James Stuchbery

Areas of practice

James Stuchbery is an experienced trial and appellate advocate practising in criminal law, regulatory proceedings and civil litigation.

James has worked across the Northern Territory justice system as a Judge’s Associate, Crown Prosecutor, senior advocate with both of the Territory’s legal aid agencies, and partner of a leading Territory law firm. This breadth of experience gives him a practical understanding of litigation from every side of the bar table.

After serving as Associate to Justice Southwood of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, James joined the Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions. He later spent more than four years with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, first as Regional Managing Solicitor of the Katherine office and subsequently as a Senior Trial Advocate and Manager of the appeals practice.

James then served as Deputy Managing Solicitor of the Criminal Law Practice at Legal Aid Northern Territory before joining Ward Keller in 2022. He was appointed a partner of the firm in 2025.

James has extensive experience in serious and complex criminal proceedings, including trials, appeals and matters involving contested expert evidence. He accepts briefs for both the defence and prosecution, as well as government and regulatory agencies.

James also has particular experience in regulatory investigations and prosecutions, having acted on both sides of the bar table. His work has included contested proceedings under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT), Environment Protection Act 2019 (NT), Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1999 (NT), Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT), and other statutory offences.

Complementing his advocacy practice, James advises businesses, government agencies and individuals on regulatory compliance, risk management, workplace incidents and responses to investigations. He has a particular interest in work health and safety risk, including the duties of organisations and officers following serious workplace incidents.

James maintains a broad civil practice. His experience includes personal injury and professional negligence claims, workers’ compensation, contractual and statutory claims, judicial review and proceedings involving public authorities. He is particularly well suited to factually complex disputes requiring careful analysis of expert or technical evidence.

His approach is direct, strategic and grounded in careful preparation. He places particular importance on clear advice, sound judgment and ensuring that clients understand both the legal and practical dimensions of their case.

James is Vice-President of the Criminal Lawyers Association of the Northern Territory and is actively engaged in advocacy concerning criminal justice policy, law reform and the proper resourcing of the Territory’s justice system.

James accepts private, legally aided and government briefs at all stages of proceedings.

James has a broad practice, including:

• Criminal trials and appeals
• Sentencing and bail proceedings
• Regulatory investigations and prosecutions
• Regulatory compliance and risk advisory
• Criminal property forfeiture
• Coronial inquests and inquiries
• Administrative law and judicial review
• Personal injury and professional negligence
• Workers’ compensation
• Civil litigation and dispute resolution
• Professional disciplinary proceedings
• Advice and opinions

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts (History) – University of Adelaide (2011)

Bachelor of Laws – University of Adelaide, 2011 (2011)

Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – Law Society of South Australia (2011)

P:  08 8967 1677