James was admitted as a solicitor in January 2002 and practised criminal law in private practice before he began working with Legal Aid Queensland in 2004.  At LAQ he initially practised as a legal officer in general crime and then in youth justice.  He was called to the bar in 2006 and worked as in-house counsel at Legal Aid Queensland until moving to the private bar at the beginning of 2016.

 James practises primarily in criminal law but also has experience in child protection including at an appellate level.  During his time at Legal Aid Queensland and since commencing in private practice he has had significant experience in complex matters before the Mental Health Court.  He appears regularly in a wide variety of criminal matters in the superior courts throughout Queensland, including the Court of Appeal.

 James has a particular interest in the interaction that children have with the legal system.  This includes the youth justice system, the child protection system and children appearing as witnesses. He has represented the Bar Association of Queensland on the Childrens Court Committee and he contributes regularly to submissions on proposed legislation and policy initiatives relating to children’s participation in the criminal justice system.

 When not practising law James enjoys having fun with his wife and two boys, music and coaching and volunteering with his local Junior AFL Club.

AREAS OF PRACTICE

• Administrative Law

• Appellate

• Criminal

• Family Law and Guardianship

• Inquests, Commissions of Inquiry & Statutory Tribunals

CONTACT

Phone: 07 3088 5582
Mobile: 0402 824 719
Fax: 07 3088 5596
Email: jbenjamin@qldbar.asn.au