James Bainbridge is a Senior Associate and Head of Crown Court at Cartwright King.
He was named as a 'Rising Star' in the East Midlands for general crime and fraud by the Legal 500 in their 2024 rankings, with the firm achieving a Tier 1 status, the highest obtainable tier. In previous years James has been awarded 'Recommended Lawyer' in the East Midlands for general crime by Legal 500 in their 2022 rankings.
‘James Bainbridge heads up the Crown Court team. He is an extremely experienced, affable solicitor who deals with difficult or anxious lay clients with aplomb: he is able to establish a good rapport and gain the trust of even the most anxious, nervous or otherwise difficult defendant. James’s cases are always well organised and he shows deft strategic sense in the lines of enquiry pursued on behalf of his client. He has access to experts with extremely impressive CVs and always organises things in a timeous manner.’ - quoted by The Legal 500 2024
Furthermore in the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners, James was named as a ‘key contact for clients’ and a ‘notable practitioner,' for crime in the the East Midlands.
More About James
I have over 20 years experience advising suspects at the Police Station, along with conducting Crown Court litigation work. What encouraged me to start a career in law was the fact that it’s a varied profession, and I find it interesting.
I feel a great sense of achievement being associated with Cartwright King as I get to work for a profession provider of Criminal Advice and Representation. I also recognise the firm’s core values, but most of all I enjoy working here.
What excites me about my role is the serious, complex and high profile cases I get to deal with, whilst always providing a high quality service with a high level of competency and client care.
In my spare time, I enjoy partaking in sports, especially golf! I also love spending time with my family.
Read what our clients have said about working with James:
Excellent
Review Solicitors (December 2025)This is my third time using Cartwright King to represent me and every time their service has been of truly exceptional quality. They have always gone above and beyond with all aspects involved and maintained the highest levels of professionalism. The main point though is that they have always helped me retain my liberty. I owe them a great debt of gratitude and heartfelt thanks and would not recommend them highly enough.DavidCompletely Satisfied
Review Solicitors (September 2025)Extremely professional, compassionate and efficient service. Everything was explained to me so well. I felt understood respected and valued all the way. Thank you for your invaluable support. I highly recommend.S.MoonGreat
Review Solicitors (August 2025)The solicitor I had was second to none. Efficient, highly recommended.ClientTop solicitors
Review Solicitors (June 2025)James was a great solicitor and kept me updated throughout the lead up to my trial and made me feel very comfortable at a very challenging time. Was easy to get hold of whenever I needed him. He also arranged a top class barrister who I was very happy with. Highly recommend.SamuelPolice interview support
Review Solicitors (April 2025)James offered me solid advice and support during a process that is alien to me and followed up immediately with additional support and guidance on next steps. GaryEpitome of Excellence
Review Solicitors (August 2024)James was truly amazing and put us at ease immediately upon meeting with him. His professionalism, kindness and compassion to us at such a worrying time was exceptional. Without hesitation we would highly recommend James Bainbridge at Cartwright King for we will always be so grateful for his support.Colette ClaireProfessional
Review Solicitors (March 2024)Very professional and dependable, trustworthy, will not let you down.KerryAbsolutely amazing
Review Solicitors (November 2023)Honestly, amazing experience with our lawyer Sherena Lawrence. Very professional, knows her stuff, kept us updated instantly, kept us feeling prioritised. We had a positive outcome of our case and I would definitely always use her if possible. Highly recommended.Salah SalemFantastic, friendly service
Trustpilot (October 2023)Was in need of a criminal defence solicitor recently , I contacted Cartwright King via there website and received a call from James within hours , visited the office the next day to discuss my case. James was fantastic went over everything in detail and was very clear. Satinder defended our case in court she was fantastic very understanding and to the point , couldn’t thank her enough we where very please with the outcome and the service received. Would definitely use again if we ever need a solicitor in the future Highly recommendCarla Auty
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