James represents individuals and companies on issues involving the enforcement of U.S. trade control laws.  His practice primarily involves the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), sanctions regulations administered by the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), as well as related criminal investigations led by the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

James’s practice focuses on managing internal investigations and responding to government enforcement actions.  He regularly advises clients on scoping and planning investigations, counseling on voluntary self-disclosure considerations, conducting factual analysis and witness interviews, developing presentations on factual findings and analysis, and advocating for clients to achieve appropriate resolutions.  He has extensive experience handling unique issues that arise in cross-border investigations, including compliance with competing U.S. and foreign laws and interfacing with enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions.  As part of his practice, James regularly monitors enforcement developments and policy updates to stay on top of the latest trends and to analyze the impact on client matters.

James also helps clients with regulatory compliance issues.  He works with clients to identify and address potential compliance program gaps and in appropriately tailoring these programs for the client’s business profile.  He advises on navigating complex regulatory situations, including novel issues involving emerging technology, the application of multiple regulatory frameworks, and considering enforcement risk in an evolving regulatory environment.  Where necessary, James works with clients to obtain licenses or agency guidance necessary to proceed with business operations. 

James maintains an active pro bono practice focused on criminal justice efforts and advocating for U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained abroad.

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 previously worked on investigations at another international law firm in Washington, D.C.  Before beginning his legal career, James served six years in the U.S. Army, primarily in airborne and special operations units at Fort Bragg, 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.