Solicitor
Phone: 01983 524741
Email James Thorn
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 Child arrangements or Financial / Property issues, or both. 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 been a solicitor 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. By inviting the couple to sit with him for a discussion in a controlled and organised environment he is able to steer them towards the most positive outcome, for them and their children.
He does enjoy the cut and thrust of Court though, and has proved effective in his other main specialist area, employment law, representing employee or employer. He also regularly acts for a number of local Landlords.
James is very active in the local community. As a well known local musician, he runs the annual Isle of Wight Jazz Weekend, and organises many music events at the Quay Arts Centre, where he was recently appointed as 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, is also an active member of Ryde Golf Club, and still occasionally gets his football boots out of the loft.