Biography
James specialises in resolving and avoiding public and private property disputes. He acts for landed estates, trustees and institutional landowners, and private homeowners. He is recognised as an expert in his field by Chambers and the Legal 500. He is a member of the CLA's Legal, Parliamentary and Property Rights Committee and a past President of the Cambridge University Land Society.
Market view:
‘James Pavey is excellent. He is a heavyweight who has an eye for how to win a case and deliver a result for the client.’
'James Pavey demonstrates a quick understanding of issues and has a broad understanding of the rural sector.'
‘James Pavey is extremely helpful and provides good advice in a timely manner.’
'James Pavey has a sharp intellect. He is not afraid to share insights and work collectively to solve problems. He is very well regarded in the UK rural sector.' - Legal 500, 2025 (Leading Partner)
"James Pavey has a broad practice encompassing landowners, developers and campaigners engaged in all types of environmental, planning and property matters. James is able to get to the heart of complex legal issues in order to achieve results. He works tirelessly to deliver them." - Legal 500, 2024
Leading Individual - Band 1 - Chambers & Partners 2022
"James Pavey is an excellent client-focused solicitor with a superb attention to detail. Very hard-working and an excellent way with words." - Legal 500 2022 (Leading Individual)
James Pavey "has good knowledge and good clients." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"He is very cerebral and gives considered and robust advice." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
James Pavey "is extremely capable, very attentive to the matter in hand, and someone you need on-side for your client, particularly if contentious." – Legal 500, 2020
"He's very much a guy to watch," says a source; "he's very intelligent, capable and highly personable." – Chambers & Partners, 2019
"A fantastic eye for detail, strong strategic and tactical nous, and a passion for client care." – Legal 500, 2018/19
"Ultimate professional" – Legal 500, 2017
James is valued for his "extraordinary attention to detail and thoroughness" – Legal 500, 2016
