James Charity is an Independent Councillor on Galway County Council, having been first elected in 2014. James is also also an elected member of the Athenry-Oranmore Municipal District and sits on both the County Galway Joint Policing Committee and the County Galway Roads and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee.

 

James obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from NUIG in 2004 (Sociology, Politics & Legal Science), before being awarded Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees from the same institution in 2005 and 2009 respectively. He also attended the Kings Inns in Dublin, following which he commenced practice as a Barrister in 2007. Before this, James spent many years working in the licenced trade and managed The Arches Bar in Claregalway, as well as Karma in Galway, while he also worked in what was formerly Terry Brennan’s Central Tavern in Loughgeorge, Vertigo, Oranmore, the Red Square and the Cellar Bar in Galway, amongst others.

 

Since commencing practice as a Barrister, James has frequently taken on cases involving complex issues pertaining to contract, debt, banking and family matters. He also practices in the areas of personal injuries and criminal law. James has represented numerous clients in defending repossession and debt cases brought by financial institutions and has a keen personal and professional understanding of the difficulties faced by those who find themselves in mortgage arrears.

 

James also has a keen interest in the ideals of social equality and justice and, prior to his election to Galway County Council, was a former voluntary director of the Galway Citizens Information Service. Since being elected to Galway County Council, he has keenly focused on issues of accountability, oversight and value for public money.

 

In his personal time, James is a keen follower of Gaelic football, hurling and soccer.

 

 James