James attended St Charles College, Pietermaritzburg and matriculated in 1964. He attended the University of Natal and studied for a Natal Law Certificate and completed his studies in 1969 and was admitted as an Attorney and Conveyancer in 1971.

James specialises in Estate Planning, Wills, Agreements, Trusts and Conveyancing related matters. He is also active in the commercial field of the practice, which includes the registration and incorporation of Close Corporations, Companies and Trusts.

James enjoys all types of fishing and has fished in the Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Other interests include bird watching and wing shooting.