James graduated from the University of Alberta in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts with Specialization majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. Prior to attending law school, James worked for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) and Yellowhead Youth Center as a child care counsellor. He then attended the University of Wales at Cardiff and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1997.  James was admitted to the Alberta Bar Association in 1998. He joined Braithwaite Boyle shortly thereafter, and has been practicing Personal Injury Law since that time.

James is an avid cyclist and enjoys cross country skiing and Bikram yoga in his spare time.