James Maxwell joined Peter Maxwell & Associates in 1989 and is now the principal of the firm, having assumed that role from Peter Maxwell on 1 March 2005. He is a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Federal Court of Australia and High Court of Australia, and a Notary Public.

Since joining Peter Maxwell & Associates, James has specialised in trade mark law and he now oversees and manages the firm's Australian and International trade mark practice.

In particular, James advises on and manages the world wide portfolios of many well known Australian companies such as Travelodge Hotels & Resorts Pty Limited,
Modelco Pty Limited, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Inghams Enterprises Pty Limited. James also handles the Australian trade mark portfolios of overseas clients such as Manpower Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Turner Entertainment Company, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, The Stanley Works Inc., and Fila Sportswear.

James is also the Principal of Maxwell IP. Through Maxwell IP, James concentrates on the Intellectual Property related legal requirements of clients of Peter Maxwell & Associates and other clients. This includes the drafting of various agreements including licensing, technology transfer and commercialisation of technology agreements.

James also specialises in all aspects of Federal Court litigation in relation to patent, trade mark, design and copyright infringements.