Prior to joining The 51 Group, James has served in house as general counsel, privacy counsel and head of government affairs for several companies as well as outside counsel and government affairs consultant for multinational corporations. James has 15 years of experience in legislative and policy matters at the city, county, national, state, federal and agency levels, working on legislative and regulatory issues. James’ experience includes closely held as well as publicly traded companies, serving in areas of transportation, health, mental health, pharmaceutical, technology, agriculture, packaging, food services, restaurant groups, real estate, delivery, parking, building and construction, permitting, cannabis, and psychedelics. James has significant experience in national product launches in uncertain regulatory environments. 

James is active in the nonprofit sector, sitting on the board of directors and as vice president for two nonprofits in the patient advocacy and mental health spaces, on the policy committee for a national mental health advocacy association as well as in advocacy and assistance for national marine sanctuaries. 

James is active in directing documentary/advocacy films, and is a spear fisherman, skier, kiteboarder, and musician. James lives in San Francisco with his Irish Setter, Rupert. 

James holds a B.A. in political science from U.C. Berkeley and a J.D. from U.C. Hastings (S.F.) College of the Law and is licensed to practice in California.