James Morse

James is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, specialising in large and intricate (re)insurance and commercial disputes. His practice focuses on transaction liability, financial lines, professional indemnity, management liability, and defamation.

James is frequently instructed as defence counsel in complex litigation, and regularly advises leading Australian and international insurers, both primary and excess layer, on technical indemnity issues in relation to both direct and reinsurance coverage.

James has acted in major class actions and defended numerous claims under warranty and indemnity policies, including in the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the Supreme Court of Victoria, along with Singapore-seated arbitrations. He has extensive experience in securities and shareholder disputes and has represented captive insurance companies in litigation involving numerous defendants and complex coverage issues. James also defends professionals against negligence, breach of contract, and statutory claims.

'I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to work together with commercially minded people to solve complex legal problems in an efficient and effective manner.'

In addition to being named in Best Lawyers for both Insurance Law and Litigation, James has been described in Legal 500 as "highly intelligent", "the master of client care" and "an exceptional partner who is available day and night for his clients". Chambers reports that clients know James as "a real expert and a trusted advisor in this line of work. Quite simply, there is nobody who is better at what he does in this region. He is very measured in his approach and always provides very balanced, commercial advice. He is an excellent strategist".

Industry recognition

• Legal 500 – Dispute Resolution: Class Actions, mentioned since 2024
• Legal 500 – Insurance, mentioned since 2020
• The Best Lawyers in Australia – Insurance Law, Sydney since 2021
• The Best Lawyers in Australia – Litigation, Sydney since 2020