James was raised just outside Scranton in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences and Policy. During his time at Penn State, he was an active member of THON, Relay for Life, and the national honors fraternity Phi Sigma Pi.

Following his graduation from Penn State, James joined Teach for America as a middle school math teacher in the Prince Georges County Public School System. During his two years as a classroom teacher, he attended Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Master’s of Science in Education. During his time in the classroom, James handled not only the educational needs of his students, but also the mental, physical, and emotional needs that are associated with working in a high-risk area.

Following his time in the classroom, James attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2021. During his time in law school James was an online editor of the University of Pittsburgh Law Review and his note, A Regional Solution to Broadband Availability, was published by the print edition of the law review. During his first year in law school, James worked for a Pittsburgh personal injury firm.

James joined Lynch Carpenter as a Summer Associate in 2020 and began as an associate in 2021 in the Pittsburgh Office. He lives in Pittsburgh’s Southside where he is an avid Penn State and Penguins fan.