James Peterson

Partner and head of team

I have been with GA Solicitors since 2006 and qualified as a solicitor in 2009. I am a partner and head up our company/commercial team. I also play an active role in the local business community, working closely with other regional business leaders for the betterment of the South West.

I am proud of the strong following I have built up in the local community for my work in the field of company/commercial law, including business sales and purchases (both as assets and through shares), management buyouts, venture capital transactions, and private equity deals.

On a daily basis I am providing commercial and legal advice to shareholders and directors, to partnerships and to sole traders, including in relation to commercial agreements, franchise agreements, joint ventures, corporate reconstructions, and succession planning.

I have a large number of clients in the healthcare sector and in the renewable energy sector and I am developing a specialism in intellectual property (including assignments, licenses and trademark applications for registration within the UK).

I believe in keeping the client fully informed, allowing them to be in control, with me in the background advising them along the way, cutting to the chase and ensuring the best commercial result for the client. This approach has led to repeat instructions and referrals from local accountants and clients, together with rankings in nationally recognised publications.

When not working with my clients you will probably find me either relaxing along the wonderful local coastline, out on the moors with my family, or playing sport with my friends.  The South West really is one of the best places to live and work!

 Cases & Testimonials

“James and his commercial team at GA Solicitors have been by our side over the years and have been an integral part of the success and growth of our business. James has provided practical and commercially sound advice on each of our acquisitions and we will be using his services going forward as we continue to grow.”

David McIntosh, Need-A-Cab

 “James assisted us in implementing a family succession plan and restructure of our long established and successful family-owned business, enabling the next generation of the family to take our business from strength to strength, whilst rewarding the hard work of the founders.”

Andrew Smith, Morris Engineering

 “James’ assistance and practical advice has been instrumental and extremely well received by the practice and the partners. James was a kay part of or professional advisor team which has assisted us in modernising the practice through the implementation of a complete restructure. This work will enable the practice to meet the needs of all its patients, whilst operating as a well-run business that continues to attract the best GPs.”

Caroline Sanford, Bideford Medical Centre

 “In what was at times a daunting process for us, having never been through a transaction of this sort, James was a steadying influence that made sure everything went smoothly, whilst getting a fair and balanced agreement when we sold the business we had built up over several years, to a large national company. I would not hesitate to recommend James to others needs commercial work in relation to their business.”

Josie Warne, South West Child Care

 “James and GA Solicitors are understandably professional, and importantly keen to get it right for a fair price, and provide a service that pre-empts, and indeed negates the need for legal action by planning ahead with the right contracts and procedures. A great approach, spot on advice and lovely people to work with – James included! Couldn’t recommend highly enough and will doubtless be using James’ services again.”

ML