James Ebert is a commercial litigator who acts for global and domestic clients in a range of commercial disputes and risks, providing strategic guidance throughout the life cycle of actual or anticipated disputes. His practice is focused on high-stakes disputes, with particular attention on the construction and infrastructure sectors, significant joint venture and M&A disputes, and other complex disputes for large multinationals.
James has represented clients in the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland Supreme Courts, the Federal Court of Australia, and appellate proceedings in the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia. He also regularly provides advice on anticipated dispute risk avoidance and management and acts in expert determinations and other alternative dispute resolution methods.
His recent experience highlights cover a number of construction and infrastructure disputes, including acting for Fluor in ongoing proceedings brought by Santos in the Queensland Supreme Court (following the successful recovery of approximately $500 million for Fluor in prior adjudications) and acting for Lendlease in successful NSW Supreme Court proceedings regarding the development of the Barangaroo precinct.
He has also recently acted in various major corporate disputes, including for Lowe's in relation to its exit from a joint venture with Woolworths and the Masters hardware/home improvement business in Australia.
Prior to joining Jones Day, James worked at a major Australian firm, where he was involved in several matters, including a multimillion dollar construction and development dispute in NSW and Queensland, and acted for an audit and professional services firm on matters regarding a large Australian corporate collapse.
Experience
- University of New South Wales (LL.B. and B.Comm. 2009)
- High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of New South Wales
Best Lawyers in Australia: recognized in alternative dispute resolution (2022-2025)