About James
James Wardlaw is a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law and a co-founder of Kindra Migration Lawyers.
With over a decade of experience, James is recognised for his expertise in complex migration matters, including tribunal appeals, judicial review, and corporate compliance.
Since commencing practice in 2012, James has worked with leading organisations such as Victoria Legal Aid and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. He is a regular presenter at national industry conferences, including the Law Council of Australia Immigration Law Conference, and has delivered training for the Law Institute of Victoria and Leo Cussen Centre for Law.
James’ contributions to the profession have been widely acknowledged. He was a two-time finalist for the Law Institute of Victoria Rising Star Award (2015, 2019) and was named Migration Partner of the Year at the 2024 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards.
He is frequently sought by media outlets such as SBS, ABC, and Lawyers Weekly for expert commentary on immigration law and has also been briefed as an expert witness in the field.
Outside of work, James enjoys ice hockey, mountain biking, surfing, and occasionally playing the saxophone.
QUALIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) – Double Major in International Trade and Economic Policy and Economics
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GradDip)
- Australian practising certificate
- Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law
- Member, Law Institute of Victoria
