James is the founding force behind Haddletons’ culture of trust, collaboration, and sound advice, focused on people and their challenges. As founder, CEO and a senior lawyer, he brings decades of experience, a calm strategic mindset, and a genuine passion for helping organisations work better.

Before founding Haddletons, James spent 25 years at DLA Piper and DWF ,two major commercial law firms before moving in‑house as Group Legal Counsel and Company Secretary at an AIM‑listed pharmaceutical company. There, he built and led a high‑performing legal team and delivered major projects to reduce risk and improve the quality of contracting, governance, and compliance systems. His blend of legal expertise and operational insight continues to shape the way we support clients today.

His knowledge and experience of founding and running his own business ensures his advice is always practical and relatable to business owners.

James also served as a non‑executive director of iEthico for 4 years, and is a governor at Harrogate College, where he contributes his experience in governance, risk, and strategic leadership. Colleagues value his clarity, his steady judgement, and his ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. Clients appreciate his practical approach, his commercial understanding, and his unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.

Outside of work, James is a keen padel tennis player and a proud season ticket holder at Harrogate Town. He loves spending time with his family, exploring the Dales and the wider world, and enjoying classic cars, usually with a smile that suggests he’s found the perfect road for a Sunday drive.