James joined M+K back in the 1980s, so has seen the firm, our clients and their industry change considerably over the decades. As the Managing Director of Victoria, he has been a driving force in the practice at all levels.

One clear passion is his desire to see the South East region of Melbourne grow and prosper. Consequently, it is not surprising that he is a past President & Life Member of the Dandenong Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Committee for Dandenong and the Premier Regional Business Awards, and a Board Member of South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA). A lot of this work means he is front and centre on Manufacturing issues and plans to stay there for many years to come.

Experience

After more than 25 years in practice, the last 3 as Managing Director in Victoria, most commercial experiences have come across James' desk.

He was responsible for the creation of the Firm's Workplace Relations Team, which has now grown to be one of the 5 Practice Groups and key strengths of the Firm.

As the Partner responsible for the Business Law team during the 90s, he oversaw five-fold growth in under 6 years.

James is involved at an Advisory Board level with several clients on legal matters, and a variety of Boards including M+K Holdings and Group companies, and remains a major shareholder in the Firm.

On a legal front, his commercial acumen is regularly called upon in major acquisitions, mediations, disputes, planning and strategy. This has meant days in mediations in disputes up to $350 million, resolution of Federal Court proceedings involving 3 sites and 5 parties over 3 years, and acquisitions in South Africa, New Zealand and every state in Australia.

In relation to industry knowledge, James' experience in Automotive areas is deep and broad, particularly in the Melbourne Metro area.

With well over 100 Foreign Owned companies as M+K clients, James has wide experience with CEOs and Managing Directors of these subsidiaries with respect to their duties, strategy and performance in their business and personally.

Finally, his experience as an acquirer of businesses by the Firm and as Managing Director of a large employer in its own right, gives him empathy well beyond the common lawyer.

Qualifications, membership and recognition

  • Bachelor of Economics, Monash University
  • Bachelor of Laws, Monash University
  • Accredited Business Law Specialist
  • Accredited Workplace Relations Specialist
  • Board Member - South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance
  • Member, Law Institute of Victoria