James Campbell

James has extensive experience advising professional trustees, family offices, intermediaries and high-net worth families (both internationally and locally) on all aspects of Jersey trusts, foundations and estate planning together with all related company and commercial law issues.

He is also experienced in establishing private wealth structures across multiple luxury asset classes to include yachts, classic cars, super cars, art and fine wine. He is part of Ogier's Aviation and Marine sector group.

Background and experience

James has extensive experience advising professional trustees, family offices, intermediaries and high-net worth families (both internationally and locally) on all aspects of Jersey trusts, foundations and estate planning together with all related company and commercial law issues.

James frequently advises on the establishment, ongoing operation and restructuring of both private and commercial trusts. He has a particular focus on the drafting of trust instruments, supplemental trust deeds and the establishment and use of private trust companies.

James also advises on regulatory matters involving trust company business and has an interest and experience in Sharia compliant fiduciary structures.

He also advises trustees, employers and other professionals on a wide range of Jersey employee benefit and pension related matters.

In addition, James will consider utilising over 20 years' experience in advising trustees and high-net families on non-contentious trust matters, family governance and avoiding trust disputes to act as a protector on family trusts when requested by Ogier clients to do so.

Industry Focus

• Co-author of "Guidelines for Jersey Directors" published by the IoD
• Author of "Asset protection trusts – why the recent interest?" published in the 2019 STEP Journal
• Author of "Avoiding rags to riches in three generations: family governance in the Middle East" published in the Middle East 2019 report for eprivateclient
• Author of "Jersey launches international savings plan for overseas employees", published by International Investment in 2019
• Author of "Jersey amends trust law to stay ahead of the competition", published by Citywealth in 2018
• Author of "Safe Harbour - whether global political instability is driving new structuring in Jersey", published in the December 2018 STEP Journal
• Author of "Demand for bespoke structuring popular amongst ultra-wealthy", published in 2017 by Campden FB
• Author of "Bespoke structuring gains momentum" published by Wealthbriefing in 2017
• Author of "In the Spotlight: trends within the international private client space" published by Global Legal Post in 2017
• Author of "The Beneficial Ownership Register in Jersey Explained" published by IFC Review
• Author of "The importance of prudence and trustee investment duties" published in The Journal of International Tax, Trust and Corporate Planning
• A speaker at the Anti-Money Laundering, Financial Crime and Sanctions Conference in May 2016 with James focusing on the impact of sanctions on private wealth structures
• A panellist at the "Jersey Finance Annual Private Client Conference" on "plotting a route" in May 2015 with James focusing on Jersey's core strengths in private client structuring
• A judge for the WealthBriefing Awards in 2014, 2015 and 2016
• Co-author of article "The Middle East: Bespoke Structuring on the rise" published in eprivateclient December 2015

The leading directories recognise James' expertise, and clients have described him as "a top notch lawyer with an excellent grasp of cross-border issues" and that "he provides coherent, competent, concise and clear advice on what can be extremely technical issues". James is recognised as a leading individual in the latest editions of Legal 500 and Chambers. Private Client Practitioner has recognised James in their 50 Most Influential list.

Before joining Ogier in May 2017 James was a partner in the trusts group of another law firm in Jersey specialising in international private client work.

James is an English Solicitor, an Advocate of the Royal Court of Jersey, and a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). 

Admitted in:
2002 - Jersey
1997 - England and Wales