Foundry Chambers

Foundry Chambers

YEAR OF CALL 2017

James joined chambers in October 2019 following successful completion of his pupillage. He prosecutes and defends predominately in the Crown Court as junior alone and led junior, and also undertakes cases in the magistrates’ court, youth court and first-tier tax tribunal. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal. He is developing a strong practice in all of Chambers’ main areas of work with a particular emphasis on defence work.

James prosecutes for the CPS, Probation and local authorities at all stages of criminal proceedings (including pre-charge). James is instructed by the Home Office and the Director of Border Revenue in cash forfeiture and condemnation hearings. James defends in all types of cases including allegations of violence, dishonesty, public order, drug offences, weapons offences and driving offences. He is noted for his experience and expertise in representing young and vulnerable defendants, and has completed vulnerable witness training organised by the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA). James often works with instructing solicitors at an early stage to advise on evidence and strategy, and draft representations to prosecuting authorities to avoid prosecution altogether.

His current defence instructions in the Crown Court include allegations of s.18/20 GBH, misconduct in public office, robbery, drug trafficking, fraud and possession of weapons.

Prior to joining Foundry, James worked as a criminal defence paralegal at leading firm Hickman and Rose. He assisted partners and associates in a range of cases particularly focussing on allegations of sexual offending (both current and historical) and financial malpractice. James gained invaluable experience and knowledge of the whole criminal justice process from police investigation through to appeal and other post-conviction/acquittal matters.

Whilst undertaking his legal studies James represented excluded children and their parents in school exclusion proceedings as a Communities Empowerment Network advocate. He also taught debating to prisoners through the Vocalise project. James is the Secretary of the Kalisher Trust, a charity striving for greater diversity at the criminal Bar by developing advocacy skills of young people and providing internship opportunities for those seeking pupillage. He also sits on the education sub-committee of the Criminal Bar Association.

Awards

Advanced Criminal Practice Award, University of Law (highest mark in Advanced Criminal Practice module on BPTC) Exhibition Award, Inner Temple (to fund BPTC) Irwin Mitchell Award, University of Sheffield (highest marks in the GDL year group) Bail Application Competition Winner, University of Sheffield Exhibition Award, Inner Temple (to fund GDL)

Appointments

CPS Panel Advocate (Level 3) Secretary of Kalisher Trust Education sub-committee member, Criminal Bar Association

Memberships

The Honourable Society of Inner Temple Criminal Bar Association South Eastern Circuit

Sept 2016 – June 2017: BPTC, University of Law (Very Competent) Sept 2015 – June 2016: GDL, University of Sheffield (Distinction) Oct 2012 – June 2015: BA (Hons) in History and Politics, University of Warwick (First Class)