With 30 years of legal practice, James is a highly experienced advocate and advisor specialising in project and environmental approvals, infrastructure, cultural heritage and natural resources regulation. Experienced in both front end advisory and transaction work to disputes, he regularly represents clients in complex project, development and environmental litigation before the Environment, Resources & Development Court and the Supreme Court.
James has acted for a diverse range of private sector and government clients, providing critical legal support across the development and environment sectors. His expertise has made him a sought-after presenter at seminars and conferences on infrastructure projects and property development law, land contamination, and water resources law.
James has been consistently recognised in Doyles Guide as a Preeminient planning and environment lawyer in SA and in Best Lawyers for litigation and natural resources law.
James is a past President of the SA Division of the National Environmental Law Association Ltd and past member of the Executive Committee of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA). He is a division Councillor of the SA Division of the Property Council of Australia.
Expertise
Experience
- A Major retailer Advising on complex and contested development project approvals.
- Large industrial operator Advising on the defence of a prosecution (and negotiation of a civil penalty) for pollution of coastal waters.
- Major land developers Advising on water and sewer infrastructure delivery agreements.
- Property owners Advising on resisting listing of land or buildings as State Heritage items.
- Vendors and Purchasers of contaminated sites Advising on risk mitigation strategies and contract drafting.
- Pumped Hydro Proponent Advising on the necessary approvals, strategy and access arrangements for a pumped hydro electricity generation proposal north of Port Pirie which included road and rail corridor access agreements, private land access arrangements and all necessary statutory approvals.