James was born and raised in Estevan, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree (with distinction) in Political Studies in 1994. Thereafter, he attended the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree in 1996. He was admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar on July 16, 1997. He articled and was employed with Ed Komarnicki at Komarnicki Law Firm in Estevan and later in partnership under Komarnicki Trobert. On March 1, 2008, Trobert Law Firm Prof. Corp. commenced operating as a professional legal corporation. On March 4, 2020, he and Kathryn Gilliss formed "Trobert Gilliss Law Firm." James' primary areas of general practice include: real estate, wills and estates, municipal law, corporate / commercial and civil litigation and he has appeared in all levels of Saskatchewan courts (Provincial Court, Queen's Bench Court and the Court of Appeal) as well as many boards and tribunals. His wife Doris does administration and bookkeeping duties for the firm.
Away from the office, James has been a member of many local boards and committees, including:
During his downtime, James enjoys spending time with his children, playing farmer on his acreage, playing broadcaster announcing ECS and EMF Football games, camping, travelling, reading, golfing and enjoying a fine cigar.