James Stokes

As the eldest of seven children in a third-generation accounting family, I’ve been fortunate to see how strong families create strong communities. Throughout my career advising private clients and business families, I’ve also seen firsthand how conflict, disengagement and system complexity can leave families struggling at the very time they most need support.

My professional journey began in commercial law, but a turning point came as I encountered increasing numbers of fathers who felt overwhelmed and disconnected while navigating family separation. Recognising a significant gap in support services, I founded Men’s Legal Service in 2016. It has since grown into a national not-for-profit legal service operating across multiple Australian jurisdictions, providing practical legal assistance and advocacy for men and fathers during some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Alongside my role as Managing Director of Stokes Lawyers, I continue to lead Men’s Legal Service as Chair and Director. I am also a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Business Law, a Chartered Tax Adviser, company director and Captain in the Australian Army Reserve. Across these roles, I’ve learned that effective leadership is built on service, drawing from a broad field of knowledge and being willing to challenge established thinking when better outcomes are possible.

My Churchill Fellowship reflects both my professional experience and personal commitment to improving outcomes for families. I want to examine international family law systems and practices that successfully engage fathers in constructive, cooperative parenting after separation, and identify practical approaches that could strengthen Australian services and reduce friction in the family law process.

Through this Fellowship, I hope to contribute to a family law system that better supports the whole by focusing on the one—benefiting children, parents and communities, and creating lasting benefits for future generations.