Jim Marsden OAM
Jim Marsden OAM | Senior Partner
With more than 50 years’ experience in property and commercial law, Jim brings an exceptional depth of knowledge, commercial insight and practical experience to every matter he handles.
As Senior Partner of Marsdens Law Group for more than 20 years, Jim has played a central role in shaping the firm and its continued growth. He established both the Marsdens Property Group and Marsdens Commercial Group and remains actively involved in these teams, while also contributing his experience across other areas of the firm. As Senior Partner, Jim also chairs the Partnership Group and helps guide the strategic direction of the firm.
Property and Commercial Law Expertise
Jim’s career has been particularly focused on property development, commercial transactions and the agreements that underpin successful developments. His experience extends across a broad range of property and commercial matters, giving him a unique ability to see both the detail of a transaction and the bigger commercial picture.
Since becoming involved with the Urban Development Institute of Australia in the early 1990s, Jim has developed strong relationships and extensive knowledge within the property development industry. He acts for developers of all sizes, as well as State and Local Government instrumentalities, and understands the commercial realities and challenges that can arise throughout the life of a project.
Clients value Jim for his straightforward, commercially focused and practical advice. Rather than simply identifying legal issues, Jim works with clients to understand their objectives, anticipate potential problems and find solutions that help keep transactions and projects moving forward.
Today, much of Jim’s practice involves problem-solving — drawing on more than five decades of experience to navigate complex issues, resolve obstacles and achieve positive, commercially sensible outcomes for his clients.
Leadership, Recognition and Community
Jim’s contribution extends well beyond his legal practice. He has been recognised by the Law Society of New South Wales with Life Membership, a distinguished honour acknowledging his contribution to the legal profession, leadership, expertise and service to the community.
In 2011, Jim received the Law Society President’s Award in recognition of his pro bono contribution to the community. In 2013, he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his ongoing contribution to the community. He was made an Honorary Fellow of Western Sydney University in 2017 and, in 2018, was honoured as a Campbelltown Ambassador at Parliament House in recognition of his longstanding commitment to promoting and supporting the Macarthur community.
A committed family man, Jim has also dedicated many years to charitable, civic and sporting organisations.
Experience You Can Rely On
For clients facing a significant property development, complex commercial transaction or challenging legal problem, Jim offers something that cannot be gained overnight: decades of experience, commercial judgement and a genuine understanding of how to get things done.
His approach is simple — understand what matters to the client, identify the issues that could stand in the way, and use his experience to find a practical path forward.