James represents both public and private sector clients in a diverse range of natural resource matters, including permitting, compliance, and litigation arising under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Washington State’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the National Forest Management Act (NMFA). He has significant experience in both transactional and litigation representations and utilizes his scientific background to effectively navigate the nuances of environmental impacts and mitigation.

Prior to joining the firm, James practiced environmental, land use, and real estate law with a Seattle law firm, where he represented clients at all stages of development including site selection, permitting and entitlements, and defending against administrative and judicial appeals.

When he isn’t working, James enjoys playing outside with his family, riding his bike, and hiking around on the Pacific Northwest’s many volcanoes.

  • Experience
  • Professional Affiliations
  • Awards & Honors
  • Bar & Court Admissions
    Washington State Bar
  • Government Service

    City of Seattle Civil Litigation Division, Land Use Section, Legal Extern, 2020

    Washington Court of Appeals, Division I, Honorable Judge Lori Smith, Judicial Extern, 2020

  • News & Presentations
  • Thought Leadership

    Updates / Newsletters

Education

Lewis & Clark College, Northwestern School of Law J.D., 2021; Environmental Law Review, Associate Editor; Environmental and Natural Resource Law Certificate; American Bar Association - JIOP Scholar

Colorado State University M.S., Forest Science, 2018

University of Arizona B.S., Environmental Science, focus in Ecology, 2015; National Hispanic Scholar; Ernest F. Hollings Scholar