James has been with Owen Hodge Lawyers since 1995 and became an Associate of the firm in 1996. He was made Partner in July 2000 and was the head of the Seniors, Estates and Residential Conveyancing team, until July 2023 where he stepped down as partner. James is a valuable and well sought-out member of the Wills and Estates team.
James studied law at the University of Technology, Sydney while employed as a Parliamentary Officer in the New South Wales Parliament. He has worked in regional practice since 1991 and has developed his legal practice mainly in the area of “Elder Law”. This is the law as it relates to seniors and includes conveyancing, accommodation in facilities such as retirement villages and aged care. He also advises in estate planning from the legal perspective and other general issues affecting older people. He drafts testamentary trusts in Wills and trusts particularly where there are disabled beneficiaries.
James was appointed to the role of Notary Public by the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2009 and given the statutory power to witness and certify documents, administer oaths and perform other wide-ranging administrative functions of a national and international nature. James is particularly aware and sensitive to the needs of his clients. He is conscious of the need to communicate with his clients in such a way as to help them make prudent decisions after considering the options. He is actively involved with several seniors groups and advisory committees. He also regularly addresses seniors groups on legal issues.