James is Partner in our Planning and Environment practices with a reputation for exceptional advice across the areas of planning and development approvals, planning litigation and dispute resolution, infrastructure, land valuation and the compulsory acquisition or resumption of land.
James has over 20 years’ experience advising developers, local government and State government authorities on all aspects of front end and litigious planning and environment law including for major property and infrastructure projects. In addition to litigious planning matters, James is well known for his strategic approach to land resumption where he primarily acts for resuming authorities in compensation negotiations and Land Court litigation.
James is consistently recognised by leading publications, including most recently being named by Doyle’s Guide as Preeminent in their Leading Planning and Development Lawyers, Queensland, 2023 rankings. He has also been ranked as Leading in the Doyle’s Guide Leading Planning and Development Lawyers, Queensland from 2017–2022, as well as Leading Environment & Heritage Lawyers, Queensland, 2020-2023. James was also included in The Best Lawyers™ in Australia 2023-2024 for Government Practice; Land Use and Zoning Law; and Planning and Environmental Law categories as well as being awarded 'Lawyer of the Year' for Planning and Environment Law 2023. James was also named the winner of Lawyer Monthly — Legal Awards 2019 and 2020 in Land Use and Zoning — Australia.
James is a Past President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association (QELA), and is a member of the Queensland Planning Committee for the Property Council of Australia.