James retired from partnership in 2019. A native of Texas, he divided his time while in practice between the firm’s Washington, D.C., Texas and European offices, advising western multinational oil and gas companies.

His representations included the governments and oil and gas enterprises of energy-producing nations. His practice encompassed the United States, Latin America, Europe and the former Soviet Union, including Central Asia.

James was actively involved in the fields of privatization and international project finance and in dealings with international financial institutions. He participated in the major international and geopolitical energy questions of the day and was active in dealing with energy-related issues that came before the U.S. Congress.

Early in his career, James focused on energy regulatory issues before various administrative and regulatory bodies of the federal government, such as the departments of Energy, Interior and Treasury.

Before joining Akin in 1975, James participated in the process that led to the creation of the U.S. Department of Energy, serving as Associate Administrator for the Cost of Living Council’s Petroleum Division, Director of the Office of Commercial Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Associate Administrator of Price Regulation Development for the Federal Energy Administration.

James presented numerous papers to various energy law groups, including the Southwestern Legal Foundation institute on oil and gas law and taxation.