James Steel is a Principal in Barry Nilsson’s Brisbane Family Law team. He is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist.
As a collaboratively trained family lawyer, James works with both married and de facto couples to help them shape the outcome of their separation. His experience includes:
- complex financial matters, including those involving corporate entities and trusts;
- financial agreements, including prenuptial agreements;
- parenting disputes;
- spousal maintenance; and
- child support issues.
James is known for actively listening to clients and providing practical, settlement-focused strategies for resolving family law disputes. His approach is to work with clients to develop tailored strategies that address their specific needs, reduce stress, and help them move forward with confidence. Wherever possible, he advocates for early and favourable settlements so clients can resolve matters efficiently and with clarity about their next steps.
James has a strong understanding of family law and is widely respected by his peers for his technical skills, knowledge, and contribution to the profession.
He is a dedicated advocate for advancing family law education and has played a key role in creating and implementing innovative programs at both state and national levels. James is a long-standing member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia and, after completing his collaborative law training, became a member of the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals. He is also a former Chair of the Queensland Family Law Specialist Accreditation Committee and a Past President of the Queensland Family Law Practitioners Association, having previously served as Vice President and Secretary.
James’ current industry recognition includes listings in Doyle’s Guide for Family and Divorce Lawyers in Australia and Brisbane, Family Lawyers for High-Value and Complex Property Matters in Queensland, and Parenting and Children’s Matters Lawyers in Brisbane. He is also recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia for Family Law and Family Law Mediation in Brisbane.