She then worked at the boutique law firm Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP, first as an associate from 2016 to 2018 and then as of counsel from 2018 to 2019.

[5] During her hearing, Republican senators questioned her over her role in an investigation related to the New York City police response to George Floyd protests.

James recommended that New York City decriminalize minor infractions to reduce "negative contact with the police, particularly in communities of color.

[7][8] On June 23, 2022, the United States Senate discharged the committee from further consideration of her nomination by a 50–49 vote.

[9] On January 3, 2023, her nomination was returned to the President under Rule XXXI, Paragraph 6 of the United States Senate; she was renominated later the same day.