Alison appears regularly in the FCFCOA and State Civil Courts and enjoys briefs in a diverse range of federal law, common law and SACAT matters.

Alison has a particular interest in equitable interests, family businesses and property settlement cases.  She accepts briefs to appear, advise and mediate on a complex property and parenting matters including Hague Convention matters and all family law appeals.  Her practice has taken her interstate and on circuits to other Registries of the FCFCOA including regional Australia.

She is frequently briefed for her advocacy, and as the mediator.  Alison is also available as the arbitrator of family property matters.  Alison is often representing her client interests in mediation and FDR.

During her reading period, Alison’s mentors were Maurine Pyke QC and John White.

Prior to deciding to become a barrister, Alison established a national alternative dispute resolution company, SHAW Dispute Resolution.

In 2009 Ms James was a founding partner of BBS Lawyers Adelaide.

In her spare time, Alison is walking the Heysen Trail #dirtundertheirboots, volunteers at the Art Gallery of SA, plays Bridge and practices French, Italian and Japanese on Duolingo

Alison is also on the JusticeNet and Supreme Court pro bono panels.

She is a member of SABar, ADR Committee of Law Society of SA,  Resolution Institute and AIFLAM.