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James McHale is the Principal Director and owner of Kelly & McHale Family Lawyers. He has built his career exclusively in family law, bringing extensive experience across a broad range of issues such as complex property settlements, contested parenting matters, Financial Agreements, Child Support, matters involving same-sex and LGBTIQ families, surrogacy and alternative conception procedures, as well as Intervention Orders. James holds a Master of Laws and pursued his initial legal studies through the University of Sydney’s Law Extension Committee. His commitment to family law is further demonstrated by his accreditation as a Family Law Specialist by both the Law Institute of Victoria and the Queensland Law Society, as well as his national accreditation as a mediator. James is consistently recognised as Best Lawyer by Best Lawyers Australia Guide. Known for delivering practical and cost-effective advice, James aims to guide clients towards the best possible outcome in often challenging and sensitive matters. He is admitted to practice before the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Victoria. James is also actively involved in relevant professional bodies, including the Family Law Sections of the Law Council of Australia, the Law Institute of Victoria and the Queensland Law Society.
Principal Director
Kelly & McHale Family Lawyers
May 2018 - Present • 8 years 6 months
Senior Associate
Kelly & McHale Family Lawyers
Mar 2017 - May 2018 • 1 year 2 months
Associate
Kelly & McHale Family Lawyers
May 2016 - May 2018 • 2 years
Lawyer (Family Law)
Macpherson Kelley
Feb 2015 - May 2016 • 1 year 3 months
PA (Family Law)
Macpherson Kelley
Mar 2014 - Feb 2015 • 11 months
Paralegal (Family Law)
Kelly & McHale Family Lawyers
Jan 2006 - Mar 2014 • 8 years 2 months
Nationally Accredited Mediator
Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators
2021 - 2021
Accredited Family Law Specialist
Law Institute of Victoria
2020
Masters of Law (LLM)
2014 - 2016
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, Law
The College of Law Australia
2013 - 2015
Dip in Law (Legal Profession Admission Board), Law
University of Sydney
2009 - 2014
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers Awards
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers Awards
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers Awards
Last checked: 15 May 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services
