James Hamilton is a Dubliner. A history and political science graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, he practised for eight years as a barrister. He was head of office of the Attorney General from 1995 to 1999, and Director of Public Prosecutions of Ireland, the independent prosecutor, from 1999 to 2011. He was a member of the Venice Commission from 1998 to 2014, and President of the International Association of Prosecutors from 2010 to 2013. Since 2011 he has engaged in consultancy especially concerning Eastern Europe. He is chair of the Advisory Council against Economic Crime and Corruption of Ireland.