Recommended in Spear’s 2025 Tax & Trust Advisers Index.

+44 (0)20 3535 1653 jward@kingsleynapley.co.uk

James Ward is technically knowledgeable and a first-class private client adviser.

Chambers and Partners _ High Net Worth Guide 2025

James comes up with phenomenal ideas and insight. He is good with clients, has a really good understanding of what they want.

Chambers and Partners _ High Net Worth Guide 2025

James is first-rate and a class act, but matches this with humility and excellent communication.

Chambers and Partners _ High Net Worth Guide 2024

James Ward – epitomises everything that a private client lawyer should be to their client and that a client should expect of their trusted advisor.

The Legal 500 _ 2024

James Ward is a highly impressive lawyer, with a level of technical knowledge that immediately puts the client at ease, giving them the confidence that they are in good hands.

Chambers and Partners _ High Net Worth Guide 2024

Areas of Expertise

Wealth protection and tax planning
Wills, succession planning and gifting
Trust establishing and management
Estate planning and administration
Family businesses
UK tax for international clients

Client Base

Complex and high value estates
Those with international connections; whether they own overseas property or have recently arrived or invested in the UK or are long term residents who are still non-UK domiciled
Overseas clients purchasing UK property and how such property should be owned in the most tax efficient way
Entrepreneurs

What clients and directories say

“James Ward consistently delivers and has a good awareness of how to work with other professional service providers.”
(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2025)

“James comes up with phenomenal ideas and insight. He is good with clients, has a really good understanding of where they want. He also keeps me on track and is just an absolute pleasure to work with.”
(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2025)

“James Ward is technically knowledgeable and a first-class private client adviser.”
(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2025)

“I have worked very closely with James Ward and Sophie Voelcker for many years. Both have great technical knowledge and deliver sensible generational planning solutions to a wide range of clients.”
(The Legal 500 2025)

“James Ward is a highly impressive lawyer, with a level of technical knowledge that immediately puts the client at ease, giving them the confidence that they are in good hands.”
(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024)

“James is first-rate and a class act, but matches this with humility and excellent communication.”(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024)

“James is excellent, a direct talker who gets to the subject matter quickly and is able to ask the difficult questions that really help the advice being given.”(Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024)

“James Ward – epitomises everything that a private client lawyer should be to their client and that a client should expect of their trusted advisor.”
(The Legal 500, 2024)

“James is highly respected by his clients and peers, and exceptional in his field of knowledge, client service, and leadership of the private client team.”
(Chambers HNW 2023)

“James is an excellent, practical and knowledgeable solicitor.”
(Chambers HNW 2023)

“James has a very broad and extensive skill set, and has a very pragmatic approach that is appreciated by clients.”
(Chambers HNW 2023)

“James is very knowledgeable and very experienced, and he’s good at using his experience to identify the main issues a client needs to consider,” an interviewee he’s also very commercial in his approach, as he considers the client’s broader requirements to ensure that his advice is appropriate, rather than focusing on answering the specific question posed to him.”(Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021)

“James Ward is noted for his professionalism, knowledge and friendly manner.”
(Legal 500 2017)

Professional Societies & Memberships

Named one of the 2026 eprivateclient Most Influential.
Ranked in the Chambers UK and HNW and Legal 500 (where he is a ‘Leading Partner’) and Spears 500.
Citywealth Leader (“Estate Planning”)
The Law Society
The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Shortlisted for ‘Lawyer of the Year – Tax & Trust’ at 2023 Spears Awards