James Cameron

Profile

James practices in public law, including administrative law, regulatory and disciplinary matters, and health law. He also accepts briefs to appear and advise in inquests and commissions. 

James is well-versed in the use of executive powers, public sector integrity, and statutory interpretation. He has experience and understanding of the powers of investigative agencies, such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), and the use of coercive powers and public interest disclosures. 

James has a strong interest in health law, including disputes regarding medical decisions, the regulation of health practitioners, and guardianship and powers of attorney. 

Before coming to the Bar, James held a number of roles in the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Health. In these roles, he provided advice on the development of complex legislation, such as the Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 and the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017. James also provided advice on public sector integrity matters, including acting as the Public Interest Disclosure Monitor, responding to reports from IBAC and on issues relating to public sector governance. 

James was also an Associate to His Honour Judge Taft in the County Court. 

James is an Honorary Fellow at the Melbourne Law School, having earlier completed a PhD there. During his doctorate, he was awarded the James and Valerie McNiff Scholarship, which enabled him to attend the University of Oxford as a Visiting Student. James’ written work has been published in Australian and international journals and he has authored a book, Critically Ill Children and the Law (Routledge, 2023). 

James is reading with Emily Latif and his Senior Mentor is Jeremy Ruskin KC.