James served as the elected District Attorney for San Joaquin County from 2005 until he retired in 2015. As District Attorney, he was responsible for a $20M budget and a workforce of over 150 prosecutors, investigators and victim rights advocates. An accomplished trial attorney, James has taken over 100 cases to trial and handled thousands of criminal cases ranging from simple drug possession to special circumstances murders. James also oversaw the Environmental, Consumer Protection and Business Affairs division which prosecuted civil actions to disgorge profits from businesses that violated consumer and environmental laws. As District Attorney, James was a leader in developing legislation and legal policy in California. During his tenure as District Attorney, law enforcement agencies regularly relied upon James to train officers and detectives on constitutional issues involving interrogations and search and seizure.

James believes the most effective attorneys are those that recognize not only the value of studying the law, but also the importance of developing relationships with other attorneys, law enforcement officers, and the judiciary.  James has earned significant recognition for his public service work, including receipt of the San Joaquin County Bar Association’s 2013 Law Day Award.