James is an experienced commercial litigator, with particular expertise in class actions and complex commercial disputes.
Before coming to the Bar, James was a Senior Associate in the disputes practice of Herbert Smith Freehills. During his nine years at Herbert Smith Freehills, James specialised in large and complex commercial disputes, with a particular focus on class actions and regulatory matters.
James is regularly briefed to advise and appear in significant commercial matters and class actions, particularly in the Federal Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Victoria.
James’s recent experience includes acting in securities, consumer, mass tort and industrial class actions, regulatory proceedings and commercial proceedings involving a broad range of issues. A selection of James's recent cases can be found below.
James holds a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
James read with Jonathan Kirkwood SC. His senior mentor is Robert Craig KC.
Recent class actions
Pabalan v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (Federal Court of Australia) – matter involving alleged underpayments and breaches of the General Retail Industry Award. Led by Rachel Doyle SC and Jonathan Kirkwood SC (ongoing).
Allen v G8 Education Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria) – acted as contradictor. Led by Claire Harris SC.
Agnello v Heritage Care Pty Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria) – matter involving allegations of negligence, breach of contract, misleading or deceptive conduct and breaches of statutory guarantees. Led by Chris Caleo KC (ongoing).
Gall v Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited (Federal Court of Australia) – matter involving allegations of misleading or deceptive conduct. Led by Rachel Doyle SC and Siobhan Kelly (ongoing).
Janssen & Anor v OnePath Custodians Pty Ltd (Federal Court of Australia) – matter involving alleged breaches by superannuation trustee. Led by Kristine Hanscombe KC and Alexandra Folie (ongoing).
Miciulis Superannuation Pty Ltd v CIMIC Limited (Federal Court of Australia) – securities class action involving alleged breaches of continuous disclosure obligations. Led by Matthew Darke SC and Alexandra Folie (ongoing).
Recent commercial and regulatory proceedings
Fair Work Ombudsman v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd (Federal Court of Australia) – matter involving alleged underpayments and breaches of the General Retail Industry Award. Led by Rachel Doyle SC, Marc Felman KC and Jonathan Kirkwood SC (with Brendan Avallone and Anna Batrouney).
Pirmax Pty Ltd v Kingspan Insulation Pty Ltd (Federal Court of Australia) – misleading or deceptive conduct. Led by Tim Walker KC and Richard J Harris SC.
CBRE (C) Pty Ltd v Daniel Thomas & Ors (Supreme Court of Victoria) – matter involving alleged breaches of contract and fiduciary duties. Led by Allan Myers KC and Dean Guidolin SC.
we-do-IT Pty Ltd v we-do-IT Inc (Supreme Court of Victoria) – matter involving alleged breaches of contract. Led by Peter Wallis KC.
Weidemann v Victorian Farmers Federation (Federal Court of Australia) – matter in relation to the removal of directors and corporations law issues. Led by Tim Walker KC.
Quantum Graphite Limited v Grant Thornton Audit Pty Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria) - matter involving misleading or deceptive conduct and negligence. Led by Dean Guidolin SC.
International commercial arbitration relating to alleged breaches of contract – led by senior counsel.
James has also been briefed (led and unled) in a number of additional commercial matters, including property disputes, commercial contract disputes, product liability matters, insurance matters and regulatory disputes.
Click here to download my List G Barristers CV.