Criminal, Regulatory & Public, Personal Injury, Commercial & Chancery

Call 2018Appointments:Grade 1 Prosecutor

Crime

James is a Grade 1 Panel Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service and regularly conducts Crown Court appeals for both the prosecution and defence.

James is regularly instructed to appear in the Magistrates’ Court on behalf of the prosecution and defence. When appearing on behalf of defendants, James quickly builds up a rapport with clients and has experience in handling cases from first hearing through to trial and sentence when necessary. His experience as a prosecutor gives him a sound understanding of a wide variety of offences including domestic violence and sexual offences. His prosecution work also affords him a firm grasp on disclosure issues and CPS procedure with a view to securing pre-trial disposal where possible.

When prosecuting, James handles busy trial lists as an agent for the Crown Prosecution Service as well as assisting in GAP and remand lists. James is regularly commended for his manner with complainants and witnesses alike.

James also has a keen interest in road traffic offences and regularly defends and mitigates for those facing points endorsement or disqualification.

Before commencing his pupillage, James worked for a defence firm specialising in criminal law. He was the case handler for a seven-handed, eleven count indictment which included kidnap, blackmail, drugs offences and firearms offences. Due to his training as a barrister, he was responsible for drafting hearsay and bad character applications as well as grounds of appeal to the Court of Appeal and referrals to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.  James also has experience dealing with contested Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.

Regulatory & PublicPrior to commencing his pupillage, James worked as a paralegal in the fitness to practise directorate of the General Medical Council’s in-house legal team. As well as instructing counsel in Interim Order Tribunal hearings and drafting applications for High Court Extensions, James also handled his own caseload for Medical Practitioners Tribunal review hearings. James’ experience at the GMC gives him an extensive knowledge of their internal procedures and case management system.

James is happy to accept instructions for Interim Order Tribunal hearings, MPT review hearings and High Court extension applications.

Personal InjuryJames enjoys a mixed civil practice, appearing regularly for claimants and defendants in small claims hearings across the North Eastern Circuit. As well as conducting trials, he also handles any pre-trial or post-trial applications and has secured costs for unreasonable behaviour in small claims hearings on a number of occasions.

James is also regularly instructed in MOJ Stage 3, infant approval and disposal hearings.

James accepts instructions to draft pleadings and advices on liability and quantum. He can work to a short deadline if required.

Commercial & ChanceryJames is regularly instructed in debt recovery cases on the small claims track and has secured costs for unreasonable behaviour of debtors on a number of occasions. He also has experience in dealing with winding up petitions for both debtors and creditors.

2014 Lancaster University, LLB (Hons) 2015 BPTC, Outstanding, Northumbria University