John Harris
Special Counsel

Qualifications

1972 - Admitted as Solicitor of Supreme Court of Queensland

Expertise

Commercial Law

Practice Areas

Commercial Transactions
Major Property Developments
Foreign Investments
Business and Tourism Advice including Joint Ventures
Corporate Governance
Fishing and Marine

Biography

After 37 years as a commercial lawyer and community activist, John has a perspective unique in Cairns. His breadth of experience flavours his ability to come to grips with issues quickly and to make strong commercial decisions and recommendations. John has significant expertise in process and protocols which has enabled him to establish enduring relationships with key Cairns figures across the board.

John practises in commercial law, dealing in commercial transactions, property development, foreign investment, tourism and business advice. His particular field of expertise is in major projects. He has been involved in significant joint venture transactions and major developments throughout the region. John is also closely associated with licensing of the commercial fishing industry and represents fishing clients from around Australia and overseas.

John's passion for Cairns and its sustainable economic development is reflected in his role in various local organisations. John was an inaugural member of the Management Committee of the FNQ network (subsequently Advance Cairns). He established, as inaugural Chairman, the Northern Development Industry Association and as a result sat on the Regional Tourism Council in implementation of the Cairns Regional Tourism Strategy. He also held the position of Deputy Chairman on the board of the Cairns Port Authority for 7 years.

John retired as partner for Miller Harris on 30th June 2007 but maintains a strong presence in the firm as special counsel.

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