Armed with a Sports Studies degree from Leeds Beckett University, James has navigated diverse career roles. Beginning as a professional footballer for Nottingham Forest and Scunthorpe United, he then worked as an advisor in the debt industry before finding his calling in recruitment. His versatility is evident in his extensive sector experience, spanning over a decade, from marketing to his specialized niche; legal recruitment in the USA.
Co-founding Distinct eight years ago, James now serves as the Director of Distinct USA and holds a significant shareholder position. He believed Distinct’s 360 model, encompassing business development and candidate resourcing, would be well suited the complexities of the legal market. Moreover, that Distinct’s candidate-first philosophy would align well with the needs of lawyers and partners across North America, who simply weren’t experiencing the level of service he knew Distinct could provide.
Today, James and his team of bright, expert legal recruiters support associates, attorneys and partners with career moves across the East Coast.
Having an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of the legal industry, including extensive billable hours and diversity gaps, James prioritizes long-term connections. His focus extends beyond mere placements, excelling in aligning ambitious firms with exceptional attorneys and partners. Reflecting Distinct’s people-first commitment, James goes the extra mile, considering not only skill sets, but also cultural alignment and values. He recognizes the profound impact individuals can have on a firm, especially in billable contexts, concentrating on relationships with a mid-to-long term perspective.
Knowing people make the difference, James and his team of adept legal recruiters focus on cultivating strong, resilient networks with law firms and attorneys. One of our key market differentiators is that we have a dedicated legal recruiter for each state we operate within. This ensures a comprehensive understanding not only of the legal industry as a whole but also the intricacies of the local market, enabling us to deliver an exceptional service.
James measures his success by his team’s accomplishments. A respected and well-liked manager, he authentically focuses on the growth and triumphs of his team members. His satisfaction stems from witnessing their victories, from facilitating great placements or earning well-deserved promotions.
Beyond the office, James is a loyal Manchester United supporter, weathering league highs and lows. An enthusiast of fitness and food, he leads a well-rounded lifestyle with his wife and their British bulldog Charles. Charles not only brings joy to James but also serves as a delightful addition to the office.
