James is a life-long resident of Kitchener. He attended Eastwood Collegiate Institute prior to attending the University of Waterloo. James earned his law degree at the University of Western Ontario, where his extra-curricular activities included volunteer work at the Community Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Students Canada. After graduation, James articled at Sorbara, Schumacher, McCann LLP before becoming an associate upon his call to the Ontario Bar in June 2007.

James’ practice is concentrated in the areas of corporate/commercial and real estate law with a particular focus on commercial real estate, including condominium development, commercial financings and mortgage lending. James is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association, the Waterloo Law Association and the Waterloo Region Home Builders' Association. James also volunteers with the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. In his spare time, James enjoys a wide variety of sporting activities, including basketball, golf, and bicycling.