Vanda James
Vanda joined Birketts in November 2023 having been at a leading Kent firm for many years. Vanda is a Partner and Head of our Sevenoaks Family Team and has nearly 30 years’ experience.
She is an expert in all aspects of family law and specialises in complex financial cases or those with an unusual element and also has notable expertise in international child relocation and other highly sensitive matters. Vanda has been described as formidable and when needed, enjoys carrying out a forensic analysis of financial information especially those cases involving family businesses and trust assets. When required, Vanda can be tenacious and provides clear advice and a strategic way forward. Vanda is empathetic and passionate about achieving the right outcome for her clients which she does with diligence, focus and determination. Vanda regularly drafts and advises on Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements and has been a trained collaborative lawyer since 2006. She is a member of Resolution.
Vanda is recommended and named as a ‘Leading Partner’ by Legal 500 [UK 2025] and ranked in Band 1 by Chambers UK [UK 2025].
Vanda is the former President of Kent Law Society and is listed in the Citywealth Leaders List. She is also identified as one of the top 10 pioneering family lawyers transforming matrimonial law in Kent 2023 by Business Today.
Outside of work, Vanda is a keen athlete and runs with a local running group. Vanda is also fanatical about high performance sports cars and wine, describing herself as an Oenophile, having completed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust exams to Level 3 in 2019.
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Birketts Family teams offers strength and depth in terms of experience and quality of advice and representation. Headed by the hugely experienced and dedicated Vanda James the Sevenoaks office is already a go to firm in the area, and she is now supported by a team of excellent solicitors providing a first class service to clients.
Niki Langridge MCIArb
Barrister and Mediator
May 2024
