During law school, James was actively involved in Moot Court, and was awarded several honors including Best-Final Round Oralist, Best Respondent Brief, and Intra-School Moot Court Champion. He was also involved in the Energy Law Association and external Trial Team, where his team made it to the semi-final round in the regional tournament. James grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota. He is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing.