James Wilkinson
James helps people plan wisely, protect assets, and manage complex trust and property matters.
James Wilkinson leads Gibson Sheat’s property team in Lower Hutt, and also has an extensive trust law practice, bringing over 20 years’ experience helping people protect what matters. He advises on family trusts, estate planning, and residential and commercial property. Clients trust him to structure and protect their assets, resolve complex issues and provide long-term legal guidance that’s practical, precise and easy to understand.
His legal work spans the formation, management and restructuring of trusts, as well as acting for trustees, beneficiaries and families in sensitive or contested matters. He also advises on property sales and purchases, leasing, financing, subdivisions and business structuring, particularly where trusts and property interests overlap.
James is known for his sharp eye for numbers and strong analytical thinking. He’s the go-to person for anything involving data, trends or financial clarity. As a member of the Executive Committee, he plays a key role in the firm’s strategic and day-to-day decision making.
Before joining Gibson Sheat, James was a partner at firms in both Wellington and Auckland and continues to act for clients across the country.
James is a member of the International Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Property Law Section of the New Zealand Law Society. He is the former chair of the St Oran's College Board of Trustees and is currently a trustee of the Hutt Valley High School Board of Trustees.
Outside of work, James enjoys family time, travel and keeps a few magic tricks up his sleeve.
