James Attenborough is a Special Counsel in HWL Ebsworth’s Health group, with extensive national and international experience in regulatory investigations, civil and administrative litigation, and commissions of inquiry. He brings a strategic and practical approach to complex disputes, with a strong focus on achieving the best outcomes for health professionals and organisations.
James advises on immediate action processes, disciplinary proceedings, coronial investigations, employment/accreditation disputes, clinical reviews/health service investigations, Medicare disputes and judicial review matters. He has acted in cases involving serious criminal allegations, sexual boundary violations, and criminal offences. He is known for his pragmatism, creativity and commercial approach in complex and large-scale matters, and his ability to support his clients during challenging times.
Expertise
Experience
- Regulatory Matters Represented practitioners in urgent immediate action and referral proceedings in QCAT, including obtaining costs orders, non-publication orders and achieving successful outcomes on appeal.
- Coronial Investigations Acted in high-profile inquests, advising clients through complex factual and procedural issues with reputational and legal implications
- Judicial Review Cases Appeared in multiple Supreme Court proceedings challenging the lawfulness of decisions made by the Health Ombudsman, and Queensland Health during investigations and clinical reviews.
- Workplace Investigations Advised on internal reviews involving misconduct and disciplinary processes within health services and clinical environments.