James D. Ford Gaicd

About Blue Ocean Law Group | Sydney + Brisbane

blueocean.law

Overview

James specialises in property and commercial law, and has a long history in IT, property development and planning, prior to qualifying as a lawyer.

James has a wide-range of legal experience, having worked for established boutique property, finance and commercial law firms prior to founding Blue Ocean Law Group. He volunteered at the Caxton Legal Centre in Brisbane as part of his desire to give back to the community, but since moving to Sydney has shifted to offer pro bono for select clients.

James also has extensive industry experience in IT consulting, having worked on major projects across Asia/Pacific in a wide spectrum of industries including Energy (Woodside), Financial (NAB, NSW State Super, Bank of China), Transport (Air Services, Queensland Rail), Government (Australia, NZ and Singapore). He also operated his own transport company for many years whilst developing strategic residential property projects (both luxury and affordable), all of which uniquely informs his continuing specialist legal practice in these areas.

James’ diverse background, and his innovative approach to commercial property requirements make him a valuable knowledge resource to his clients.

Experience

James is an experienced property & commercial lawyer. He is passionate about sustainable development and much of his practice focuses on helping development clients identify innovative ways to achieve their commercial goals using green technology. His particular areas of interest include:

Property & Development Law
- Environmental and sustainable housing
- Commercial and residential property development
- Effective commercial use of underutilised or vacant public space, including “Pop-Up” retail community and, co-working spaces
- Urban encroachment laws
- ‘Green’ leases which seek to achieve and maintain GreenStar credentials and/or mandatory NABERS ratings

Commercial Law
- IT licencing, joint venture and distribution contracts
- Co-working agreements and development contracts
- Estate planning and business succession
- Banking and finance arrangements
- Dispute resolution/litigation
- Binding financial agreements in the family law context

Reviews for James

Mark Thomas - Radiate Coffee
"Fantastic service, well managed, knowledgeable and relevant, Great value for money!"

Sue H.
"James provided a very rapid and timely response, as well as substantive advice and information, in relation to a neighbourhood dispute matter which resulted in a satisfactory resolution. I would recommend James in such matters."

Knowledge * - Very Good
Understanding & Empathy * - Very Good
Keeping me informed * - Very Good
Professionalism * - Very Good

Luke H.
"Very helpful and knowledgeable."

"James helped us understand a very tricky and somewhat onerous NDA. He helped us identify problem clauses and suggested ways to lessen our potential liability. James was exceptionally professional, courteous and the service was quick, fairly priced and easily accessible."

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Ken L.
"Great experience in dealing with James."

"He was very prompt in responding to the matter I had raised. He took time to make sure he understood the issue, and was very considered in his approach and options raised. I would definitely recommend James for legal advice."

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Brenda Matthews
"Very thorough and intelligent - I highly recommend him."

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Adam Rice
"Thorough and available"

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Brian Caserto
"Get results fast"

"I contacted James Ford with a time sensitive matter, got a response fast, and a resolution to my problem. James was knowledgable, courteous and and most importantly effective."

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Greg T.
"Efficient but personable. Always contactable. Highly Recommended Lawyer"

"James was able to assist with my parents' Will dispute. Even though he is in Brisbane and I am on the Gold Coast, it was easy to communicate and put our case together. James always responds quickly, is very efficient and continues to keep me well informed of any progress. I have no hesitation in recommending James."

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

Rod Middleton
"Fabulous lawyer, professional, sincere and genuine...highly recommended"

"Other lawyers shied away from our tough case but James took it on with verve and vigor. With a highly qualified support team, James has paved the way to settling our case. James has a keen attention to detail and a good ability to problem solve. The client has to make the final decisions on matters and quality advice is essential if the correct decisions are to be made, that's what you get from James. I cannot recommend James and Davis lawyers enough, they are pinnacles in the profession!"

Knowledge * - Excellent
Understanding & Empathy * - Excellent
Keeping me informed * - Excellent
Professionalism * - Excellent

M Rouse (Property Law)

"Thank you – the help was great and very informative. Lots of time taken to explain. Thank you very much."

Trustworthy *****
Knowledgeable *****
Kept me informed *****

" Very helpful, thank you. "
October 17th, 2013 (about 2 years ago)

" Mr James Ford of Davis Lawyers was really helpful and prompt. I have forwarded him the requested information to update my will.I will be happy to recommend ****** to my friends and acquaintances in future. "
May 27th, 2014 (over 1 year ago)

" James provided great information and I realised that there is no suitable option available to us under the current law. Prenuptial agreements are far too expensive for it to be worth it for us. "
June 11th, 2014 (over 1 year ago)

" James was awesome, he cleared everything up. I am now able to proceed with retirement with peace of mind. A return call was met with politeness and answered for us. When told all would be fine, I wish I could have been there in person. Thank you doesn't seem enough, but Thank you. "
July 1st, 2014 (over 1 year ago)

" James was fantastic. He answered my questions and more. I would recommend ****** to everyone. "
August 4th, 2014 (over 1 year ago)

" Great service. Lawyer answered my questions and was very knowledgable. Would recommend to others. "
August 22nd, 2014 (over 1 year ago)

" Spoke to Lawyer and was very helpful "
October 13th, 2014 (about 1 year ago)

" The lawyer went above and beyond his duty to help us on this matter and I would seek him again if I need any further assistance. Thank you "
October 31st, 2014 (about 1 year ago)

" Excellent help and service "
November 22nd, 2014 (about 1 year ago)