Today, we meet James Skelton, a partner at Swaab, who joined the Board in August 2025. Mr Skelton is a member of the firm's corporate, commercial and intellectual property practice. He was the Law Council of Australia's 'Australian Young Lawyer of the Year' in 2017, recognised as a '2022 Rising Star' by Australasian Lawyer and included in a '30 under 30' list for commercial law compiled by Lawyers Weekly in 2017.

Who are you and what do you do for a living? 

I'm a partner of Sydney-based commercial law firm Swaab. My legal practice focuses on cor­po­rate and com­mer­cial trans­ac­tions, busi­ness advice, com­mer­cial­i­sa­tion of intel­lec­tu­al prop­er­ty rights and brand pro­tec­tion strategies. 

I've been a lawyer for over 10 years and have industry focuses in the pharma­cy, health care, lux­u­ry goods, FMCG and tech­nol­o­gy spaces. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

As a commercial lawyer, I enjoy working with my clients to help them achieve their goals. Most of my job involves advisory and transaction work and I like to see my clients' projects develop from an idea on a page to a real-life initiative or business. 

Why did you pursue this field?

I wanted to be a lawyer because I liked the challenge of solving complex legal issues.

Having spent time working in businesses before I joined Swaab and undertaking several secondments within clients' business operations during my legal career, I also enjoy the challenge of tailoring legal advice to my clients' unique commercial circumstances.

Have you served on a Board before? Why were you attracted to volunteering for Wounds Australia?

I've served on a few boards previously, including other not-for-profit boards such as the Law Society of New South Wales (Australia's largest professional body for solicitors) and The Aurora Group – A Ruby Foundation Limited (a community-based charity).

I'm interested in the education and advocacy work that Wounds Australia is doing at a national level and have been impressed by the growth of Wound Awareness Week around the country over the years.

What is your proudest achievement – personal or professional?

While I'm not so 'young' now, one professional achievement that I am proud of is being awarded 'Australian Young Lawyer of the Year' a few years ago by the Law Council of Australia. This award recognised not only my technical legal ability but also my contributions to the legal profession in the areas of wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.

How do you spend your spare time?

Like many of us, food and travel are things that occupy my spare time. I'll happily spend any amount of time researching and planning restaurants and food stops for my next overseas adventure.

What do you wish you'd known when starting out?

Never be afraid to ask a question. As you develop in your career, you realise that nobody has all the answers and that people won't think less of you for asking questions or seeking clarification on areas that are new to you.

I plan on adopting this approach during my time on the Wounds Australia board as I'm keen to understand and learn from the many experts that the organisation has in the wound management and healthcare spaces.

Meet the Wounds Australia Board

The Wounds Australia Board is made up of volunteers who are highly respected professionals in their fields. Explore the full Board.