Overview
James joined Chambers in September 2026 and is undertaking a criminal pupillage under the supervision of Jonathan Savage. He brings to practice a practical, client-focused perspective developed through a decade in commercial roles and subsequent experience across civil legal work and Bar-focused education.
James graduated with a first-class LLB (Hons) from the University of the West of England, including an Erasmus year at the University of Padova in northern Italy. He went on to complete the Bar Practice Course at the University of Law in Leeds, achieving a high distinction.
Before coming to the Bar, James spent ten years in sales roles across financial services and recruitment, developing a strong understanding of commercial priorities and the importance of clear, responsive client service. Whilst studying for the Bar, he worked as a paralegal at Bupa, handling a range of civil matters, principally in the Court of Protection and the County Court. Immediately before commencing pupillage, he served as the University of Law’s Future Pupil Programme Coordinator, supporting and advising aspiring barristers as they progressed towards the Bar.
James’s achievements include the Lincoln’s Inn Neuberger Award and the University of Law’s Advocacy Scholarship and Career Changer Scholarship. He won the CEDR National Negotiation Competition before representing England in the International Negotiation Competition for Law Students.
