With over 15 years’ experience (and 12 years spent in global law firms), James’ primary practice is to defend professionals and companies in complex litigation and help them navigate regulatory requirements and enquiries. His focus is in the areas of construction, insurance, professional negligence and technology.
James also advises insurers and brokers on complex insurance coverage issues and litigates disputes on behalf of his commercial clients. More recently, James has acted on behalf of Owners Corporations in large-scale construction litigation proceedings against construction companies.
The many professionals that James has had the privilege of defending range from large engineering houses, to accountants, insurance brokers, and financial planners. He has represented clients at Royal Commission hearings and helped them respond to regulatory enquiries. James has also worked hand-in-hand with Clyde & Co’s cyber practice to pursue recovery litigation against wrongdoers, arising from duty breaches by third-party service providers.
He is seen as a technical expert in his chosen fields and is known for being able to distil complex concepts down for clients in a way that is digestible and helps clients make practical decisions quickly. He appreciates the responsibility of being able to help clients in their hour of need. He is known to support clients through ‘thick and thin’ and believe in them at times when others won’t.
James has experience working with global and local insurers, London Market syndicates and their insureds. His technical understanding of client's businesses is critical to developing a fast understanding of the claim and the ability to focus on early settlement strategy if appropriate. Evidence of this is found in his handling of a claim against an accounting firm in which the client had significant exposure. James successfully implemented a strategy to resolve the matter at mediation, and before evidence, therefore minimising unnecessary liability exposure and legal spend for the client.
James has extensive experience in litigated proceedings. In 2019, James defended a global agricultural company in proceedings arising from a crop spraying incident causing widespread damage to crops. Faced with a challenging case on liability, James was able to deploy a strategy of defending the case on causation and quantum instead, which resulted in a successful outcome for his client at Trial.
James is a committee member of the Engineering Discussion Group , the Australian Professional Indemnity Group and the Australian Insurance Law Association. He presents frequently on areas of substantive law and professional skills.
He is admitted to practice in Australia and the United Kingdom, and has litigated claims in numerous jurisdictions in Australia, the UK and Europe.
James is consistently recognised for his work in the industry, most recently he has also been recognised in the 2021 and 2022 "Best Lawyers in Australia" rankings for his expertise in Insurance Law.