James joined the firm in 1990, having obtained his MA and DPhil in mathematics at Trinity College, Oxford. He was placed in the order of merit in both parts of the Chartered Accountants' examinations, qualifying in 1993. Since becoming a partner in 1997, James has specialised in trusts, private clients and charities.

James has considerable experience in solving complex technical problems which is not surprising as his interests include Twistor Theory and the Theory of Relativity. He has also been involved in strategic planning for a number of his charity clients, including writing a strategic management plan for a national charity.

Outside the office he is a trustee of two local charities.