Introduction

James joined 33 Bedford Row as a tenant in March 2025, having previously completed a common law pupillage at another chambers in London. As both a pupil and subsequently a tenant, James engaged in a variety of practice areas, with a strong focus on civil, property, immigration and family law. Before coming to the Bar, James had also worked at several law firms where he gained experience in family finance matters, employment law and commercial law. Throughout these experiences, James developed excellent client management skills by actively listening to client concerns and establishing trust.

James has a diverse and substantial civil law practice, accepting instructions in chancery; commercial; consumer rights; employment; housing; insurance and commercial landlord & tenant matters. He has represented clients at final hearings before the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and in disputes arising from claims for common intention constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel.

James continues to accept instructions regarding financial remedies and both private and public children law matters.

Civil

James has considerable experience in civil litigation disputes, having appeared in fast-track and multi-track cases, as well as small claims trials. He is regularly instructed to make interlocutory applications and attend Case Management Conferences (CMCs). James has also represented clients in proceedings under the Consumer Credit Act. He possesses a substantial paper practice, demonstrating strong attention to detail and proficiency in drafting persuasive legal arguments when preparing legal advice, particulars, and skeleton arguments.

Prior to commencing his pupillage, James managed his own caseload as a county court advocate, which allowed him to gain a robust understanding of civil procedure while developing his advocacy and organisational skills. 

Property

James has a particular interest in chancery, property, and trust-related work. During his pupillage, he assisted in preparing cases involving the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Following his pupillage, James gained trial experience in disputes concerning real property and trusts of land. He has drafted pleadings for claimants in cohabitation disputes and has experience in drafting skeleton arguments and providing advice for cases related to the Inheritance Act and undue influence claims. His interest in this field developed when he evaluated the law governing unmarried cohabitees during his LLM dissertation, for which he achieved a distinction. This work also led him to assist in editing a chapter of a practitioner text focused on property disputes between unmarried cohabitees.

James has appeared in various possession hearings, representing both landlords and tenants, and has recently expanded his practice to include mortgage disputes and commercial property litigation.

Employment

James frequently appears before the Employment Tribunal in preliminary and final hearings involving claims for wrongful and unfair dismissal, discrimination, and unpaid wages. He accepts instructions from both employers and employees for written work as well. 

Family

James has gained experience appearing at First Directions Appointments, Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, and Final hearings, building his practice in family financial remedy disputes. He also has considerable experience representing parents in both private and public children's law proceedings. 

Education and Training

• Bar Professional Training Course at the University of Law- Very Competent
• Master of Laws at Queen Mary University of London- Distinction
• Bachelor of Laws at the University of Birmingham- Upper Second Class Honours
• Bachelor of Science in Economic History at the London School of Economics & Political Science
• Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator

Notable Cases

• Defended the defendant successfully at a fast-track trial against a possession claim brought by the housing authority, which alleged unauthorised sub-letting of the property. 
• Triumphed in defeating an application against instructing solicitors for wasted costs at the High Court of Justice, The Business and Property Court. 
• Successfully obtained relief from sanctions for the defendant in eviction proceedings, enabling the submission of additional evidence before the final hearing. 
• Represented a claimant at a fast-track trial for the repayment of an alleged loan, leading both parties to agree on a consent order after proving the existence of a loan agreement. 
• Successfully challenged an application to set aside default judgment in a possession matter, reaffirming the validity of the original ruling.
• Effectively defended against money claims from tenants for rent arrears based on the property’s significant state of disrepair.

Testimonials

"I’m XX who filed a litigation case in Willesden County Court. Barrister James Divecha was able to help me in my case. He is a very honest person, humble, giving me comfort and security during the trial inside the Court. He is bright, brilliant and smart during the trial. He is able to manage to win my litigation case. He is my best Barrister ever. Highly recommended." 

- Client in a fast-track trial concerning a money claim

"Client was really pleased with the outcome and just wanted me to say thank you for a fantastic job." 

- Solicitor for client in a fast-track trial concerning a disrepair claim

"Mother was pleasantly surprised with the hearing outcome, we really thought the courts would favour Cafcass recommendations. Great outcome thanks to you." 

- Solicitor for client in a private children matter

Scholarships

Scholarships:

• Hubert Monroe Scholarship by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple 
• Blackstone Entrance Exhibition by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
• Provost’s Award for Excellence by the University of law

Memberships

Memberships:

• Chancery Bar Association
• Family Bar Association