He has several years of years of experience in the field of international trade and has worked with leading law firms, corporate firms and also UNCTAD before joining academia. His specialization is in trade remedy law and international trade regulation. James received his Ph.D in Law from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore and holds Master of Laws degrees from the University of Cambridge, UK, the New York University School of Law, USA as well as the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor degree in Law from the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. He was also part of the Indian delegation that appeared before the WTO Appellate Body in India—Import Restrictions on Agricultural Products (Avian Influenza) dispute.