James brings over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, spanning roles as a field engineer, IT consultant, network infrastructure & datacentre engineer and software developer across a wide range of sectors, including law firms, accountancy practices, architects, and beyond. He has spent the last decade focused specifically on the legal sector, including six years as Head of IT at Lupton Fawcett before joining LCF Law at the end of 2021
His role has two distinct sides. The first is developing and delivering the firm's IT strategy, overseeing infrastructure, security and the firm's portfolio of technology partners and managed service providers, ensuring that technology is aligned with the firm's wider business goals. The second is operational: sitting on the firm's operations board and making sure that technology genuinely works for fee earners day to day, driving efficiency, supporting innovation and keeping things simple for everyone who relies on it. Due to the nature of the legal sector and its increasing reliance on systems and technology, James’ role often ties in with the firm’s risk and compliance functions.
James is a practical, hands-on operator in a market that can often lean towards off-the-shelf solutions. He's always open to trying new things, maintains strong relationships with both internal teams and external partners, and speaks regularly at IT-focused conferences. He also sits on the advisory board of an alternative legal IT conference, where his focus is on helping others find workable, real-world solutions to the challenges the sector faces.
James didn't follow a traditional graduate path to a senior technology leadership role, he trained as an electrician and studied IT at college and built his career through hands-on experience across a broad range of industries.