James Swain

After graduating from Exeter University in 2019, James gained experience and an appreciation of the music industry through his work in music events; initially working in event operations in the Alps, before later pursuing his own promotion and live-event production venture in London.

Following the completion of various legal placements prior to the pandemic, James successfully attained commendation in his Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) in 2021 and moved into the legal side of the music industry. He initially gained experience in the legal department of a major label before joining Russells as a paralegal in January 2023 and becoming a trainee shortly thereafter. While undertaking his training contract at the firm, he became one of the first cohort to successfully complete and qualify under the new SQE route and he joined the roll of solicitors in August 2025. He now works in the firm’s Commercial music department where his primary focus is on supporting both emerging and established artists, producers, and songwriters across a broad spectrum of legal and commercial issues.

James is devoted to his love of music and shares an enthusiasm for working with creative individuals. As a keen DJ and producer, he has an appreciation for the crafts of his clients and draws upon this to provide a practical, experience-based approach to legal and commercial matters.

“Wherever the music comes from, if there is no focus behind it then it’s just noise.”

– Derrick May