James, called to the Bar by Inner Temple in 2018, is a pupil barrister with expertise in criminal law, extradition, and regulatory law.
Known for his analytical acumen and persuasive advocacy, James has a track record of achieving favourable outcomes in complex cases. He benefitted from the tutelage of Maximilian Hardy during his first six months of pupillage. His current pupil supervisor is Will Noble.
Background and Expertise
Before starting pupillage, James worked as a paralegal at two firms of solicitors specialising in criminal law, extradition, and health and safety regulatory law.
At Bindmans LLP, he played a pivotal role in securing a client's acquittal in a £23m VAT fraud trial. James also prepared the successful defence of a PTSD-affected rape survivor who was accused of assaulting immigration officers during her intended removal from the UK, instructing an expert to challenge the restraint techniques employed throughout the removal procedure. In addition, James volunteered during the weekends to provide initial advice to Extinction Rebellion protesters following their detention at the police station in April 2019.
At Russell-Cooke Solicitors, James worked on criminal defence cases including one involving a client accused of causing GBH with intent, for which James prepared an analysis of the evidence against the client, instructed experts, and obtained witness statements and character references in support of the client. He also worked on various fire safety regulatory cases and an extradition appeal involving a client who was accused in India of match-fixing in international cricket. In April 2020, he conducted a widely attended webinar on new fire safety legislation.
Following the closure of the criminal courts during the Covid-19 pandemic, James worked as a paralegal at the Competition and Markets Authority and, following that, Lambeth Council where he reviewed for disclosure sensitive files belonging to people who had previously been under Lambeth’s care as children.
James’ other legal experience includes providing pro bono advice to clients at the Manchester Legal Advice Centre, the BPP Criminal Appeals Clinic, and the BPP Enterprise Legal Advice Clinic. He also possesses extensive mooting experience, which includes winning the University of Manchester Mooting Competition in 2015.
Collaboration
Eager to engage in collaborative efforts with solicitors across England and Wales, James values the synergy between different legal professionals in achieving client goals.
Achievements
- Active contributor to The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, having performed in three plays with the Inner Temple Drama Society
- DELF (Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum)
- John Jones QC Essay Competition (organised by DELF)
The essay focused on whether the courts have a more active role in reviewing which countries are designated under the Extradition Act 2003.
- Law LLB (Hons), University of Manchester
- LLM Legal Practice, BPP University
- Bar Professional Training Course, BPP University
- As an adventurous spirit with interests in high-altitude mountaineering, scuba diving, salsa, and other sports, James brings a unique blend of resilience, strategic thinking, and adaptability to his legal practice.