Andrew James

Professional Experience

Andrew emigrated to Australia from Wales with his parents and two brothers in 1982.

He completed his schooling on the north side of Brisbane, and has since gone on to spend the majority of his adult life working within both the justice system and the legal profession.

Andrew initially worked as a clerk in the Magistrates Court at Redcliffe.

He later joined the Queensland Police Service, following which he was transferred to the Gold Coast. Whilst stationed on the Gold Coast, Andrew worked both in uniform and the Criminal Investigation Branch. During this time, he was awarded his Detective’s classification by the Qld Police Service. He went on to take up country positions at Mornington Island and later Cambooya. He resigned after 12 years’ service to pursue a career in law.

Andrew completed his law degree at Bond University, where he was awarded First Class Honours.

He was first called to the Private Bar in September 2004, and went on to practice as a barrister for almost 15 years. During that time, Andrew was both a member of Atkin Chambers, Brisbane and Inns of Court Gold Coast, and practiced primarily in family law as well as commercial litigation.

He has appeared in various State and Federal jurisdictions, including:

• The Qld Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT);
• The Queensland, New South Wales, and Victorian Magistrates (Local) Courts;
• The Queensland and New South Wales District and Supreme Courts;
• The Queensland Court of Appeal; and
• The Family and Federal Circuit Courts of Australia.

Whilst practising on the Gold Coast, Andrew has served on the committee of the Gold Coast Bar Association.

He currently resides on the Gold Coast with his wife and two children.

Outside of the legal profession, Andrew has a keen interest in photography.