James Harper is an associate in the international trade practice. He advises clients on enforcement and compliance issues related to U.S. export controls and economic sanctions. He also assists in investigations pertaining to international trade and national security issues.

Prior to joining Akin, James served as a law clerk to the Honorable Rebecca Beach Smith of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He was previously an associate at an international law firm in Washington, D.C. James spent six years in the U.S. Army before beginning his legal career, serving primarily in airborne and special operations units at Fort Liberty, NC.

James earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as the managing editor of the Virginia Journal of International Law. He received his B.A. in global affairs from George Mason University.