James Dowsley
James Dowsley cover
James Dowsley

James Dowsley

Principal, Accredited Criminal Law Specialist James Dowsley & Associates Pty Ltd

location
Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number04383836..

About James

James Dowsley is a highly experienced practitioner within the criminal justice system, having dedicated over 30 years to his legal career. He was admitted to practice in 1987 and elevated his expertise by obtaining Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law from the Law Institute of Victoria in 2002, which he has maintained ever since. In 2007, James founded James Dowsley & Associates, which has since firmly established itself across multiple locations including Frankston, Melbourne, Dandenong, and Moorabin. Throughout his distinguished career, James has demonstrated exceptional skill in managing trials, plea hearings, and bail applications in the County Court and has made appearances in both the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Court of Appeal. His commitment to defending clients' human rights shines through his steadfast advocacy in Australian Courts. James's practice spans all court tiers, from the Magistrates’ Court to the High Court of Australia, reflecting his comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape. Beyond his courtroom commitments, James has been an influential figure in the broader legal community. He served on the Executive Committee of the Criminal Law Section of the Law Institute of Victoria for 14 years and co-chaired the section between 2010 and 2012. His contributions extended to the AFL Grievance Tribunal and the Australian Law Council’s Criminal Law Section. James has also shared his insights through presentations on criminal law at professional events. Educated at the University of Melbourne and Monash University, where he completed degrees in Law and Arts respectively, James combines academic rigour with practical prowess. His ongoing commitment is to secure the best outcomes for his clients, ensuring dedicated and expert legal service.

Practice Areas

Criminal & Traffic

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Resume

Experience

Principal Solicitor
Principal Solicitor
james dowsley and associates
Jan 2007 - Present · 19 years 4 months

Education

Bachelor’s Degree, Law
Bachelor’s Degree, Law
University of Melbourne
1985 - 1986
Bachelor’s Degree, Arts
Bachelor’s Degree, Arts
Monash University
1982 - 1984

Awards

2025
Leading Doyles Criminal Law 2025
Doyles Guide
2024
Recommended Doyles Traffic Law 2024
Doyles Guide

Contact Information

Melbourne, VIC

LocationLevel 7, 533 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Click to Reveal Phone Number(03) 860..
WebsiteView Website

Practice Certificate

Name
James Dowsley
Specialisations
Criminal Law
Certification type
Principal with Trust
Region
VIC
CheckLast checked: 23 May 2026•
Checked with the Victorian Legal Services Board

Practice Categories

Criminal & Traffic
  • Criminal Law