James Stuchbery was born and raised in Darwin. He completed his legal studies at the University of Adelaide and was admitted to practice in 2012, before returning to the Territory to commence his legal career as Associate to Justice Stephen Southwood in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.

James is a well-respected solicitor advocate who appears regularly as counsel in the Local and Supreme Courts. He developed significant experience in criminal law during his time with the NT Director of Public Prosecutions, the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) and the NT Legal Aid Commission, before expanding his practice into general civil litigation.

James offers advice and representation in workers compensation, personal injury and medical negligence matters, as well as in common law claims, commercial disputes and judicial review and administrative law proceedings.

In addition, James maintains a criminal law practice with a focus on strictly indictable matters. Working closely with Ward Keller’s commercial teams, James has also developed substantial knowledge of the Territory’s regulatory legislation and has represented clients in complex prosecutions brought under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011, the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1998, andthe Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989.

James’ knowledge of these regulatory frameworks leaves him well placed to advise on compliance and risk management. He also accepts instructions from corporate clients to conduct internal investigations into governance and related issues. Outside of work, James is a keen sports fan and is the current Chair of the AFLNT Tribunal. He is Vice-president of the Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory (CLANT) and has been a key contributor to CLANT’s advocacy and submissions on law reform issues. He is a keen golfer, and enjoys travelling, music and spending time with his family and friends.