On finishing his education at Inst in 1982, James went to Exeter university to study Law, graduating in 1985. After qualifying as a Solicitor in 1989 and practising in London, he returned to Belfast in 1990 and joined Cleaver Fulton Rankin, where he is now a Director. He follows Instonian rugby with interest and finds relaxation on the golf course, being a member of Helen’s Bay GC .