Garden Court congratulates James Holmes who has been shortlisted for Family Law Junior Barrister of the Year at the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2026.
This award recognises a barrister of at least five years call who has made their mark through excellent advice and high-level advocacy.
Our warmest congratulations to all those shortlisted for this year’s Family Law Awards.
James Holmes (Year of Call: 2011)
James specialises in the following areas: Children’s Law, Court of Protection and International Family Law.
James has acted in high-profile family law cases that have been legally aided as well as pro bono, instructed to represent local authorities, parents and Children’s Guardians. James is regularly instructed as a leading junior in cases involving the most serious allegations or in cases where other parties who have leading juniors and silks.
James has developed a particular expertise in complex public law matters, including those dealing with; shaken baby, trauma, non-accidental injury cases, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM). James was instructed in the first FGM case which went before the Court of Appeal, Re X (A Child) (FGMPO) [2018] EWCA Civ 1825.
James regularly appears in the Court of Protection accepting instructions from families, local authorities, ALR’s and the Official Solicitor. His family law background means he is instructed in cases involving young persons transferring from Local Authority children services to adult social care.
Additionally, he has developed a thriving International Family Law practice, regularly being instructed in cases involving international abduction.
Outside of his busy practice, James volunteers and supports charities which aim to deliver pro bono or publicly funded work to those who cannot afford legal fees. He is a member of Advocate, the Bar’s pro bono charity, and volunteers on the Court of Appeal Pro Bono Scheme (COAS).
Get in touch with James’ clerks at: familylawclerks@gclaw.co.uk
