James earned his juris doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. He also received his undergraduate degree in political science from USD, graduating magna cum laude in 1999.

Prior to joining LEPISCOPO & ASSOCIATES, James served as litigation counsel for the Pacific Justice Institute in Sacramento and worked in private practice in San Diego. His legal expertise focuses on matters including business litigation, personal injury, and non-profit incorporation. He also possesses a background in constitutional litigation, specializing in cases involving student free speech and religion, religious land use, and Establishment Clause issues. A graduate of two National Litigation Academies and an Allied Attorney of the Alliance Defense Fund, James is admitted before all California state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

James lives with his wife Rachel and sons Caleb and Andrew in San Diego County. He is an evangelical Christian who serves in several capacities in his church, Horizon Christian Fellowship Rancho Santa Fe. In his free time, James enjoys mountain biking and spending time with friends and family.