James Bailey
Partner
I am passionate and enthusiastic about being a Family Lawyer. What makes my work interesting and rewarding is:
- listening to clients explaining an often emotionally overwhelming and complex problem that they cannot resolve by themselves. The more complex the case the more interesting it is!
- helping clients unravel the complexity of their situation and explaining the application of the law in their case. Explanations are important to me so clients really understand why the law will result in a particular outcome in their case.
- developing and then implementing an individualised strategy about how to resolve their problem. Strategies vary and can include:-
- filing court proceedings;
- negotiating an outcome through correspondence, and mediation;
- providing skills to allow clients to negotiate their own settlements.
- getting to the end of a case and a person’s problem has been resolved and there is some finality.
While the variety in my work is part of what makes it interesting, over the last 20 years I have developed a particular interest in complex property settlements particularly those with businesses, farming and grazing businesses or complex corporate structures.
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids, cooking for a crowd and getting outside gardening and landscaping.
Contact Details
Mackay Office
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Arts
Memberships & Associations
- Queensland Law Society Family Law Specialist Accreditation Advisory Committee member (2015 to date)
- St Francis Xavier Mackay School Board member (2019 to date)
- Volunteer at Mackay Community Legal Centre (2003 to date)
- Family Law Practitioners Association of Queensland Board member
- Law Council Australia – Family Law Section member
- Mackay District Law Association member
- North Queensland Law Association member
- Chair of the Mackay Children's Contact Service since 2022 (board member since 2020)
- Chair of the Family Law Pathways Network for Mackay (2022 to date)
- Past President of Mackay Community Visitors Association (2007-2009)
- Past President of Mackay Junior Chamber International (2005)
Admissions
- Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland – admitted 2005
- Solicitor of the High Court of Australia – admitted 2005
What our clients have to say
Gregory
"I can't thank you enough for your help, James was amazing and Cassandra was great, all the staff, Wendy, Ruth and girls on the front desk. I can't thank you enough for all we were able to achieve and am grateful to have my boys the time I have."
Maria
"Was very happy with the service they gave me, especially when things got a little tough for me and upsetting. James and the staff were very compassionate, considerate and understanding, they helped me through the upsetting times. I felt very confident and comfortable with their services. I would not hesitate at all in recommending these guys to a friend or family member."
Ron & Jill
"Our experience with your firm was very emotional in the beginning, but James listened and obviously cared about our situation. Peta handled our case very personally and Tanya very politely answered any questions I had when Peta was not available. Thank you all for your help.”
Sally
"I was one of James Bailey's clients for a recent family law matter. I just wanted to commend James on his great work. James was able to navigate my matter with diplomacy and ease and worked to finalise it very promptly, where my previous lawyer in Townsville was unable. James is empathetic, a great listener and is very head strong, and he used these skills to represent me and my position in the best possible way. James then did my Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, which was a very simple and easy process and I am happy to have this finalised now. I am so glad I moved my matter to your firm late last year. Your firm is very professional, works to a very high standard and this is why you have such a good name around Mackay. My family and I will continue to use your firm moving forward for any future legal matters and I will be recommending your firm to my family and friends."
Simon & Bernadette
"We wanted to pass on our most sincere heartfelt thanks for the excellent work and tremendous support over the last 2 years. Though it was a very exhaustive and emotional time for us you always made it as painless as possible with friendly faces and a welcoming vibe in the office. A special thank you to James and his team for all of their work and support throughout the trial. We would without hesitation highly recommend Wallace & Wallace. We appreciate the time and effort put in by ALL of the team."
Steve
“Dear Cassie, just a quick email to extend my gratitude to you, for providing me with such comprehensive documentation today. It’s very much appreciated. Also, thanks again, to yourself, James and your office, for all your hard work, and generally for everything that has been done for Jessica and I.”
Susan
"From the moment I first met with James Bailey back in April 2019 I felt immediate trust in him and that he had empathy and care for my situation. Whilst it took more than 4 years for me to return we got there in the end and he made what was not the most pleasant situation for me so much easier!"
Wendy
“My case was a difficult one and James fought on for my settlement. Not once did he lose interest. I was well informed on every aspect. His personal assistants were amazing, polite and very understanding throughout. Everyone made this difficult time seem very calm and easy for me. 5 STAR!”
