James has a background in local government, environmental conservation and as a community campaigner. He was elected to Cessnock Council and served as a councillor for 12 years. He has a deep interest in local representation, planning law and how communities struggle to gain fair decisions from their local councils and governments.
James was admitted to the NSW Supreme Court as a solicitor in 2012. Since that time he has assisted clients with Land and Environment, Supreme and Federal Court matters. James regularly provides advice and represents clients regarding local government meeting procedure, Councillor Code of Conduct complaints, defamation, freedom of information (GIPA) the incorporation of and procedure for community organisations.