James "Jim" McGinn played by Dan Tetsell debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 30 November 2012. Tetsell's management confirmed that he would be playing a regular role in Hollyoaks. On 17 November 2012, a writer from TV Magazine announced the character's arrival. They added he would be Mercedes McQueen's (Jennifer Metcalfe) lawyer who is "unconventional and will bend the rules" to help Mercedes. The writer also said that he would arrive to discuss the trial with Myra McQueen (Nicole Barber-Lane).