Called 2005
Middle Temple
BA (Hons) - Ancient History and Archaeology, University of
Leicester
Dip(Law) - City University
Practice
James is a member of the Crime and Civil teams.
Crime: Prosecution and defence work in all courts, including the Court of Appeal.
James frequently appears in the Crown Court and has been instructed on a variety of trials, including burglary, offences of violence and perverting the course of justice. James is good at dealing with difficult clients, who appreciate his robust approach to advocacy.
Financial Crime: Before being called to the Bar, James was part of the Cash Forfeiture Litigation Team at H.M. Revenue and Customs. This invaluable experience means that James is well placed to defend those accused of offences against H.M. Revenue and Customs and to defend those who are accused of offences which involve complex financial elements.
Proceeds of Crime: James has particular expertise in Crown Court confiscation proceedings, whatever the initial offence. He also deals with the opposition of civil applications for forfeiture and seizure of assets and restraint orders. He is well placed to deal with the appeal of such orders in the Crown Court.
Civil: James appears regularly in the County Court and advises on matters involving contractual disputes and personal injury. He has a practical approach to litigation that his clients find helpful.
Licensing: James has particular expertise in licensing law and has appeared for a number of local businesses at appeals against the decision of the licensing authority.
Background
James has accepted the role of supervisory Counsel to the Leicester University Branch of the Innocence Project, which campaigns tirelessly to free those wrongly convicted. He is willing to assist in reviewing the papers of those who have been wrongly convicted and to advise on grounds of appeal.
He also lectures solicitors on various aspects of criminal and civil law.