Get in touch

Fill in the form below and we'll get straight back to you

Our People

dots

Back to Listings

Kate James

Kate James

linkedin logo the law society logo accreditation 1 accreditation 2
Email:
kate.james@porterdodson.co.uk
Phone:
01823 652121
Location:

Taunton

Position:

Managing Partner

Team:

Private Client, Rural Business , Land and Agriculture

Specialism:

Appointing an attorney, Estate planning, Rural business - land and agriculture, Succession planning, Wills and probate, Estate administration including probate and intestacy, Inheritance Tax, Tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney

Get In Touch

Bio

I joined Porter Dodson in 2005, qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and became a Partner in 2013. In January 2022, I was appointed Managing Partner and now lead the strategic direction, growth and development of the firm.

 

My focus is on ensuring Porter Dodson continues to attract and retain exceptional people, deliver outstanding service to our clients, and build a sustainable and successful future. I am passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where our people can flourish, while upholding the firm's values of being supportive, approachable and striving for excellence in everything we do.

 

As a trained private client solicitor with almost 20 years’ experience, my background is in advising individuals, families and business owners on wills, probate, trusts and inheritance tax planning. I have particular expertise in agricultural and landed estates, succession planning and complex intestacy matters. Although I am now less involved in day-to-day client work, I continue to oversee key client relationships and stay up to date with legal developments, case law and changes affecting our clients and the wider profession.

 

Having grown up locally as a farmer’s daughter, I have a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities and family businesses, which continues to inform my leadership of the firm.

 

I am incredibly proud to lead Porter Dodson, championing our people-first culture, our Gold Investors in People and B Corp accreditations, and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of client service.

 

Away from the office, I like to spend my spare time trail running, dog walking and playing netball for Team PD.

Testimonials

Having researched specialist intestate solicitors, I contacted Porter Dodson and explained my role as administrator and that I needed legal advice as well as assistance. I was immediately put through to a senior solicitor whom, after lengthy discussions and negotiated fee, was instructed to represent our unknown relative and all that it entailed. Contracts were signed, and within days of having received all the paperwork, they were back with a rough calculation of time scales, disbursement costs (included in the fixed fee); important immediate tasks that needed to be done. I cannot fault their attention to detail; their communication skills and professionalism. With much gratitude to all who contributed at PD. 

Lesley

The private client team at Porter Dodson are very much focused on providing a first-class service across the south west. I have worked with a number of individuals within the team and they all come across as incredibly genuine, good people who just want to do the right thing for clients.

Legal 500 2025

I was very impressed how you captured and bounded my estate issues and considerations so well after just one attendance meeting and how we turned that into a final Will and Letter of Wishes both of which I now actually understand.  You turned the complex into something comprehensible. Porter Dodson should be the first port of call for locals with somewhat out of the ordinary legal affairs to be addressed. Thank you. 

Private Client

I have found Porter Dodson quick to respond to any queries and pleasant to work with.

Ms Cox

I regularly recommend Kate James for wills and private client work. She is excellent with all types of clients, very responsive and happy to help at all times.

Legal 500 UK 2022

Contact Kate James

*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Articles by Kate James