Barrister Information

Profile

James practises in commercial law and is a specialist in employment and industrial relations. He also accepts briefs in administrative law, regulatory investigations / enforcement, proceedings before disciplinary and sports tribunals, and workplace related criminal matters.

He represents clients in matters arising under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (including general protections disputes, unfair dismissals, stop-bullying orders, enterprise agreement / Modern Award disputes, FWO investigations) and other State and Federal workplace legislation. He acts in contractual / equitable employment disputes (breach of contract, restraint of trade, breach of fiduciary duty), harassment and discrimination claims, and workplace investigations.

James' commercial litigation experience includes director / shareholder disputes, shareholder oppression, contractual disputes, bankruptcy / insolvency, construction disputes, and applications for urgent injunctive relief.

Before the Bar, James led the employment disputes team at a medium sized firm. Before this, he was the director of a boutique employment law firm. He is an LIV Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations.

He has appeared in and / or advised on matters in State and Federal Courts and tribunals at all levels.

James has a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Science (Marine & Freshwater Science). He has undertaken advanced training in mediation and negotiation at Humboldt University of Berlin.

He has been a member of the Essendon & District Football League Tribunal and Appeals Board.

James is reading with Nico Burmeister. His senior mentor is Ian Upjohn CSC KC.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister's clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.

Admitted

18 Aug 2015

Bar

17 Oct 2024

Areas of Expertise

    Alternative Dispute Resolution 1 Areas

    • Mediations

    Appellate 2 Areas

    • Appellate
    • Civil Appeals

    Corporations Law 4 Areas

    • ASIC investigations and Prosecutions
    • Charities and Not-for-Profits
    • Directors and Officers Claims
    • Shareholder Disputes

    Bankruptcy and Insolvency 1 Areas

    • Corporate Insolvency

    Public Administrative 10 Areas

    • Civil and Human Rights
    • Compliance and Investigations
    • Constitutional Law
    • Corruption
    • Discrimination
    • Judicial Review and Administrative Law
    • Merits Review
    • Migration Law
    • Privacy or Freedom of Information
    • Public Administrative Appellate

    Commercial 11 Areas

    • Commercial Appellate
    • Competition and Consumer Law
    • Contractual Disputes
    • Insurance
    • Insurance and Professional Negligence
    • Intellectual Property
    • Professional Liability
    • Restraint of Trade
    • Strata and Community Title
    • Superannuation
    • Transport Law: Admiralty or Aviation or Maritime

    Inquests Inquiries 1 Areas

    • Commissions or Tribunals and Other Inquiries

    Sports Law 4 Areas

    • Contracts and Contract Disputes
    • Disciplinary Tribunals
    • Doping or Drugs in Sports
    • Racing Appeals

    Technology and Media Law 2 Areas

    • eCommerce
    • Entertainment

    Industrial Employment 6 Areas

    • Employment Contracts and Restraint of Trade
    • Industrial Disputes and Statutory Employment Rights
    • Industrial Employment Appellate
    • Industrial Employment Discrimination
    • Public Sector Appeals
    • Work Health and Safety

    Equity 1 Areas

    • Fiduciary Duties

    Environment and Planning 1 Areas

    • Fishery Licenses and Commercial Fisheries

    Government 3 Areas

    • Food Industry Regulation
    • Gaming Industry Regulation
    • Industry Regulations

    Criminal 2 Areas

    • White Collar and Corporate Crime
    • Work Health and Safety - Criminal

To Engage With James Francis
Call us on 03 9225 7777 or Enquire Below