James Shaw’s practice as a barrister is predominantly in disputes with a significant technical or engineering focus. With a background as a practising structural engineer for over 10 years prior to turning to the law, Mr Shaw has a thorough understanding of the technical issues associated with TEC disputes, as well as having a practical knowledge of procurement and contractual issues associated with TEC industries.

Mr Shaw has a great interest in understanding the technical issues in a dispute, and how such issues relate to the legal and strategic aspects of the case.

Examples of cases Mr Shaw has been involved in include:

design failure of acid leach autoclaves and a desalination plant as part of a wider dispute involving a nickel processing plant; defects in large plastic injection moulding equipment;

defect and delay claims arising out of the construction of major railway infrastructure works; claims associated with the design and modification of automobiles;

numerous defect and delay claims arising out of building and infrastructure works, including disputes about foundations and overall structural adequacy of buildings.

Mr Shaw’s practice as an engineer saw him in lead roles on large and complex building projects in Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany. In this capacity he was lead structural engineer responsible for the design of the Tate Modern art gallery in London and the Australian Embassy in Berlin, as well as senior engineer responsible for a 5,800 seat Olympic capacity underground velodrome and multi-purpose venue in Berlin. Mr Shaw is a chartered member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, London.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Mr Shaw worked as a solicitor with Allens Arthur Robinson in Melbourne, principally involved in TEC and insurance disputes. Mr Shaw’s legal qualification is the Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, where he obtained prizes for the student placed first in Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Corporations Law and Intellectual Property.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.