James Whittaker

Partner. Sydney.

+61 2 9210 6667 |   |  vCard

James Whittaker specialises in litigation that is large, difficult and complicated. He brings practical and strategic thinking to large scale problems, making them manageable and solvable.

His 20 year career has been spent in the superior courts and tribunals of Australia – as well as keeping his clients out of them. In representing large national and international corporations, governments and associations, his work is often pioneering in nature and of international importance.

In addition to large scale litigation, he has particular expertise in class actions, product liability, white collar crime, corporate governance of government related entities and procedures, for example Royal Commissions.

James works in particular with large multinationals, on cross-jurisdictional litigation.

James Whittaker specialises in litigation that is large, difficult and complicated. He brings practical and strategic thinking to large scale problems, making them manageable and solvable.

His 20 year career has been spent in the superior courts and tribunals of Australia – as well as keeping his clients out of them. In representing large national and international corporations, governments and associations, his work is often pioneering in nature and of international importance.

In addition to large scale litigation, he has particular expertise in class actions, product liability, white collar crime, corporate governance of government related entities and procedures, for example Royal Commissions.

James works in particular with large multinationals, on cross-jurisdictional litigation.

“He’s got your back and he’s in your corner”
James Whittaker

James's Expertise

  • British American Tobacco Litigator of choice for British American Tobacco since 2002. Retained in disputes ranging from commercial litigation to class actions concerning product liability issues.
  • National Broadband Network In 2008-2009 advising the Commonwealth of Australia on litigation issues arising from the National Broadband Network.
  • Collapse of OneTel Limited In the area of insolvency, since 2001 James has been lead advisor to Alcatel Lucent on its $1.6 billion exposure following the collapse of OneTel (a matter in which he continues to act).
  • Johnson and Johnson Advising Johnson and Johnson group entities on matters concerning its commercial arrangements and anti-competitive behaviour of its competitors, including actions in Federal Court proceedings. These cases have been scientifically complex and have involved international footprint litigation.
  • Commercial Disputes Acting for Woolworths, Parker Enzed (a US based multinational), Seven Limited, NRMA, Leighton Contractors, Arnott’s Biscuits (part of Campbells Soups Inc) and AMP in respect of a raft of commercial disputes.

What others say

  • “Best Lawyer – Class Action, Litigation and Product Liability” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2009-2012
  • “Leading Lawyer - Dispute Resolution” Chambers Global Guide, 2008-2012
  • “James is a great guy to have a beer with, but he’s also the guy you want to have fighting for you...”
  • “James is always accessible, strategic and commercial”
  • “James Whittaker heads Corrs Chambers Westgarth ‘stand out’ national practice...” That clients say ‘adds real value in complex litigation’ - Chambers Global 2011

James's Thinking

James's Leadership

  • Latitude Volunteering Director
  • Australian Institute of Company Directors Member
  • University of NSW Guest lecturer – Indigenous People and the Law (undergraduate), Native Title (post graduate), Litigation (undergraduate)
  • Corrs Chambers Westgarth National Litigation and Workplace Relations Leader
    National Government Sector Leader