Biography

In Chambers UK, James is ranked as a Band 1 silk for Public Procurement and Band 2 for Commercial Dispute Resolution, Planning and Environment, and Administrative and Public Law. James has been described as "an exceptional public lawyer" and in Chambers 2015 he is listed as "a very effective and efficient advocate", "exceptionally thorough, and very bright"; "His written work and oral submissions are both superb."

James read history at Clare College, Cambridge, before joining the Diplomatic Service. After serving in London and Rome, he studied law at Edinburgh University.
A specialist in judicial review, before taking silk James was First Standing Junior Counsel to the Scottish Government. He has often appeared before the House of Lords/Privy Council/Supreme Court and has drafted the UK’s submissions in a number of cases before the ECtHR.
James is regularly instructed in commercial litigation, public procurement, commercial property, and planning and environmental law matters.