James Maxwell

Partner

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Practice areas

Rural Property

Rural Estates Newsletter February 2024

James is an expert in rural land law, who helps the country's foremost institutional landowners and private estates in the management of their rural property.

Much of his practice involves the sale and purchase of large estates, farms and country houses. He enjoys leading a team of lawyers of different specialisms to run a transaction quickly, cost-effectively and with the minimum of fuss.

James has developed long-standing relationships with major rural landowners and is particularly enthusiastic about projects where estates and professionals work together to generate value and tangible benefits; from solar projects to glass houses, and from new limestone quarries to residential development opportunities.

James is praised by his clients for his responsiveness, his mix of legal ability and commercial pragmatism and his willingness to give definitive advice. It is the relationships with clients and intermediaries that is the key to the success of his practice.

James qualified as a solicitor in 2001.

Expertise

Landed Estates

Whether it is leases of grouse moors or advice on the challenges of private water supplies, James enjoys the variety of work arising in this sector. He is one of the country's leading mineral lawyers, working on major deep-level mining and open-cast quarry leases and with particular expertise in manorial minerals and mineral trespass. In the field of renewables, James has considerable experience with wind and solar farms as well as hydroelectric and AD projects.

Schools

As well as advising on day-to-day landlord/tenant and staff accommodation issues, James acts for schools in residential and other development projects.

Private Banks

Lending against rural estates requires a deep knowledge of the sector and James’ experience is invaluable in enabling private banks to progress loans quickly and with confidence.

Testimonials

"James Maxwell is amazing, responsive, and bright." (Legal 500 2025)

"James Maxwell … will go above and beyond to be available to assist us with urgent needs and provide the best advice at all times." (Legal 500 2024)

"James Maxwell is a standout lawyer in the space and always has your best interests at heart." (Chambers UK 2024)

"James Maxwell is able to explain complex legal matters using plain English." (Chambers UK 2024)

"James has a terrific intellect and has a real passion for what he does ... His interest and powerful intellect combined is exactly what we need." (Chambers UK 2023)

"James Maxwell is a very strong lead for the team" (Legal 500 2023)

James is ranked in leading legal directories Chambers UK and the Legal 500 who have recently said:

"He is very bright and has a real eye for detail." (Chambers UK 2022)

"James has been attentive and responsive in our dealings and is able to take a pragmatic approach to issues that require addressing on a practical as well as legal basis." (Legal 500 2022)

"Exceptional attention to detail; specialists in the sector; great to work alongside James Maxwell." (Legal 500 2022)

"The wealth of experience and clarity that James brings to agricultural property matters is second to none," states one source. Another interviewee says: "He makes challenging situations seem straightforward and he digests issues and comes back to you very promptly." (Chambers UK 2021)

"James Maxwell is an impeccable operator – his attention to detail combined with his knowledge, experience and calm approach provides an easy working relationship." (Legal 500 2021)

"James Maxwell has a very engaging approach. He is hugely intelligent and very detailed in his approach, but with a view to getting the deal done." (Legal 500 2021)

“James Maxwell’s strengths include communication. He offers clear and pragmatic advice, allowing clients to meet their objectives.” (Client)

“He’s probably the most efficient property lawyer I’ve come across. He’s very efficient and knowledgeable.” (Client)

Work Highlights

Examples of recent work include:

Purchase of a mixed rural estate in the Home Counties for over £50m
Option and lease for a 50MW 200 acre solar farm in Hampshire; and
Successfully combatting a Town and Village Green application designed to frustrate a university’s £70m development project.