James Stuchbery is an accomplished advocate with over a decade of experience in criminal law, civil litigation, and regulatory compliance in the Northern Territory. Known for his strategic approach and commitment to justice, James regularly appears as counsel in the Local and Supreme Courts, representing clients in a wide range of complex legal matters.

Admitted to practice in 2012, James began his legal career as Associate to Justice Stephen Southwood in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. Since then, he has held prominent roles with the NT Director of Public Prosecutions, the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), and the NT Legal Aid Commission before joining Ward Keller in 2022. His diverse practice now includes criminal law, medical negligence, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and general civil litigation involving commercial disputes, administrative law, and judicial review proceedings.

With a profound understanding of the Northern Territory’s regulatory frameworks, James has successfully advised and represented clients in high-stakes prosecutions under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011, the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1998, and the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. His expertise in regulatory compliance, crisis management, and risk mitigation has made him a trusted advisor to corporate clients, particularly in navigating complex legal challenges.

Beyond his legal practice, James is a respected leader in the legal and broader community. As Vice-President of the Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory (CLANT), he is a vocal advocate for law reform and professional development within the legal profession. He also serves as Chair of the AFLNT Tribunal, where he merges his passion for sports with his dedication to fair and transparent adjudication.

Outside the courtroom, James enjoys golfing, travelling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Areas of Law

  • Civil litigation
  • Criminal law
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Personal injury
  • Medical negligence
  • Administrative law
  • Consumer law

Qualifications & Memberships

  • Bachelor of Laws, University of Adelaide
  • Bachelor of Arts (History), University of Adelaide
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Law Society of South Australia
  • Admitted as a legal practitioner in the Northern Territory, 2012
  • Admitted as a legal practitioner in South Australia, 2012
  • Member of the Law Society, Northern Territory
  • Committee member, Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory (since 2017)
  • Vice-president, Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory (since 2021).

Contact Details