James von der Wehl

James commenced pupillage with Goldsmith in October 2026. Prior to starting pupillage he was employed by the Crown Prosecution Service for London South as a Paralegal and later, Deputy Manager of Inner London Crown Court. During this time he aided the administration of high-profile prosecutions for the Crown, including ZOU, BRAIN, RHODES and the 2024 public disorder cases. James was regularly exposed to a range of indictable offences concerning homicide, burglary, drugs, RASSO matters and more. He is familiar with s28 and GRH for children and vulnerable adults.

James has previously been employed by the UK Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as Information Officer. He was present for landmark judgments including challenges to the UK-Rwanda policy (2023), and engaged with justices and dignitaries.

James completed the Bar course as an Inner Temple scholar and University of Law Dean’s Award scholar having been Called to the Bar in 2025.

Prior to the Bar, James was formally involved in international public speaking and volunteered with the Legal Advice Centre – receiving the Outstanding Community Action Volunteer Award – Pro Bono Centre and St Michael’s Church Legal Service. James developed criminal and human rights experience by publishing articles, acting as a Legal Observer for Green and Black Cross, and representing cleaners as a Trade Union Legal Representative for CAIWU.

James competed extensively in advocacy, including representing Inner Temple at the grand slam ICC Moot Court in the Hague, Netherlands.

James is an accredited mediator and national competition judge since 2023.