Charles James (attorney) facts for kids

Charles Albert James, born on May 2, 1954, is an American lawyer. He is known for his work in antitrust law. This special area of law helps make sure businesses compete fairly. Mr. James has also taught at Arizona State University since 2010. From 2001 to 2002, he was a top lawyer for the U.S. government. He led the Antitrust Division at the United States Department of Justice.

Early Life and Learning

Charles James was born in Newark, New Jersey. He went to Union High School there. After high school, he studied at Wesleyan University. He earned his first degree in 1976. Later, in 1979, he earned his law degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University.

His Work and Public Service

From 1979 to 1985, Charles James worked for the Federal Trade Commission. This government agency helps protect consumers and makes sure businesses play fair. He was an assistant to a director there from 1983 to 1985.

In 1985, he started working for a private law firm called Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue. He returned to government work in 1989. This was during the time George H. W. Bush was president. Mr. James became a Deputy Assistant Attorney General. He worked in the Antitrust Division. For several months in 1992, he was the Acting Assistant Attorney General.

Mr. James went back to Jones Day in 1992. He continued to practice law there. On June 14, 2001, he was confirmed as the Assistant Attorney General. This meant he was the main lawyer in charge of the Antitrust Division.

In 2002, Mr. James returned to working for private companies. He became a vice president and general counsel for Chevron-Texaco. This is a very large energy company. In 2009, he was made an executive vice president. He retired from this role in 2010. After retiring, he joined the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU. He became a professor there, teaching about antitrust law.