Parramatta councillor James Shaw has political pedigree in father, former Supreme Court judge Jeff Shaw

Labor candidate for the State seat of Parramatta James Shaw has an impressive political and legal pedigree, learning from his father, former NSW attorney-general and Supreme Court judge Jeff Shaw.

Parramatta councillor James Shaw has been pre-selected as the Labor candidate for Parramatta ahead of the next state election.

Labor candidate for the State seat of Parramatta James Shaw has an impressive political and legal pedigree, learning at the knee of his father, former NSW attorney-general and Supreme Court judge Jeff Shaw.

Mr Shaw was widely recognised on both sides of politics for his contribution to the justice system, first as a leading industrial law counsel, then in a five-year term as attorney-general in the Carr government, and as a judge.

He fell from grace in 2004 after crashing his Alfa Romeo into a parked car while driving with a blood-alcohol content of .225.

He was taken to hospital where a blood sample was taken – but it disappeared.

Mr Shaw resigned from the bench and sought treatment for alcoholism. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving and negligent driving and was fined $3000 and lost his licence for a year. He died in 2010.

Former Supreme Court judge Jeff Shaw arriving at the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) hearing in Sydney, about missing blood sample.

His son James, a Parramatta City councillor, has lived in Parramatta for more than six years.

He grew up in Birchgrove in the inner west and attended Hunters Hill High School before gaining an arts degree at Macquarie University and studying at night for a law degree at Sydney University.

Cr Shaw said he had been around politics all his life and had met some famous politicians including former NSW Premier Bob Carr.

“I’ve always been interested in politics but my brother doesn’t have the same interest. He says: ‘Why do you want to run?’ ”

Cr Shaw said he had weighed up the desire to represent people in public life with the intrusive nature of politics.

Cr James Shaw has followed his father Jeff Shaw into law and politics. Picture: Phil Rogers

“I enjoy debating ideas and policies but I don’t like personal nastiness. I certainly won’t be getting personal in this campaign.”

He said his dad was a role model and so was his mum Elizabeth, who was a TAFE teacher.

“Mum talked to me a lot about people having second chances through education and that is why I am so opposed to the TAFE cuts by this State Government and how many people that is affecting,” he said.

Cr Shaw said he was also concerned about the amount of development in Parramatta.

“I support some high-density development but some of it seems excessive.”

He said heritage issues in North Parramatta should be resolved.