James McNamara
Called 1990
James qualified as a solicitor in 1979. Between 1979 and 1983 he was employed as an Assistant Solicitor dealing with all aspects of contentious and non-contentious work. In October 1983 James left private practice and was employed as a Prosecuting Solicitor by Avon and Somerset Police, based at Bristol, in due course being promoted to the post of Senior Crown Prosecutor.
In January 1990 James left the Crown Prosecution Service and was called to the Bar. He has prosecuted several cases where the defendant has been represented by Queens Counsel. One such case involved a Police Officer charged with insurance fraud. The trial lasted 10 days and involved highly sensitive issues. In February 2010 James prosecuted 8 football fans charged with affray. The trial lasted 10 days. In August 2011 James prosecuted a former leader of a City Council for historical sexual abuse of young boys.
For several years James prosecuted on behalf of HM Customs and Excise, primarily in respect of the prohibition of the importation of illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
James has defended numerous lay clients at the Crown Court, involving allegations of rape, arson with intent to endanger life, indecency with children, grievous bodily harm with intent, armed robbery and fraud. In particular he represented a defendant charged under the Financial Services Act; the trial lasted 3 months and was prosecuted by Queens Counsel. In 2009 James represented a defendant charged with attempted murder; this case was prosecuted by Queens Counsel.
James has also appeared before the Court of Appeal conducting appeals against conviction and sentence.
