The paradox exist if you look at them out of context, and do not take into account what the authors are trying to address. In context, there is no paradox. Ephesians 2:10 clearly states we were saved by faith for good works. James 2 says that works show faith. It is cause and effect, not faith plus works.
I get that, and agree. But I think using the word “paradox,” an apparent contradiction, is accurate in terms of how it tends to look on first glance, before deep consideration and study of the two passages. I think it’s important to recognize that since situations like these do try our understanding, open a door to confusion, and are something that unbelievers point to - as in, “oh, the Bible is full of contradictions.” It helps, I think, to be able to point out that where two things may appear to conflict, that Christians should think there’s a paradox, something that just appears to be a contradiction, rather than an actual contradiction.