Summary

James currently practises primarily in criminal law, prosecuting and defending in the Crown and magistrates' courts. James has significant summary trial experience representing both adults and youths in multiple areas, including, assault, robbery, racially aggravated public order offences and dishonesty offences. Further, James has been successful in advising and representing several individuals on appeals in the Crown Court.

James has notable success in advancing legal arguments, which ensure cases are discharged or defendants are acquitted at trial. James is often instructed to contest committals or advance abuse of process arguments.

James is also developing a practice in public law. James has advised on the lawfulness of police bail and the interference with defendant's human rights. Through his volunteer work with Fair Trials International James has advised on an aspect of FTI's intervention in a case before the European Court of Justice. Prior to coming to the Bar James volunteered for the Public Law Project, undertaking research for the organisation.

James is also starting to practise in extradition law, representing defendants at initial hearings. Throughout pupillage James assisted members of chambers by conducting research for appeals in the High Court.

Prior to the Bar James volunteered for several organisations. He worked with the Public Law Project, Liberty and Amnesty International.

James is a member of the Human Rights Lawyers Association, The Constitutional & Administrative Law Bar Association and the Criminal Bar Association

Notable Case

James Stansfeld successfully appealed against the extradition of Jindich Kovac in the High Court on the grounds that it was oppressive to extradite Mr Kovac following a 16 year delay in seeking his arrest for the offences.