Associate at Blanchards Bailey LLP
James Duncan
Associate
I am a Chartered Legal Executive in the Private Client Department and specialise in Estate Administration. I really enjoy that the varied nature of each estate means that no two days are the same. A number of the estates I deal with have complex unique issues (such as domicile or complicated trusts) and I enjoy researching and resolving these particular issues. I thrive on providing support to clients during, what is often, a very difficult time. I strive to provide high-quality service and carry out my role as best as I possibly can. I aim to ensure all clients enjoy a seamless experience and are well supported during difficult times. Each estate requires a bespoke approach and I am motivated to provide a tailored service which is unique to each client.
Bunbury House, Stour Park, Blandford Forum, DT11 9LQ
Licensed for 3 years
Practice Areas
Wills, Trusts & Probate
- Wills, Trusts & Probate 92%
- Housing & Property 8%
13 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Approachability
About James Duncan
I am a Chartered Legal Executive in the Private Client Department and specialise in Estate Administration. I really enjoy that the varied nature of each estate means that no two days are the same. A number of the estates I deal with have complex unique issues (such as domicile or complicated trusts) and I enjoy researching and resolving these particular issues. I thrive on providing support to clients during, what is often, a very difficult time. I strive to provide high-quality service and carry out my role as best as I possibly can. I aim to ensure all clients enjoy a seamless experience and are well supported during difficult times. Each estate requires a bespoke approach and I am motivated to provide a tailored service which is unique to each client.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact James Duncan
Address
Blanchards Bailey LLP
Bunbury House
Stour Park
Blandford Forum
DT11 9LQ
Phone 01258 440621
WebsiteResume
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Legal Assistant
Blanchards Bailey LLP
2019-2022
Graduate Legal Executive
Blanchards Bailey LLP
2022-2023
Chartered Legal Executive
Blanchards Bailey LLP
2023-2025
Associate
Blanchards Bailey LLP
2025-Present
Probate team
I am very pleased with the professionalism of the probate team (James,Shannon & Kielce ,they have guided me through the whole process,whilst keeping me informed on every aspect,can’t thank them enough,well done
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 25 July, 2025
Thank you for your kind feedback Alan. Myself and the team are pleased to have been able to assist you during this time. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Estate Administration - A first class service
Recently faced with the prospect of acting as executor for an estate, 80 miles away in Dorset, and having already engaged Blanchards Bailey (Tessa Perry) in Shaftesbury to handle the conveyancing of the related property, I chose to engage James Duncan and his team at the Blandford Forum branch to handle the estate administration on my behalf.
I have rarely had such a high level of service, and could not have made a better choice.
Everyone that I dealt with, from the receptionists to James and his team were good-humoured, approachable, and thoroughly knowledgeable and professional. James and Shannon dealt with all aspects of the administration process in a timely manner, removing all the worry and stress from me, and had no problem quickly responding to my email queries and phone calls. The whole experience left me 100% satisfied, and I have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending them.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 22 July, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Clive - Shannon and I are pleased to have been of assistance. If we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Probate
We have worked with Blanchards Bailey over a 10 year period on three family probate processes and two linked house sales. The 'we' involves myself and 5 siblings and between us we variously had power of attorney's and executor roles across the three estates. I have always found our linked solicitors and teams extremely responsive, efficient and and approachable.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 22 July, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Judith - I am pleased to have been of assistance. If we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Brilliant Blanchards Bailey
My wife was appointed executor to her Aunt's Estate. Many potential legal pitfalls and a great deal of stress involved with such a responsibility. The decision was made to involve Blanchards Bailey LLP (Blandford Forum) in the process. This turned out to be an excellent choice. James and Shannon and colleagues made the journey virtually stress free throughout the administration. All actions were executed in a timely and highly professional manner combined with excellent communication with ourselves. We have no hesitation in recommending the services of Blanchards Bailey.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 23 June, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Roy - Shannon and I are pleased to have been of assistance to you and Elaine. If we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Grant of Probate
There is much paperwork to be done after a death which I was happy to produce however when it came to submitting it to the Court I handed the file over to Duncan. The application to the Court was made and the Grant of Probate issued in a matter of two or three weeks. I would not hesitate to recommend the services of Blanchard Bailey.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 24 April, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Susan - I am pleased to have been of assistance. If we can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Grant of Probate
Very good communication. Supportive to questions. Extremely fast and organised. Friendly but efficient. We have been using this solicitors for a while now and will continue to.
Thank you James Duncan for your service.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 05 March, 2025
Thank you for your kind words Amanda - it has been a pleasure to assist you. If we can be of any further help, please contact us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Probate for the estate of Alan Henry Judge and Audrey Judge
Blanchards Bailey have looked after the accounts for both my parents beginning with the writing of their wills through to the administration of probate for both of them after they passed away.
The team at Blanchards Bailey have, at all times been courteous, efficient and thorough.
On behalf of my sister, Susan Harmer, and myself Denise Judge, we would like to express our gratitude to all of them over the past few years.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 10 December, 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Late sisters estate and will
Great solicitors couldn't be more professional you can talk to them like they are your friends especially james and secretary and Claudia that is James Duncan very good thanks for everything
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
James Duncan from Blanchards Bailey LLP responded to this review on 31 July, 2024
Thank you for your kind words Christine. It has been a pleasure to assist you and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
AN INVALUABLE HELP AT A DIFFICULT TIME
James guided us through the "mine field" of Probate with sound advice, professionalism, courtesy and tact. We have been very pleased with the outcome.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
Was this review helpful? Yes
Probate
From the start, James was always approachable, courteous and sensitive in guiding us through this difficult time. He always responded quickly to any queries we had and if he wasn't sure about something he would always check and get back to us promptly with an answer. My only criticism was that it took well over a year to complete the process. However, I understand that this is normal in such cases, particularly with a trust involved.
Lawyer named in this review: James Duncan
Was this review helpful? Yes