James has a background in local government, environmental conservation and as a community justice activist. 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. During that time he has assisted clients with commercial disputes - employment law - planning - Land and Environment Court appeals - local government meeting procedure, Councillor Code of Conduct complaints, defamation, freedom of information (GIPA) the incorporation of and procedure for community organsisations.