Solicitor – Admitted 2010
James is a first-class lawyer with a very quick mind. He has a real understanding of, and ability to explain, complex trust law coupled with empathy when dealing with families and beneficiaries.
James is highly knowledgeable and inquisitive, enabling him to fully understand client needs and apply his considerable technical skills to good effect.
James Frampton consistently provides an exceptional level of client service. He is highly responsive, thorough and attentive to both client needs and the practical realities of cross-border planning.
Overview
I am a Partner in Michelmores’ Tax, Trusts & Succession team.
I advise individuals and families in the UK and abroad on ways to protect and pass on assets from one generation to the next. This can range from preparing a client’s Will or lasting power of attorney to advising on trust structures, family partnerships, advising on UK tax issues or helping those coming to the UK to navigate our tax system.
A large part of my practice is assisting clients with US connections with their estate planning including preparing Wills and reviewing and advising on the UK tax consequences of US trusts. As my wife and sons are US citizens, I have had to grapple with issues facing US citizens living in the UK and so understand the frustrations that clients in a similar position face.
I also advise families and trustees who own land and estates by working closely with colleagues in our Agriculture and Property teams. As a director of Michelmores Trust Corporation Limited I also oversee a number of UK trusts and estates. I regularly advise trustees and beneficiaries both in the UK and abroad on trust and UK tax issues and am part of the Firm’s Trust Advisory Group.
I trained and worked at a well-known London firm before moving to Michelmores in 2014. I am a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP).
I am ranked in Band 1 for Private Wealth (Exeter) and Band 5 for Private Wealth (London) in Chambers High Net Worth. I am also ranked as a Next Generation Partner for Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate by the Legal 500.
Recent experience
Advising on the UK tax position for a US beneficiary of a US trust resident in the UK
Advising on pre-arrival planning for a foreign national moving to the UK including advice on domicile, residence and the remittance basis
Advising a UK foreign national resident in the UK on the creation of an excluded property trust
Advising the trustees of a landed estate on a heritage property application and the creation of a maintenance fund
Advising family business owners on the best way to transfer their business and their assets to their seven children






