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Jim Babalis

Principal Lawyer FCW Lawyers

Melbourne, VIC

About Jim

Jim Babalis is a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in workplace and industrial relations, as well as in insurance matters such as liability and indemnity. Currently serving as the Principal Lawyer at FCW Lawyers, Jim provides strategic advice to businesses, HR/IR leaders, and executives. His work focuses on reducing risk and ensuring compliance through enterprise agreement negotiations, unfair dismissals, general protections, and complex workplace investigations. Jim's role in corporate restructuring and governance extends to advising boards, where his guidance aids entities in navigating complex decisions. Beyond his legal practice, Jim has made significant contributions to governance as a board member and company secretary of prominent organisations like the Better Health Network and Fronditha Care. His involvement in these roles reflects his dedication to corporate governance and his desire to positively influence the broader community. Jim's career has evolved through various reputable positions, including Principal Lawyer at Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers & Notary and Special Counsel at Harwood Andrews. His background also includes significant tenure as Senior Legal Counsel at both the Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association and the Australian Health Industry Group, where he honed his skills in directors and officers liability insurance and workplace relations. Earlier in his career, Jim was a Senior Consultant at Marsh & McLennan Companies and a Senior Associate at Gadens Lawyers, further developing his expertise in claims within financial lines and professional indemnity. His journey began as a Lawyer with the Australian Government Solicitor, specialising in employment law, which laid the foundation for his substantial legal career. Jim holds an LLB and a BA (Hons) from La Trobe University, where he was actively involved in the La Trobe Law Student's Association and the La Trobe School of Politics Association.

Practice areas

Employment Law

Litigation & Disputes

Resume

Experience

Principal Lawyer

FCW Lawyers

Jan 2026 - Present • 9 months

Principal Lawyer | Head of Employment Law

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers & Notary

Jul 2024 - Dec 2025 • 1 year 5 months

Special Counsel | Head of Employment Law

Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams Lawyers & Notary

Jan 2024 - Jul 2024 • 6 months

Board Member

Better Health Network

Dec 2023 - Present • 2 years 10 months

Company Secretary

Fronditha Care

Jun 2023 - Present • 3 years 4 months

Member Board of Directors

Fronditha Care

Nov 2022 - Present • 3 years 11 months

Chair - Governance Committee Member

Fronditha Care

Mar 2022 - Present • 4 years 7 months

Special Counsel

Harwood Andrews

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 • 1 year 11 months

Senior Legal Counsel (Workplace Relations)

Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association (VHIA)

Oct 2017 - Dec 2021 • 4 years 2 months

Senior Legal Counsel

Australian Health Industry Group

Mar 2016 - Sep 2017 • 1 year 6 months

Senior Consultant (Global Claims Financial Lines & Professional Indemnity)

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Jan 2014 - Mar 2016 • 2 years 2 months

Senior Associate

Gadens Lawyers

Aug 2010 - Dec 2013 • 3 years 4 months

Lawyer

Australian Government Solicitor

Apr 2006 - Aug 2010 • 4 years 4 months

Claims Delegate

Transport Accident Commission

Jan 2004 - Apr 2006 • 2 years 3 months

Education

LLB, BA (Hons), Law

La Trobe University

1995 - 2002

Contact information

Melbourne, VIC

Level 17, 130 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VICWebsite

Practice certificate

Name: Jim Babalis
Certification type: Employee without Trust
Region: VIC

Last checked: 12 Sept 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services Board

Practice areas

Employment Law

Litigation & Disputes