James has considerable experience in all aspects of Family Law but in particular care and matrimonial money.
Money
Throughout his practice James has specialised in proceedings involving financial remedies following relationship breakdown, and in silk he has been in constant demand to undertake high value cases that involve complex issues surrounding companies, foreign assets, pension sharing and inherited wealth.
He is experienced in unravelling family trusts and tracing assets that were thought to be “hidden”.
He is regularly involved in cases in the High Court where the net worth is in excess of £20m and he is renowned for his thorough preparation, meticulous attention to detail and realistic advice. He is highly praised in Chambers Directory 2014 “he is robust and confident, and makes the client feel comfortable.”
James also works in other area of family finance including Schedule 1 applications and the drafting of pre-nuptial agreements. He regularly lectures to the profession and to students.
Child Care
Wide experience of both fact finding and disposal hearings acting for parents and other alleged perpetrators including children, Guardians and Local Authorities. He has particular experience in cases involving complex medical issues which require detailed cross-examination of medical experts.
By way of example, he has dealt with:
- Salt poisoning
- Poisoning with drugs
- Factitious and induced illness
- Baby shaking leading to death
- Other fatal injuries
- Sexual abuse by parents, third parties and other children
- Organised paedophile rings
- Chronic neglect leading to very serious physical and emotional harm
- Again, by way of example only, at disposal hearings:
- Issues surrounding barely adequate parenting vs adoption
- Where should the child be brought up – within this jurisdiction or abroad?
- Is there a safe parent?
- Do the carers necessarily have to be open and honest with the LA in order to care for a child under a care order?
- How should the Court approach the balance of risk?
- The position of a foster carer who wants to be a long-term carer under a Special Guardianship Order or adoption.
Child Abduction and Removal from the Jurisdiction
He has wide experience in child abduction and in Hague Convention cases. He has also undertaken many cases on removal from the jurisdiction – both for and against removal.
Public Law
- Care Standards Tribunal
- Judicial Review
- Breach of Art 6 & 8
Cardiff County and City of Cardiff v Scully-Hicks (2016) EWFL 79
T-S (children) (2019) EWCA Civ 742
R v Egan (1992) 4 All ER 470
Wychavon DC v NRA (1993) 2 All ER 440
NRA v Wright Eng. Co.Ltd. (1994) 4 All ER 281
R v D (1996) 2 WLR 1
Environment Agency v Short (1998) EWHC Admin 743
Marlow Child and Family Services Ltd v DPP (1999) 1 FLR 997
Re S (2001) 1 Fam Law 505
Re E (A Child) (2001) All ER (D) 208
Cole v Secretary of State (2003) EWHC 1789 Admin
Re BR and C (Care: Duty of Disclosure: Appeals) (2002) EWCA Civ 1825
Re L (Care: Assessment: Fair Trial) (2002) 2 FLR 730
D v Secretary of State for Health (2002) EWCST 118
Re J (2003) 1 FLR 114
LM v Medway Council (2007) 1 FLR 1698
A County Council v MF (2008) EWHC 3320 (Fam)
Re K (2009) EWCA Civ 987
Re MW (2010) 1 FLR 1093
Bridgend CBC v GM (2013) 1 FLR 987
Controlled Demolition Group v Lane and others 1991 UKEAT 418-91
A County Borough Council v M 2008 EWHC 3320 (Fam)
City and County of Swansea v MB 2014 EWHC 2842 (Fam)
Donovan v Gwent Toys Ltd. (HL) 1990 1 All ER 1018
Re C (Children) [2016] EWCA Civ 374
Carmarthenshire CC v Y and Ors 2017 EWFC 36
B.Sc. (Chem. Eng.) (Leeds)
Member of the Family Law Bar Association
Bencher of the Middle Temple (2014)
Deputy High Court Judge (Section 9) (2004)
Queen’s Counsel (2002)
Recorder (1998)
“He is very approachable and very well respected by the judiciary.” (Chambers UK 2014)
“James Tillyard QC is an equally praised silk at the set, who centres his practice on matrimonial finance matters and childcare work. Sources comment that he is “robust and confident, and makes the client feel comfortable.” (Chambers UK 2014)
‘Two of its strongest silks, Jonathan Furness QC and James Tillyard QC, are “both top-rate and comparable to the top London barristers.” They are both experienced in all areas of family work, although Furness is particularly associated with childcare work and Tillyard with matrimonial finance’. (Chambers UK 2012)
‘Also attracting a number of important cases is James Tillyard QC who “reassures clients with his experience and robust courtroom manner”‘. (Chambers UK 2011)
30 Park Place’s James Tillyard is an “exceptional lawyer, who prepares well and always makes the most of a case”. (Legal 500 2010)
’30 Park Place is the top set for law on the Wales and Chester circuit and has James Tillyard QC a key figure at the Welsh Family Bar. He is known for his fierce cross examination and his experience in high net worth disputes’. (Chambers UK 2010)
‘James Tillyard is the “first choice silk in Wales by a long way. His popularity stems from the fact that he fights hard for his clients and never gives the case away. Praised for his children and finance work, he is the toast of solicitors as he can smell blood at 100 yards.”‘ (Chambers UK 2009)
‘James Tillyard QC is head of chambers at 30 Park Place and Wales’ best known family barrister for “excellent preparation, a hands on proactive approach and great presentation in court” make Tillyard first choice for Welsh solicitors in big money divorce cases’. (Chambers UK 2008)
‘James Tillyard QC, noted for skilled and sensitive advocacy’. (Legal 500 2007)
‘The “excellent” James Tillyard QC of 30 Park Place is “one of the best advocates in Cardiff”. He does his preparation thoroughly and knows his subject matter “inside out”‘. He was recommended especially for tough cases that require difficult cross-examination’. (Chambers UK 2007)
