James is a dual-qualified international lawyer admitted in the United States and England & Wales. He focuses his practice on complex and high-stakes litigation and arbitration. His practice spans mass-tort litigation, commercial litigation, and international and domestic commercial arbitration. He has experience in all stages of litigation, including fact and expert discovery, motion practice, company and expert witness preparation, depositions, trials, and briefing appeals.
James’s international and domestic commercial arbitration experience includes representing technology and pharmaceutical companies involved in disputes with parties in Asia, Europe, and North America. This includes disputes under the rules of numerous arbitral institutions as well as enforcement actions under the New York Convention and Federal Arbitration Act. James has served as Tribunal Secretary in ICC arbitrations with parties in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and North America. He has also assisted clients with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations in Asia, Europe, and North America. James coaches Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law’s team for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Court, which takes place annually in Vienna, Austria.
James regularly works with expert witnesses in disputes involving complex scientific issues, particularly in relation to pharmaceutical products, healthcare technology, agricultural products, and environmental law. His work has included preparing expert witnesses, defending and taking expert witness depositions, and developing trial strategies.
James, a native of Ireland, received his Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and his Bachelor of Civil Law degree from University College Dublin School of Law. Before moving to the United States, James ran the Brussels and Strasbourg Parliamentary offices of a Member of the European Parliament. James’s work in the European Parliament included interacting with constituents and the media, speechwriting, and drafting and negotiating legislative amendments. Before joining Goldman Ismail, James practiced law in the Chicago office of Mayer Brown.