James Ruttley

Trainee Solicitor — Employment & Immigration

James is a Trainee Solicitor at Truth Legal, working across our Employment and Immigration teams.

About James

After completing his degree at the University of Exeter in August 2022, James returned to Staffordshire to consider his career path. He worked part-time in a café and a pub before spending five months travelling across the United States in 2023.

Inspired to pursue a legal career, he began his law conversion in January 2024, studying while continuing evening shifts at the pub. He completed the course in August 2024 and joined Truth Legal in March 2025 as an Employment & Immigration Paralegal. Six months later, he began his apprenticeship as a Trainee Solicitor.

Education

• MA, Arabic and Islamic Studies — University of Exeter (2022)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Law — University of Law, Birmingham (2024)

Why Employment & Immigration?

James is drawn to Employment and Immigration because they touch on fundamental parts of people’s lives and livelihoods. He is motivated by work that delivers practical solutions and a positive, lasting impact.

Outside of work

James enjoys languages, history and current affairs. You’ll often find him out on a walk, usually plugged into podcast or audiobook