Dr. Jason Donnelly is one of Australia’s leading immigration and public law academics and barristers. Dr. Donnelly holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (First Class & University Medal), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Dr. Donnelly has earned university degrees from the University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, and the University of Western Sydney. He was appointed as a university lecturer-in-law at the age of 23 and became a barrister at the age of 25.

Before being called to the bar, Dr. Donnelly worked for Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG (former Justice of the High Court of Australia) and Justice Peter McClellan AM KC (former Chief Judge at Common Law, Supreme Court of NSW).

As a barrister, Dr. Donnelly has acted in over 260 published decisions throughout Australia. His practice has been largely focused on matters before the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal). Dr. Donnelly has been successful in 67 trials before the Tribunal and 64 judicial review applications before the federal judiciary. Dr. Donnelly has acted in 21 matters before the High Court of Australia. 

Dr. Donnelly has published numerous law journals throughout Australia, co-authored various legal publications, acted and advised in various Commonwealth statutory inquiries, and presented several papers at legal conferences in Australia.

Dr. Donnelly has represented internationally renowned musicians (e.g., Skepta, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, J Hus), politicians, homeless people, law enforcement professionals, esteemed members of various professional fields, sports professionals (e.g., Allen Iverson, Alexander Devyatov etc), and a broad spectrum of other distinguished clients.

Dr. Donnelly holds a Senior Lecturer appointment in the School of Law at Western Sydney University and is a barrister at Latham Chambers. He has a national practice.

Updated as of 26 September 2024