James is a partner in the law firm of Allen Stahl & Kilbourne, with offices in Asheville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem. He is a civil litigation attorney, working in complex litigation, community associations, creditors rights, appeals, and Indian Law. James has served as President of the Buncombe Bar, President of the Western District Federal Bar, and Chair of the NCBA Appellate Practice Section. Prior to re-entering private practice, James worked with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for 7 years. James serves on the leadership council with the North Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.