Spear’s Review

‘I like the black-letter law aspect of chancery, where you can spend a whole day researching one aspect of a case. That’s what drew me more to the barrister side than solicitor,’ says James Egan of Ten Old Square Chambers.

Specialising in private wealth, trust and estate disputes, Egan takes on contentious matters involving succession, trusts, fiduciary duties and preservation of family wealth. He has particular experience acting in contentious probate matters, such as disputed wills and the improper administration or structuring of estates. 

Egan is direct access qualified, meaning clients can instruct him independently, but cases tend to come via referrals from London’s top solicitors and tax advisers. 

Originally training as a family lawyer before moving into chambers, he says having a broad expertise ‘really enables me to answer more of my clients’ questions rather than having to say “that’s not my area” and referring them to someone else’.

He is a member of the Attorney General’s London B Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown, through which he can advise and represent government departments including HMRC, and is an accredited mediator.

Notable cases

• Perotti v Amboh Properties Ltd [2025] UKUT 421 (LC)
• Harbour Fund III LP v Kazakhstan Kagazy PLC [2021] EWHC 1128 (Comm)