James' practice philosophy is based on achieving positive outcomes for clients by tailoring practical and legal solutions to meet their unique needs. James believes strongly in the preservation of individuals rights and in using the law to protect his client’s interests and achieve desired outcomes. James recognises that a person’s interests are best served by a holistic approach and ensuring the solution in one given area of their life does not adversely affect others.

James was admitted to practice in 2012 in the Supreme Court of South Australia and the ACT and in 2014 to the High Court. James completed a Bachelor of Laws in 2012 from the University of Adelaide and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice also in 2012 from the Australian National University (ANU). James completed a Masters Degree from the ANU in 2016. In 2026 James completed a PhD at the University of Adelaide. James' thesis examined the operation of coercive powers in abrogation of the privilege against self-incrimination, the attendant safeguards over their use and their impact on fair trials.

Since admission to practice James worked as a general legal advisor and then criminal defence lawyer for the Legal Services Commission and between 2017 and 2019 as a trial prosecutor for the South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions. James joined the independent bar in 2019.

James appears as an advocate in trial and appellate proceedings in South Australia and in interstate jurisdictions at both the State and Commonwealth level.

James regularly undertakes counsel work in complex criminal matters including murder and other serious offences of violence, adult and child sexual offences, drug, firearm and road traffic offences, financial and regulatory offences, professional disciplinary matters, sporting tribunals and in inquests, appeals and judicial review. James appears in associated matters such as intervention orders, compulsory examinations and criminal assets confiscation claims.

James has acted as lead counsel in many complex matters and appeals, including those with sensitive subject matters and as junior counsel in several murder trials. James has experience in administrative, commercial and family law and understands the often fraught interactions between these areas of law and criminal and disciplinary matters.

James is presently a member of the Law Society of South Australia and South Australian Bar Association Criminal Law Committees.

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