He is a partner in the CPLS law firm where he heads up its Criminal Law Practice Group. Prior to entering private practice, he was an Assistant Federal Public Defender at the Orlando Office of the Middle District of Florida Office of the Federal Public Defender. Prior to joining that office, James was an Assistant Professor of Law at the Florida A&M University College of Law where he taught Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Evidence, and Trial Practice. He served on Active duty for eight years as a commissioned officer and attorney in the United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps and attained the rank of Major, having served in a number of positions including prosecutor, defense counsel, and chief of criminal law. James is a graduate of Hampton University where he earned his B.A. in political science, and he is a graduate of Duke Law School where he obtained a joint degree in law and political science.