James Burnham is a former litigation partner at Jones Day and high-ranking DOJ and White House official who has worked at the highest levels of government, litigated cases under intense scrutiny from the media and policymakers, and counseled clients on their most important and complex legal challenges.

In particular, as Senior Associate Counsel to the President, James played a central role in the selection and confirmation processes for Justice Neil Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett. During his time as the Deputy Assistant Attorney General overseeing the federal programs branch of the Justice Department's Civil Division, James led litigation teams in matters of national importance and delivered over 30 arguments on behalf of the United States. And during his time at the White House and as Counselor to the Attorney General, James counseled senior officials on the most complex and high-profile issues facing the Executive Branch. James draws on these broad experiences in every representation of every client.

James clerked for Justice Neil Gorsuch on the U.S. Supreme Court and Judge Alex Kozinski on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin. James is also a Governor Youngkin appointee to the Gunston Hall Board of Visitors and a member of the Edward Coke Appellate Inn of Court.