James Lister

Contentious trusts & probate, Stevens & Bolton LLP

Part of a group United Kingdom

1

Distinction listed

17

years in current expertise

Profile

James Lister is a Partner and Head of Private Wealth Disputes at Stevens & Bolton LLP, having joined the firm in 2017 and been made partner in 2019. He is a specialist trust and estates litigator advising predominantly private clients, corporate trustees, private banks, and other law firms on UK and international disputes involving trusts, estates, succession matters, and Inheritance Act 1975 claims. His work includes fraud and asset recovery matters, disputes combining trusts with commercial issues, divorce enforcement, and executor removal proceedings.

James is co-chair of ConTrA (the Contentious Trusts Association) and is recognised as a 'Star Individual' in Chambers HNW, a 'Next Generation Partner' in Legal 500, a 'Contentious Trusts Lawyer' in Spear's 500 2025, and a 'Top 100 International Private Client Litigation Lawyer' in the Citywealth 2024 guide. He is also listed in the Legal Week Private Client Excellence Directory 2024.

Specialisms

Succession & estate planning

Recognition

Legal 500 UK 2026 – Contentious trusts and probate (South East) — Leading partner View source ↗