James Clohesy

James has a specific interest in property, construction and professional risks in the energy and utilities, engineering and construction, and government infrastructure sectors. He pursues high value direct or subrogated recovery actions and dual insurance actions, advises clients in relation to coverage disputes, and routinely defends large-scale litigated claims.

James is known for his plain English, concise and pragmatic advice arising from his ability to identify technical and factual issues early in a matter. He has an established capability to drive a matter towards its conclusion in an efficient and effective manner. James has refined these skills through his regular work with a government body, defending claims by individuals who allege to have been wronged in their dealings with the organisation.

James works with local insurers, the Lloyd's market and various government agencies, including energy and utility providers.

James most frequently advises Lloyd's syndicates, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty and Sydney Water, among other insurers, government bodies and statutory corporations.

"I find James to be a thorough and highly competent lawyer who brings a client-focussed approach to claims service. James is known for providing commercially sensible and considered advice and has achieved excellent results for AGCS through his innate ability to be both strategic and hands on in his approach to resolving claims. On a more personal basis, I find James to be extremely personable and approachable with a remarkable passion for the law."

Sui Loke, Senior Claims Specialist, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty

"I find James' advice detailed and concise.  Personally, I find James articulate, approachable and responsive. His approach to internal stakeholders who I work with combines the right level of friendliness and professionalism.  He is sensitive to the commercial drivers within Sydney Water and the results we want to achieve."

Laura Andrews, Technical Specialist, Sydney Water 

James holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney.

During his studies, James worked for a floor of Barristers assisting in everything from legal research to locating the best local coffee. Before joining Sparke Helmore in February 2013, he worked at a national law firm managing a mixed portfolio of plaintiff liability claims, and commercial and property disputes in the agricultural sector.

James hails from Central-Western New South Wales and takes every opportunity to escape the city—either to head back home or travel abroad. He is an avid skier and a keen follower of Rugby Union and AFL. On a Thursday evening he can be found at the Ultimo community centre doing his best impression of an unskilled Centre, attempting to play social mixed netball.