James has substantial experience representing clients in public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, strategic corporate planning, private placements, periodic reporting by public companies, corporate governance, investment adviser compliance, and other matters in the general corporate law field. He has counseled the firm’s clients in a variety of industries, including health care, banking and finance, energy and natural resources, and food service. He serves as the firm’s Business Combinations and Capital Transactions Practice Group Leader. James has been a frequent speaker and author on securities law matters, corporate governance, and general corporate law issues.
Harvard Law School, J.D., 1985, cum laude
Harvard Environmental Law Review, Editor-in-Chief
Yale University, B.A., 1982, magna cum laude
Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Boyce F. Martin, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1985-1986
Chambers USA, Corporate/M&A, 2008-2023
The Best Lawyers in America® (recognized since 2005)
Banking and Finance Law, 2006-2023; Louisville Banking and Finance Law “Lawyer of the Year,” 2015
Corporate Governance Law, 2015-2023; Louisville Corporate Governance Law “Lawyer of the Year,” 2018, 2020
Corporate Law, 2010-2023; Louisville Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year,” 2011
Securities/Capital Markets Law, 2009-2023
Louisville Securities/Capital Markets Law “Lawyer of the Year,” 2014, 2019, 2022
Securities Regulation, 2011-2023
Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law, 2017-2023
Selected for inclusion in Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2020, 2022
AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
American Bar Association
Kentucky Bar Association
Louisville Bar Association
Louisville Bar Association, former member Board of Directors and Business Law Section, Chair
Louisville Bar Foundation, Past President
UK-CLE Planning Committee for Midwest/Midsouth Securities Law Conference
Greater Louisville Inc., Finance Committee, Board of Directors
City Council of Indian Hills, Member
Cabbage Patch Settlement House, Finance Committee
Yale Club of Kentucky
Highland Presbyterian Church Elder
October 16, 2020
January 6, 2020
August 30, 2018