James Portelli

James specialises in criminal defence law. He accepts briefs for all criminal and quasi-criminal matters. He is available to appear in summary and indictable matters in all metropolitan and regional courts throughout Victoria.

Before coming to the Bar, James was a criminal solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions. He was responsible for the preparation of a variety of matters in the Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts, including committals, pleas and trials. These matters included aggravated burglaries, armed robberies, fraud, drug and sex offences.

Prior to this, James was an Associate to his Honour Judge Ryan at the County Court. In this role, he attained experience in the criminal division, working on trials, pleas, bail applications, Sentencing Act matters and fitness investigations.

He commenced his career in private practice, at a criminal defence firm.

James relies upon his varied experience to provide his clients with valuable insights and a strategic edge in defending their matters.

James has a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from the University of Melbourne. He holds an Indictable Crime Certificate (ICC) from the Victorian Bar.