James concentrates his practice in the areas of alternative and renewable energy and land use, environmental permitting and compliance. He represents corporate, commercial, industrial, and residential clients in matters regarding the development, financing, sale, purchase and operation of alternative and renewable energy facilities. James counsels clients in all aspects of alternative and renewable energy projects, including regulatory and permitting matters, real estate issues, land use approvals, corporate and financing matters, equity raising, energy-specific contractual issues such as Power Purchase Agreements, and structuring of transactions to maximize tax benefits and other incentives. He handles a variety of projects, including, but not limited to, solar, wind, geothermal and cogeneration facilities. James also counsels clients on legislative matters and governmental relations and provides guidance as to maximizing the opportunities and benefits that renewable energy projects can provide.
Prior to joining Archer, James was the Administrative Practice Officer for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (“Board”). In this role, he served as the lead attorney for the Board appointed to execute all rulemaking and administrative procedure matters, including the Offshore Wind OREC Funding Mechanism, the New Jersey Community Solar Pilot Program, and many other landmark New Jersey energy regulations and initiatives. Notably, James is acknowledged as a contributor on the 2019 New Jersey Energy Master Plan. During his years at the Board, James managed teams of subject matter experts to promulgate new rules, amend existing rules, and coordinate stakeholder processes. In addition, he advised the Board President and Commissioners on procedural and substantive decisions regarding rulemaking, as well as served as a conduit on behalf of the Board with the Governor’s Office and the Office of Administrative Law to advance the Administration’s regulatory objectives.
Previous to working at the Board of Public utilities, James was a Senior Associate at the law firm Murphy Orlando LLC., where he focused on federal and state civil litigation.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, James was a PGA professional golfer for six years, and played professional tournament golf throughout the country. Additionally, over the course of his six years with the PGA, he instructed hundreds of golf students at the Stratton Golf School in Vermont.
Professional and Community Involvement
- New Jersey State Bar Association, Public Utility Law Section
- New Jersey State Golf Association