About
Biography
Experience
Jim Harrowell AM is a partner and principal at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers in Sydney with over 25 years of experience practising commercial law. His expertise includes advising Australian and international clients and participating in matters before the Supreme Court, Federal Court, and occasionally the High Court. He has been deeply involved in China-related legal work for more than 25 years and has contributed significantly to business and legal relations between Australia and China. Harrowell also played a key role in the merger between Hunt & Hunt and Cappello Rowe Lawyers, aimed at expanding legal services and resources available to clients.Specialty
Jim Harrowell specializes in dispute resolution and commercial law with extensive experience in international business, particularly relating to China. He acts as counsel in complex commercial litigation and arbitration, including functioning as an arbitrator for several Chinese arbitration commissions. His practice is notable for cross-border work and trade relations between Australia and China, supporting clients in navigating China’s legal system and the Australia-China Free Trade Agreement.Education
Jim Harrowell holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales. He has also been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of New South Wales.Law Firm
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Jim Harrowell featured in
Practice Area
When to Hire a Dispute Resolution Lawyer in Australia (2026): Timing, Costs and ADR vs Litigation
2 Sept 2026
Practice Area
How to Seek an Anti‑suit Injunction in Australia (china‑related Commercial Disputes)
26 Aug 2026
Practice Area
How to Make a Mediation Settlement Legally Binding in Australia (2026)
19 Aug 2026
Practice Area
How to Commence Arbitration in China, Step-by-step Guide for Australian Businesses
8 Aug 2026
Practice Area
Security for Costs Application, Australia 2026: Grounds, Tests (federal Court & UCPR), Evidence & Payment Forms
1 Aug 2026
Practice Area
How the Competition and Consumer Amendment (unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 Changes Dispute Risk for Australian Businesses Trading with China
18 Jul 2026
Videos & Roundtables
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jim Harrowell's area of legal expertise?
Jim Harrowell specializes in dispute resolution and commercial law, with extensive experience in international business, particularly relating to China.
How many years of experience does Jim Harrowell have in practising law?
He has nearly years of experience practising commercial law and dispute resolution
What roles has Jim Harrowell played in relation to China?
He has been involved in China-related legal work for more than 30 years, supporting business and legal relations between Australia and China, and serves as counsel and arbitrator in Chinese arbitration commissions.He was also the New South Wales Special Envoy for China representnig the the state of NSW and has served as the NSW President of the Australia China Business Council ("ACBC") and as a natiolna board member of ACBC
What educational qualifications does Jim Harrowell hold?
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New South Wales and has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from the same university.He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
What are some of Jim Harrowell's recognitions and honors?
He has been recognised for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Best Lawyers in Australia annually since 2014, was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2006, and received a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the University of New South Wales in 2012.
What leadership roles has Jim Harrowell held?
He served as Chair of Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd from 1999 to 2012, was past President of the Australia China Business Council (NSW), and served as NSW Special Envoy for China.
He has been National Chairman of Hunt & Hunt and National Managing Partner of Hunt & Hunt