“David James is extremely intelligent, is great with clients and has exceptional advocacy skills.” – Chambers UK Bar Guide 2026 (ranked as Up and Coming in Employment).

David called to the Bar in 2022. He principally deals with employment law, public law and professional negligence, but has a broad practice.

In his employment practice, David appears in Employment Tribunals across Scotland and England. He also has a thriving appellate practice, being regularly instructed in the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

David has developed a particular expertise in discrimination cases arising under the Equality Act 2010. He is often instructed to deal with thorny issues of equality law, arising both in employment and in other contexts such as housing and services.

David has a particular interest in public law, judicial review, and human rights. David has argued judicial review proceedings for both petitioners and respondents, encompassing a variety of areas such as immigration and asylum, and statutory interpretation. David has also published on elements of judicial review.

David was appointed to the panel of Standing Junior Counsel to the Scottish Government in 2024.

Finally, David is regularly instructed in the Court of Session in professional negligence actions. David has, in particular, significant experience in medical negligence cases. He is often instructed in serious fatal cases, involving extensive expert evidence from a multiplicity of medical professionals.

Reflecting his interests and expertise, David has tutored at the University of Edinburgh in administrative law and employment law.

Selected cases

Public Law

AD Healthcare Ltd v National Appeal Panel [2025] CSOH 104

Burns Pharmacy Ltd v Ayrshire and Arran Health Board 2025 S.L.T. 497

A v Secretary of State for the Home Department 2024 S.L.T. 1306

MacFadyen v Scottish Ministers 2025 S.C. 89

Petition of Burns Pharmacy Ltd. for Judicial Review [2023] CSOH 60

Employment
Nelson v Renfrewshire Council [2024] EAT 132
Greater Glasgow Health Board v Mullen [2023] EAT 122

Appointments
Standing Junior Counsel to the Scottish Government

Publications
Time Bar in Judicial Review, S.L.T. 2023, 1, 1-7

Devilmasters
Dan Byrne KC; Chris Paterson KC; Gareth Jones KC