Perth born, he practiced as a barrister, was well known as a sportsman, and in 1894 was elected the member for East Perth. A supporter of George Leake, he also attended the 1897-98 Federal Conventions. He was a junior Minister in Leake's first government in 1901 and when Leake died suddenly in 1902 Walter James was the firm choice of Leake's followers as Premier. His Government received the support both of the small Labor contingent and also from more conservative members. Its achievements include the abolition of plural voting, the first Workers' Compensation, a stronger Arbitration Act, and the opening of the current Parliament House. However at the election held in 1904 Labor enjoyed stronger support and won 23 of the 50 seats. When Parliament met several conservative members voted with the Australian Labor Party to defeat the James Government. James, aged 41, resigned as Premier and from Parliament. The incoming Daglish Government appointed him as the Agent-General for Western Australia in London. After two years he returned to Perth, resumed his legal practice and was active for many years in public affairs. Sir Walter James was inaugural President of the Western Australia Law Society and Chancellor of the University of Western Australia 1930-36.