James Harb
General Overview
James is the leading partner in our International Trade and Transport group and is recognized as one of Australia’s preeminent lawyers in this field. He is exceptionally experienced in all areas of Maritime law, specializing in logistics litigation as well as in all areas of road and rail transport and aviation law.
James jointly heads our International Business group and has particular expertise with facilitating the establishment of Australian businesses in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and other Middle East countries. He adds particular value to his client’s successful development through his intimate knowledge of the Arabic language, legal systems and culture. Similarly, he has advised Middle Eastern companies on doing business in Australia.
In addition, James also leads our insurance group and specializes in insurance claims advice relating to professional indemnity, business, public liability, property damage, theft, arson, environmental damage, directors and officers liability, trade practices, and other disputes
Relevant experience
- Extensively involved in submissions to the Federal Government on the drafting of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Regulations, (1998) which modified the Carriage of Goods by Sea laws in Australia.
- First Australian legal advisor to advise on establishment of infrastructure projects in Iraq pursuant to The Iraqi Investment Law 2006.
- Acted in relation to the arrests of vessels in one of Australia’s largest vessel arrest matters, following the collapse of the South Pacific Shipping Company fleet.
- Appointed as Maritime arbitrator in relation to marine insurance policy disputes.
- Acted for international commodities trader in one of the largest international commodity arbitration in Australia.
- Advised a major International bank on the legal implications of electronic bills of lading in various jurisdictions.
- Provided trade law and intellectual property advice on establishment of business in the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf countries.
- Successfully prosecuted recovery litigation for a major Australian importer in relation to loss arising from short-shipment of crude oil cargo in Kuwait.
- Represented a UK professional indemnity underwriter in seeking rectification of liability policy.
- Represented various professional indemnity underwriters in relation to defence of lawyers, accountants, auditors and other professionals.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts for numerous companies in the logistics industry.
- Represented various industries in international commercial litigation involving various jurisdictions.
Islamic Finance
- First lawyer in Australia to advise major Australian banking institution and superannuation fund on establishing Sharia products in Australia.
- Written article on Islamic Finance in Law Society Journal of NSW.
- Presented seminar on Islamic finance at University of Technology, Sydney.
- Speak read and write language of Sharia-Arabic.
- Generally familiar with Islamic religion and culture.
- As director of AACCI responsible for promoting Islamic banking in Australia.
Personal strengths and achievements
- Awarded the Maritime Law Prize by the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand, and is currently writing a Doctoral thesis on international marine cargo liability regimes (University of Sydney)
- Recognised in Legal Profiles as a “Young Gun” in early career.
- Represented Australian Lawyers at various international conventions, including UNCITRAL and CMI.
- Former President of the Marine Discussion Group in NSW
- Authored the Maritime and Aviation law definitions in the Australian Legal Dictionary and frequently writes articles and as well as being a regular guest speaker at various forums
- Guest lectured at the University of Sydney in Marine Insurance law
- Co led Australian business delegation to the Middle East.
- Published numerous articles on significant legal reforms in his areas of expertise.
Memberships & Associations
- Past president of the NSW Marine and Transport Discussion Group
- Member of the International Bar Association
- Member of the Australian Insurance Law Association
- Director of the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Vice Chairman of the NSW Air Freight Council.
Qualifications
- LLB Honours, University of Technology, Sydney
- LLM, The University of Sydney