Our Team

  • Our lawyers adopt a ‘hands on’ proactive approach and are committed to providing legal services which are innovative, commercial and cost effective. 

  • We strive to develop and maintain a sound and collaborative working relationship with our clients and believe that a total understanding of our client’s values and objectives is paramount.

  • The Partners and Senior Associates of the firm are committed to providing leadership and mentoring to support junior legal staff. There is a commitment to ongoing knowledge and development.

  • Our Solicitors, Graduates and Paralegals work closely with our Partners and Associates. At JTA Law we encourage a positive and productive work environment.

  • James Tuite

    PARTNER

    James has practiced law since 1985. James holds a Master of Laws in Trade Practices and International Transport Law.

    As principal of the firm, James has an established client base, with the majority of clients having been with us for many years. A significant part of James’ practice is in the areas of professional indemnity, marine, industrial special risks and commercial insurance liability.

    James has extensive experience in providing sound and concise advice to insurer clients on policy wording and coverage, indemnity issues and changes to legislation.

    James has also acted for insurers in defending large scale plaintiff litigation arising from catastrophic accidents and has acted in numerous government inquiries.

  • Joanne Scott

    PARTNER

    Joanne has been with us since the firm’s inception in 2000 and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics majoring in Business Finance and Economics from Macquarie University.

    Joanne has been practicing in the areas of property and commercial law, insurance law and estate planning for almost three decades. She has broad commercial drafting skills and extensive defence and recoveries litigation experience in jurisdictions ranging from consumer claims tribunals to the High Court of Australia.

    Joanne prides herself on being concise, forward thinking, collaborative and proactive in terms of how matters are handled. Integrity and professionalism are pivotal to how she conducts her practice.

  • Erin Eagles

    SENIOR ASSOCIATE

    Erin commenced her legal career with JTA Law and is an integral member of the team. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Technology Sydney and a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney.

    Erin has experience in appearing for and advising insurer clients, in both a subrogated setting and directly, on various litigated and internal matters. She also has experience in commercial, corporate and intellectual property law. As a result, she has cultivated a well-rounded skillset and an adaptability to meet challenges.

    Drawing on her expertise, ability to think proactively and knowledge of the law, Erin provides impeccable advice to clients that is tailored to their specific circumstances.

  • Brendan Churcher

    SENIOR ASSOCIATE

    Brendan holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science from the University of Wollongong. Brendan has been with JTA Law for over 20 years having commenced his legal career with the firm in 2001.

    Throughout his time with JTA Law, Brendan has gained extensive experience in the areas of professional indemnity, industrial special risks and commercial and construction liability insurance.

    Brendan has the tenacity to approach matters proactively with the aim of achieving innovative, efficient and solution-orientated outcomes.

  • Max Kersch

    SOLICITOR

    Prior to law, Max worked in construction project management, having graduated from a Bachelor of Construction Management and Property degree at the University of New South Wales in 2014. Later, Max completed his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Technology Sydney in 2019. He also became an NMAS accredited mediator in 2022.

    Max is skilled at providing insightful and pragmatic advice.

    He specialises in construction and property law where he is assisted by the hands-on industry knowledge that he brings. He also specialises in commercial law and debt recovery.

  • Libby Douglas

    Solicitor

    Libby joined JTA Law in 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University in 2017, and was admitted as a solicitor in 2018.

    Libby specialises in insurance matters and civil litigation. She also has experience in commercial, corporate and property law.

    Libby is committed to delivering quick, efficient and effective legal advice to our clients.

  • Sunita Blair

    SOLICITOR

    Sunita joined JTA Law in 2020 as a paralegal and completed her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from Macquarie University in 2022.

    Throughout her time at JTA Law Sunita has gained experience in a variety of areas. She completed her Practical Legal Training in 2023 at the College of Law and is now an admitted solicitor at JTA Law.

  • James Kim

    Graduate Solicitor

    James graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Marketing Management) in 2023. He brings valuable experience from his tenure as a law clerk within the in-house legal team of an independent power producer company.

    James is pursuing his Practical Legal Training at the College of Law, with expected completion by the end of 2024. With a passion for various legal fields and a keen interest in continuous learning, James brings a proactive approach and eagerness to expand his skills and knowledge to our team at JTA Law.

  • Ollie Ticehurst

    Paralegal

    Ollie T is one of the paralegals at JTA Law. Ollie joined in 2023 and is studying a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University.

  • Ollie Cushing

    Paralegal

    Ollie C is one of the paralegals at JTA Law. Ollie joined JTA Law in early 2024 and is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science at the University of Technology Sydney.

  • Rita Liristis

    LEGAL ASSISTANT

    Rita has been with JTA Law since 2012 and has over 30 years experience as a legal assistant.

    Rita completed her legal secretarial course at Metropolitan Business College in 1991 and completed the Law Society of NSW Legal Secretarial Training Program in 2005.

    Rita supports a number of lawyers in the practice.

  • Melanie Murray

    Office Manager

    Melanie has been with JTA Law since its inception in 2000.

    Melanie is involved in the operational and administrative aspects of JTA Law with over 30 years’ experience in the legal industry as a legal assistant and in operational support.

    Melanie holds a Diploma in Practice Management from the University of New England.