His interest in law stemmed from his experience in politics and government. Prior to entering the legal profession, James worked on Capitol Hill, first for Senator Frank Lautenberg (NJ – D) and then as a law clerk on the Senate Judiciary Committee for Senator Patrick Leahy (VT – D). While in law school, James ran his own campaign for the Democratic County Central Committee and was elected to serve on the Committee for his community in Cleveland Heights. His passion on the campaign trail for communicating with constituents allowed for a smooth transition into vigorous representation for individuals and business owners in his community that had been harmed. He then ran for office in Beachwood, Ohio and is serving his second term on Beachwood City Council. He is currently the Vice President of Council and the head of the Legal Committee.

James has introduced and passed legialtion in Beachwood for live streaming of all public meetings to increase transparency, paid parental leave program for city employees and most recently led the effort to pass Beachwood's anti-discrimiantion legislation. 

In his legal career James has protected property companies, auto and food companies and non-profits in and out of court. His determination and skill has led to positive results in personal injury, medical malpractice and business litigation cases.  

James graduated cum laude from the University of Vermont with honors in Political Science, and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. He received his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he was a member of the Ault Mock Trial Team, Civil Rights Moot Court Team and an associate editor for the War Crimes Prosecution Watch. While at Case, James helped lead the Trial Team to the National Finals and was awarded the Order of Barristers for excellence in litigation.

In addition to his elected position, James served as a volunteer advisor to the Beachwood High School Pre-Law Society and he currently serves on the Anti-Defamation Leaugue Baord, as a member of the Beachwood City Arts Council, the President of the Beachwood Democratic Ward Club, and as an Executive Committee Member of The Jewish Elected Officials of Cuyahoga County.

James is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.  His passion in the courtroom has led to his teaching in the classroom, as he orginally returned to Case to coach the Ault Mock Trial Team, and now serves as the Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Relations for CWRU School of Law.