He received is Bachelor of Arts, with Honours, in 1978 and Master of Arts with Honours, in 1985, in Literae Humaniores, both from Oxford University.

James is vice-president of the Cayman Islands Law Society (counsel member since 1995), the Law Society of England and Wales, and is a Notary Public in the Cayman Islands. James also teaches a company law course for the professional qualifying exam at the Cayman Islands Law School.

James is recognised by industry commentators as a leading specialist in his areas of expertise for the Cayman Islands and is regularly highly ranked in the leading legal directories. James also features in the 2010 Edition of the "Who's Who Legal" for private funds lawyers.

Admitted in:
1985 - Cayman Islands
1983 - England and Wales (not practising)