Barrister Information

Profile

James practises in commercial law, specialising in employment and industrial relations.

He practices across Australia in matters arising under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other workplace legislation, as well as in contractual / equitable employment disputes.  His clients operate in industries including banking, finance, FMCG, primary production, hospitality, healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, mining, retail, and technology.  His clients include Australia-based and international companies.

James' commercial practice includes director / shareholder disputes, shareholder oppression, commercial contractual disputes, and applications for urgent injunctive relief.  He also accepts briefs in administrative law, regulatory investigations / enforcement, proceedings before disciplinary and sports tribunals, and workplace related criminal matters.

James previously led the employment disputes team at a medium sized firm, and was an LIV Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations. Before this, he ran his own practice.

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 is a member of the Essendon & District Football League Appeals Board.

James read 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

Victorian Bar

17 Oct 2024

Areas of Expertise

    Appellate 2 Areas

    • Appellate
    • Civil Appeals

    Corporations Law 5 Areas

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

    Public Administrative 8 Areas

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

    Commercial 6 Areas

    • Commercial Appellate
    • Competition and Consumer Law
    • Contractual Disputes
    • Intellectual Property
    • Restraint of Trade
    • Transport Law: Admiralty or Aviation or Maritime

    Sports Law 4 Areas

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

    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

    Technology and Media Law 1 Areas

    • Entertainment

    Equity 2 Areas

    • Equity Appellate
    • Fiduciary Duties

    Government 1 Areas

    • Industry Regulations

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