Areas of expertise

James’ practice covers a comprehensive range of employment law matters, advising both individual claimants and respondent businesses. His expertise spans complex, high-value litigation, including discrimination, TUPE, whistleblowing, and industrial relations.

He regularly handles cases from inception through to resolution, whether by settlement or final hearings at the Employment Tribunal and the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Beyond litigation, James is frequently instructed to support executive-level exits and to advise on settlement agreements.

He builds strong relationships with Heads of HR, working alongside them to provide coaching and deliver bespoke in-house training. Pragmatic and relationship-driven, James assesses risk commercially while respecting all parties involved in a litigation process or industrial dispute.

Experience

With nearly a decade of experience advising on employment law, James trained at a leading national firm before expanding his expertise at a prominent trade union practice. Most recently, he worked within a regional North Yorkshire firm before bringing his extensive litigation and advisory skills to the national team at Devonshires.

Education

Leeds Metropolitan University, GDL and LPC at University of Law.

Personal

As a father of two young girls James is pretty busy, but he does find time to volunteer at a local charity in York, Kitchen for Everyone York, and is a season ticket holder for the mighty York City Knights.

Professional memberships

ELA