James Burgess

Commercial Property Partner

What’s your favourite kind of coffee?

If I’m going to be totally honest… pumpkin spice latte.

If you could have a coffee with anyone who would it be?

Anyone who doesn’t mind sitting across from me drinking a pumpkin spice latte!

What is your proudest achievement in business?

Qualifying as a solicitor way back in 2004!

What makes Eaton Smith different?

The wealth of knowledge and experience across the various practice areas within the firm is exceptional. Coupled with the friendly and proactive approach taken in relation to each and every matter which crosses our desks, this makes Eaton Smith a great place to work and there is a genuine desire to create and nurture long lasting relationships with our clients and the wider community.

If you hadn’t gone down this career path what would you be doing?

I always fancied one day running a country pub. Good food and well-kept cask ales!

What’s your prediction for businesses in the next 10 years?

There are so many positives to take away from how the country has responded to the coronavirus pandemic. Certainly, I think that in business over the coming years we will see a significant shift towards enhanced flexible working. It is also very possible that a lot of businesses will be looking in to ways that they can operate ‘as normal’ in the event of future global events taking place. This could well result in the creation of new commercial sectors, many of which could not have been predicted but for COVID.

How do you relax outside of work?

I enjoy walking my two Labradors in the countryside and dropping into the odd pub (or two). I also enjoy watching and supporting rugby union and am an England Rugby and Newcastle Falcons fan, having spent many years living in the North East.