James is recognized locally and statewide for his leadership in the legal profession. James was President of the Buncombe Bar in 2018-19 and President of the Western District Federal Bar in 2016-2017. He served as the chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Convention Planning Advisory Committee for the 2018 (Wilmington) and 2019 (Asheville) Conventions. He was recently elected as Vice-Chair of the NCBA Appellate Practice Section, slated to become chair of that section in 2022-23. James has served on the Appellate Rules Committee for 6 terms.

James is a litigation attorney with twenty-five years of experience, in all aspects of civil litigation, including depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, jury trials, and appeals. He primarily handles the firm’s complex litigation, construction litigation, and appeals. He has significant trial experience in State, Federal and Tribal court and is an excellent strategist and negotiator. James is also a certified mediator.

James worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for 7 years earlier in his career and has likely tried more cases in the Cherokee Court than any other attorney. On issues of tribal jurisdiction, he has spoken nationally for the Federal Bar, American Bar Association, National Criminal Justice Association, Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, and Department of Justice: Office of Victims of Crime. On those issues, his work has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Indian Country Today, and Congressional Record.