James Whittaker

James is a leading senior partner with over 30 years experience advising on large scale disputes, regulatory investigations and commissions of inquiry.

James specialises in regulatory compliance, advisory and dispute resolution, acting on some of Australia’s highest profile contentious matters.

His expertise includes commercial litigation, arbitration, administrative and probity investigations, white collar defence, public law, class actions and Commissions. He also has extensive experience in industrial relations and employment, occupational health and safety and the development of policy including advising on possible and proposed legal and regulatory reform.

James enjoys a market leading position as one of the Asia-Pacific’s pre-eminent legal practitioners. His experience includes significant people leadership, proven strategic development and transformation and execution, and direct management of lawyer teams.

James’ expertise includes providing Boards and Executives with expert advice on governance, regulatory and compliance issues and the design and execution of compliance across business functions. In that capacity, and in the discharge of broader relationship functions, he has developed an extensive network of relationships with lawyers, the business community and with senior officers of regulatory and governmental bodies.

James also has an extensive network of international relationships, primarily centered on professional service providers. He regularly advises global enterprises including on footprint international regulatory, compliance, risk and dispute resolution.

James also has in-house experience in the community sector. He was the Principal Legal Officer of an indigenous land council for a number of years.