James Pavey attended St Catharine's College, Cambridge and the College of Law, London. He completed his training contract with Knights in October 2001 and became a partner in May 2004. His practice focuses on property litigation, in both the public and private law spheres.

James is a member of the London Solicitors Litigation Association and City of Westminster & Holborn Law Society. James has published articles in both the Solicitors Journal and Estates Gazette, focusing on access to land. He has regularly given lectures to landholders and to chartered surveyors, including as part of their in-house training.

He takes a keen interest in policy and legislation affecting landholders and has advised the shadow DEFRA team. In 2004 he appeared before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee to give evidence on the Draft Animal Welfare Bill and in 2007 made extensive submissions with Bidwells to DEFRA on its proposed coastal access corridor.

Memberships
- City of Westminster & Holborn Law Society
- London Solicitors Litigation Association
- Agricultural Law Association
- British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
- Cambridge University Land Society