James practises in criminal law predominantly. He is regularly instructed in the High Court of Justiciary and the Sheriff Court. He has conducted trials both as junior counsel alone and as junior to senior counsel. James has been involved in a range of serious and complex cases including murder, supply of controlled substances, aggravated assaults and death by dangerous driving. He has also conducted cases relating to sexual offences, including the drafting and hearing of applications in terms of section 275.

Additionally, James practises personal injury law. He is instructed by both pursuers and insurance companies in a wide range of issues in the Court of Session and the All-Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court. He is experienced in complex and high-value cases arising out of historic abuse, accidents at work and road traffic accidents. James was also instructed as junior counsel by the Crown in the Cameron House Hotel Fatal Accident Inquiry.