James Earle

James is a practitioner with over twenty years’ experience at the Bar and a particular interest in all aspects of military law and the law of armed conflict.

Background and Expertise

His early career included service in the regular Army (Royal Artillery and Royal Army Educational Corps) from RMA Sandhurst to the rank of Major. He holds a Masters degree in War Studies from King’s College, London, and is a committee member of the Association of Military Court Advocates. In the latter capacity, he contributed a paper for a Parliamentary Select Committee on the legal and ethical use of military unmanned aerial vehicles.

In 2019 he was appointed as a civilian expert adviser to the United States Air Force in a matter concerning jurisdiction, double-jeopardy and the court-martial of a young American airman.

James has defended British and Gurkha service personnel in a range of court-martial matters including ill-treatment of subordinates; absence without leave; offences of violence; and conduct prejudicial to good order. He has also applied his wide experience as a criminal barrister in the Service Civilian Court, defending on charges of theft.

James is a qualified private pilot and keen sailor. He retains his connection with the Armed Forces through membership of the Honourable Artillery Company in London.

James also practises from Fenners Chambers, Cambridge.