Eldridges Litigation Department is based in our Newport Office. If you have a dispute, the department will provide you with realistic advice, giving priority to resolving matters amicably and saving the cost of court proceedings wherever possible.
Our Team specialise in a number of different areas. These are members of our team who specialise in this area. To see how we can help you, please give a team member a call, or alternatively, you can email a member of the team and we’ll get back to you as soon as is possible.
James’ particular specialism is in Family law and finds his ‘problem solving approach’ particularly effective in guiding people through tough times in their personal lives, whether it be in relation to Divorce unmarried separation, Child arrangements, Financial/Property issues, or a combination of these. He is known for getting to the heart of the problem quickly and trying to resolve issues swiftly, if at all possible without having to resort to Court proceedings or run up substantial costs.
He has a substantial following and receives many recommendations from former clients and fellow professionals. James has been on the Island since 1996 and while he has experience in areas such as crime, civil litigation and employment law, it is Family law that has been his continual interest. In 2010 he became the first solicitor on the Island to qualify as a family mediator; a way of avoiding the unpleasantness, time and expense associated with going to court. He still deals with financial mediation work on a private basis.
He does enjoy the cut and thrust of Court though, and is a well-regarded advocate. He is also very regularly instructed in his other main specialist area, employment law, representing employee or employer.
James is very active in the local community. As a well-known musician, he runs the annual Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, and organises many music events at the Quay Arts Centre, where he has also served a Trustee. He is also a popular local sportsman: as well as having been Chairman of the Isle of Wight Cricket Board between 2006 and 2010, he has scored over 10,000 runs for Shanklin CC! James is also a very keen golfer and in his spare time he runs the junior golf section at his local Club.
Kyle Cooper LLB (Hons), LLM
Solicitor
Kyle joined Eldridges in 2021, initially working as a paralegal in the Family and Ligation Department. He then commenced his training contract with us and qualified as a solicitor in August 2023. Over the course of Kyle’s training, he has chosen to specialise in family law and dispute resolution including contentious probate, contract disputes and repossession claims.
Kyle obtained his law degree from Oxford Brookes University before attending the University of Law in Reading, where he completed the Legal Practice Course with a Masters in Professional Legal Practice. He has previous experience working in each of our Family, Litigation and Private Client departments and has gained experience in employment law from a previous firm based in Southampton.
Kyle is a keen traveller and will jump on any opportunity to visit a new country. After completing his Masters, Kyle decided to spend some time travelling across Asia teaching English to university students whilst living in China. Kyle is a big football, rugby and tennis fan and enjoys nothing more than going to a live sporting event. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys the odd bit of cooking, and attending social events with his family and friends.
Regan Matthews LLB (Hons)
Trainee Solicitor
Regan joined Eldridges in February 2024, initially starting as a Paralegal within the Family and Litigation Department. He has recently commenced his training contract to become a solicitor at the firm. During his training, Regan will work in a wide variety of departments including, but not limited to, Private Client, Conveyancing, Contentious Probate and Litigation.
Regan obtained his qualifying law degree at Bournemouth University before studying at the University of Law, where he completed the Legal Practice Course. Regan has obtained a great range of experience and exposure from prior employments, specifically property litigation.
Regan thoroughly enjoys his sport, specifically tennis and football. He has been extremely fortunate enough to represent the Isle of Wight in numerous International Island Games for tennis. Travelling and visiting new places has always been a personal hobby of his. Besides the sport and travelling, Regan is a great lover of dogs and frequently takes his dog out on walks around the island.
